Allah states, “Permitted for you, during the night of the fast, that you approach your wives. They are your garments, and you are their garments” [al-Baqarah; 187].

Combining between the various explanations of this beautiful metaphor found in the books of tafseer, we can derive many meanings from it:

Covers you up physically

The act of procreation is so intimate that it is literally as if one of the spouses covers up the other, just as clothing covers up one’s body. Another euphemism that the Qur’aan uses for the sexual act is the verb ghashsha, which means ‘to cover up, to envelop’.

Conceals flaws

One primary purpose of clothing is to conceal one’s nakedness, since this nakedness (or `awrah) is embarrassing to display, and should be hidden from the eyes of others. Similarly, each spouse conceals the other spouse’s faults, and does not reveal them to others.

Protects external hazards

Clothing protects one from the external elements, such as heat and cold. Similarly, spouses protect one another from external desires that originate from many different sources. By satisfying these desires within the confines of marriage, external passions are removed.

Beautifies you

Clothing is the primary method through which humans beautify themselves. Without clothing, one is incomplete and naked. Similarly, spouses beautify and complete one another; when a person is not married, he or she is not yet complete and has not reached his or her full potential. Marriage is an essential part of being fully human, just like clothes are an essential part of being fully civilized.

Garment and spouse are interchangeable

Clothes are only worn in front of others, and are not necessary in front of spouses. It is only in front of one’s spouse that the other spouse can discard his or her garments.

As close as it gets

Clothes are the closest thing to one’s body. Nothing comes between a person and his or her clothes. So the analogy of spouses being ‘like clothes to one another’ implies such a closeness – there is nothing, literally and metaphorically, that should come between spouses.

Isn’t this verse in Baqarah inspiring and romantic?

Are you looking for someone who would be the garment for you? Brace yourself to become the perfect garment for your spouse as well.

Let’s try and pray then.

Source: www.likeagarment.com by Dr. Yasir Qadhi