Introduction
When we think of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, we often focus on his immense wisdom, leadership and devotion to Allah, as we rightly should. But we sometimes overlook another beautiful dimension of his character — his tender, attentive, infectiously caring way of being the best of romantic partners to his beloved wives. In a world that often pits “religion” against “romance,” his example merges the two into a stunning sunnah of soulful love.
Love in the Prophet's Marriages
The Prophet ﷺ didn’t just teach about marriage in abstract terms. He lived its joys, complexities, and yes, its deeply felt romance every single day. He openly cherished and doted on each of his wives, valuing their personalities, bringing out their strengths, and making each feel uniquely seen and irreplaceably important.
He built a bridge of warm affection into each of their hearts — sometimes through words of heartfelt validation, sometimes through gestures of playful connection, sometimes through silent acts of care and comfort. He didn’t love as a chore. He loved as a calling, a form of worship, a way of embodying Allah’s mercy through the way he held his marriages.
Affection in Action
The Prophet ﷺ expressed his romantic side in countless concrete ways:
- He would gaze lovingly at Aisha (RA) until she blushed and smiled. (Abu Dawud)
- He would tenderly wipe dust from Zaynab’s (RA) face with his own hands. (At-Tirmidhi)
- He raced playfully with Aisha (RA), delighting in the joy of making her laugh. (Ahmad)
- He would rest his head in Aisha’s (RA) lap, enjoying the intimacy of nearness. (Muslim)
- He would sleep in the same garment as his wife, skin to skin, all night. (Bukhari)
- He would call Aisha (RA) by loving nicknames — “Humayra”, the little red one. (Abu Dawud)
- He would sip from the same spot on a cup that Aisha (RA) drank from. (Muslim)
- He would help with housework, mending his clothes, milking the goats. (Bukhari)
For him, this wasn’t “going the extra mile.” It was the sunnah of his own marriage — everyday acts of invested, expressive, undeniably romantic love.
Emotional Intimacy
The Prophet ﷺ didn’t shy away from emotional vulnerability with his wives. He shared his deepest feelings, highest hopes and hardest moments with them — not as untouchable superman, but as a partner who trusted them with his whole heart.
He cried in Khadijah’s (RA) arms after the first revelation, shaking with awe and fear. He gently confided in Aisha (RA) about his longing for Jannah. He processed the pain of losing his children with his wives by his side. He let his marriages be a safe haven — a place where he could take off the armor of prophethood and just be, in all his human beauty and complexity.
- He’s wrestling with something he doesn’t know how to express
- There are unspoken resentments or fears he hasn’t brought up
- He’s under intense stress and withdrawing inward
- He doesn’t know how to discuss emotions constructively
- He saw silent treatment modeled growing up and is repeating it unconsciously
A Sunnah to Embrace
There’s so much divine wisdom tucked into the Prophet’s example of romantic partnership. He taught us that:
- Romance isn’t a luxury in marriage. It’s a soulful sunnah, an act of worship.
- Married love thrives in a thousand tiny gestures of affection and appreciation.
- Emotional vulnerability with your spouse brings you closer to each other and to Allah.
- Serving your spouse in humble ways is a way of serving Allah Himself.
- Marriage is meant to be savored, not just tolerated.
If we ever find ourselves thinking that “real romance” is a worldly indulgence, we need only look to the Prophet ﷺ — the best of all husbands — to see it elevated into a lofty sunnah.
Take the First Step Today
You don’t need grand, sweeping gestures to start embracing romantic sunnah in your own marriage. Just pick one small, concrete way to be more expressive today:
- Surprise your spouse with a tender love note tucked where they’ll find it.
- Give them your undivided, screen-free attention when they share about their day.
- Hug them for 20 seconds straight, until you feel both your bodies relax.
- Compliment them on a quality you genuinely admire about them.
- Help them with a household task they normally handle alone.
- Plan a special date tailored to their favorite things.
- Initiate a flirty, playful moment when they least expect it.
- Thank them for a specific way they’ve been there for you lately.
- Make dua together for your marriage as you lay down to sleep.
For more inspiration, read our guide on 10 promises every couple should make before marriage to start building a soulful, lasting love from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Prophet Muhammad treat his wives?
With utmost love, attentiveness, affection and appreciation. He cherished each of them deeply and made them feel uniquely valued.
What examples of romance can we learn from the Prophet's life?
Many — from playful gestures like racing, to verbal affirmations of love, to acts of service and physical affection. He expressed his romantic side in ways big and small.
How can I be a more loving spouse according to the Sunnah?
Start with the little things. Prioritize everyday acts of care, appreciation, emotional intimacy and tenderness. Make your affection a reliable constant, not an occasional treat.
What did Prophet Muhammad say about expressing love in marriage?
He emphasized it repeatedly, saying “If a man loves his wife, let him tell her” and “The best of you are those who are best to their wives.” He treated marital love as an act of worship.
Is it sunnah to be playful and affectionate with your spouse?
Absolutely. The Prophet ﷺ raced with Aisha (RA), called her by loving nicknames, and actively made time for lighthearted moments of connection. Playfulness is absolutely prophetic.
What are some romantic hadiths from the Prophet's life?
Many — from his night garment being the same as Aisha’s (RA), to him sipping from her exact drinking spot, to him resting his head in her lap. His life is full of romantic moments to emulate.
What kind of husband was Prophet Muhammad?
The most attentive, affectionate and emotionally attuned kind. He remains the ultimate standard for romantic partnership — expressive, devoted and deeply in love.
Is romance and intimacy part of the sunnah?
Without question. The Prophet ﷺ elevated married love into an act of worship through his own example. Romance isn’t a divergence from his sunnah — it’s a beautiful expression of it.
