Holding Hands in Public - Q for Abuz Zubair

[Burning Candle]

Could someone, Abuz Zubair or anyone else, please help me with this issue? Is it allowed for a husband and wife to hold hands in public or link arms?

If so, does it make a difference during daylight hours in Ramadan? Not because it invalidates the fast but because it may violate the sanctity of the month itself (similar to opening one's restaurant in daylight hours).

Would appreciate some help on this?

[Abu Maryam PK]

Actually my wife feels much more secure if she holds my hand in super-markets. At least here, in KSA (or atleast the eastern province) it is the norm. No one stares at us for that. However i wont dare do that in pakistan. Inspite of the wife being covered head to toe and the husband with the longest beard, people would start having ideas. I think it is more of a culture thing.
I don't know the Islamic ruling, but never heard from any scholar it is not appropriate.

[Ibn malik]

I was told it was Sunnah?!? (to hold your wife's hand when walking on road)...

[jzcasejz]

From what I read on an article once (found on the internet), it is seen as an act that devoids Hayaa (modesty) and should be avoided in public. However, the article (or fatwa was it?) noted that it is permissable in some cases (i.e. a crowded market so not to get lost etc...)

[Hisn al-Muslim]

I've heard and learnt if the couple are holding hands/linked in arms with each other without displaying or expressing any (sexual) affection or intimacy then this is permissible.

At times, it might be necessary to do, like in busy/crowded places and crossing large roads. Also bear in mind that the local customs may be tolerant, or intolerant of it, also.

(It would be better to avoid it if it is frowned upon or would be seen as mischievous etc..)

- HM