Ruling Issued in Bangladesh on Calling a Wife 'Apu' or Sister
A religious ruling clarifies the Islamic perspective on addressing one's wife as 'Apu' or sister. The guidance confirms the terminology is considered disliked but does not dissolve a marriage.
A specific religious ruling regarding marital communication has been published in Bangladesh, addressing the practice of husbands calling their wives 'Apu'—a term commonly meaning sister—or utilizing similar sibling-associated designations. According to the guidance issued on 30 August 2026, addressing a spouse in this manner is classified within Islamic jurisprudence as makruh, which translates to being disliked, based on established interpretations derived from Hadith literature.
Despite the designation being considered makruh, the official clarification explicitly states that using the term 'Apu' does not result in talaq, the formal Islamic term for divorce, nor does it necessitate any form of kaffara, which refers to religious expiation or penance. Couples navigating these linguistic habits can therefore be assured that the marital bond remains legally and religiously intact should such terms be used within the household.
To provide broader religious context on familial addresses, references were made to historical figures and sacred traditions involving notable personalities. These include traditions associated with Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and his wife Hajera, as well as mentions of Ismail, Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them), Abu Tamima al-Juhami (may Allah be pleased with him), and the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), alongside a recorded query attributed to the Prophet questioning, 'Is she your sister?' and a statement from Hajera asking, 'O Ibrahim, where are you going, leaving us in this uninhabited valley?'
The guidance concludes with proactive recommendations for married couples regarding how they address one another in daily life. Spouses are strongly encouraged to utilize respectful names that genuinely express mutual love and respect. Alternatively, couples are advised to use endearing nicknames that bring pleasure and happiness to both partners, thereby fostering a positive and affectionate marital environment in accordance with Islamic principles.
