Is it permissible for a married couple to refer to sexually related books available in local bookstores

There is a fundamental difference between Islamic values and western concepts. Many things prohibited in Islam is regarded as taboo in the western world, especially, in physical / intimate relationship.

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, 'Shame is a branch of Imaan.' (Mishkaat) In another narration, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, 'When there is no shame, a person may do whatever he/she wish to.' (Ibid).

As Muslims, we are advised to display shame and modesty in every aspect of our lives. That includes physical/intimate relationship with one's spouse. It is obvious that sexually related books authored by non-Muslims are void of any shame. In fact, many of their guidelines lead to unnatural (pervert) sexual acts. People addicted to such unnatural acts find themselves trapped in a world of unfulfilled passion as the blazing fire of desires is always aggravated in them by such resource material. However, if there is a medical reason for not being able to fulfil one's desires, then one may seek medical advise to cure oneself. Furthermore, intimacy with one's spouse is a temporary biological need to be fulfilled, not to be aggravated.

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai