Chapter: The prohibition on describing a woman’s physical charms to a man unless required for a lawful purpose such as marriage and the like

1742 – Ibn Masʿūd (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “A woman must not touch another woman and then describe her to her husband so vividly that it is as though he were looking at her.” Agreed upon.

[Commentary]
The compiler (may Allah have mercy on him) states: This chapter deals with the prohibition of describing a woman’s beauty to a man except for a Sharīʿah-sanctioned reason, such as his intention to marry her. In other words, it is not permissible for someone to detail a woman’s appearance to a man—her height, attractiveness, fair complexion, and so forth—unless there is a legitimate need. An example would be a man wishing to propose: his brother might describe her to help him decide whether to proceed or withdraw; that is allowable. Likewise, a prospective suitor is permitted to look at the woman he hopes to marry, since seeing her is more conducive to either accepting or declining the match.

For this reason the Prophet ﷺ forbade a woman to describe another woman to her husband so clearly that it would be as though he were gazing at her himself. Besides being unlawful in its own right, such a description can also harm the wife, for the husband might become attracted to the other woman, decide to marry her in addition, and the familiar marital problems would ensue.