Sexual relations between married husband and wife in Islam carry certain restrictions that are rooted in Quranic verses and Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) hadiths. These restrictions aim to maintain the sanctity of marital relationships and ensure individuals’ physical and emotional well-being.
Muslim couples should understand what is haram between husband and wife in Islam to protect the sanctity of marriage. One haram action between husband and wife is anal intercourse, which is unanimously prohibited. This act goes against the principles of Islamic teachings and is considered a grave sin.
Sexual relations during menstruation are also prohibited, and the Quran highlights potential harm that can occur during this time. We will discuss all the different actions that are considered haram between husband and wife in Islam.
What is Haram Between Husband and Wife in Islam: 4 Prohibited Activities
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There are specific haram things between husband and wife in Islam that outline boundaries to maintain the sanctity and respect within the marital relationship. Among these prohibitions are:
- Anal intercourse
- Sex during menstruation and postpartum period
- Intimacy during Ramadan and pilgrimage
- Sexual activities under the sky or in public
1. Anal Intercourse
Engaging in anal intercourse is forbidden between husband and wife in Islam. This prohibition is firmly established in the hadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). In Sunan Abi Dawud 2162, the Prophet (SAW) explicitly stated that: “He who has intercourse with his wife through her anus is accursed.”
Also, in Mishkat al-Masabih 3194, the Prophet (SAW) emphasized that Allah won’t look favorably upon those who’ve intercourse through the anus. These hadiths reflect the importance of upholding the sanctity of the marital relationship and maintaining the dignity and respect between partners.
Islam greatly emphasizes preserving both partner’s well-being in a marriage. Therefore, engaging in anal intercourse is strictly prohibited, as it goes against these fundamental principles.
2. Sex During Menstruation and Postpartum Period
During menstruation and the postpartum period, direct sexual contact is prohibited (haram) between husband and wife in Islam. The Quran explicitly instructs Muslims to abstain from sexual relations during menstruation, as it’s considered sinful.
This is clearly stated in the Quran Surah Al-Baqarah (2:222), in which Allah states: “And they ask you about menstruation. Say, “It is harm, so keep away from wives during menstruation. And do not approach them until they are pure. And when they have purified themselves, then come to them from where Allah has ordained for you. Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves.”
It is permissible to engage in other forms of intimacy with your wife during menstruation, such as kissing, embracing, and touching. But only do this above the navel and below the knee.
According to Sahih Muslim 294, Maimuna (the wife of the Holy Prophet) reported: “The Messenger of Allah (SAW) contacted and embraced his wives over the waist-wrapper when they were menstruating.”
Another hadith is found in Sunan Abi Dawud 272, “Ikrimah reported on the authority of one of the wives of the Prophet (SAW) saying: When the Prophet (SAW) wanted to do something (i.e., kissing, embracing) with (his) menstruating wife, he (SAW) would put a garment on her private part.”
The Sahih al-Bukhari 302 contains a hadith regarding the permissibility of embracing and touching during menstruation.
3. Intimacy During Ramadan and Islamic Pilgrimage
During the holy month of Ramadan, sexual activity is prohibited during daylight hours and can only take place after sunset. This applies to both men and women, as stated in the Quran.
Specifically, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:187), Allah declares that the night preceding the fast has been made permissible for sexual relations with one’s spouse. Partners are described as metaphorical “clothing” for each other, highlighting the intimacy and protection they provide.
Similarly, engaging in sexual relations is prohibited once the husband has put on ihram for Hajj or ‘Umrah. It is also considered forbidden for the wife to comply with his desires in that aspect or encourage him to engage in such activities.
Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197): “˹Commitment to˺ pilgrimage is made in appointed months. Whoever commits to ˹performing˺ pilgrimage, let them stay away from intimate relations, foul language, and arguments during pilgrimage. Whatever good you do, Allah ˹fully˺ knows of it. Take ˹necessary˺ provisions ˹for the journey˺- surely the best provision is righteousness. And be mindful of Me, O people of reason!”
So, during these holy times, Muslims are required to refrain from any sexual activity to focus on their devotion and worship.
4. Sexual Activities Under the Sky or in Public
Islamic Sharia forbids Muslim married couples from engaging in sexual activity under the sky or in public settings to maintain privacy and modesty. A fundamental principle of Islam is to maintain the sanctity of the act and to protect individuals’ dignity and privacy.
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) emphasized the importance of keeping intimate moments between spouses private, within the confines of their own homes. Engaging in sexual activities in public or under the open sky goes against these principles.
Is oral sex permissible in Islam within a marital relationship?
Oral sex within a marital relationship in Islam is a topic that sparks varying opinions among scholars. While there’s no unanimous consensus on the matter, there are different viewpoints.
Some scholars argue that oral sex is permissible between married couples as long as certain conditions are met. These conditions may include avoiding the swallowing of fluids to maintain purity.
However, other scholars, such as Faraz Rabbani and Mufti Ebrahim Desai, believe that oral sex is prohibited, especially if it involves the swallowing of impure substances. They argue that the mouth, which is used for reciting the Dhikr of Allah and other sacred activities, shouldn’t be used for such filthy acts.
How long is the waiting period after childbirth before sexual relations resume in Islam?
In Islam, there’s indeed a period of sexual prohibition after childbirth. This period is known as nifas, and it’s considered Haram, or forbidden until the woman becomes pure.
The purity determination is based on the woman’s regular circumstances, either the absence of bleeding or the appearance of a white liquid at the end of menstruation or post-birth recovery.
According to the Hadith of Um-Salamah, women during the time of the Prophet observed 40 days of postpartum bleeding after giving birth.
What is the Islamic stance on using tools or aids for intimacy between husband and wife?
Using tools or aids for intimacy within the Muslim married couple is a subject that requires careful consideration and adherence to specific conditions. According to scholars like Mufti Ebrahim Desai and Sheikh Muhammad Al-Mukhtar Ash-Shinqiti, the use of sex toys is permissible within certain guidelines.
These tools shouldn’t harm the body, mustn’t contain any Haram ingredients, and should be used to enhance natural intercourse rather than replace it. While sex toys can be used during foreplay to enhance intimacy, they shouldn’t become a necessity for sexual gratification.
Is sex facing the Qiblah permissible in Islam?
It is recommended to be mindful of the sanctity of the Qiblah and try to avoid such positions during sexual intimacy. Praying Salah cannot be compared with anything else since it is facing its direction.
Some Islamic scholars state that Engaging in sexual intimacy while facing the Qiblah is deemed permissible in Islam.
According to Islam, the spirit of reverence for sacred elements should be maintained while keeping a balance between permissibility and permissibility.
Stay Away from Haram and Nurture a Blessed Marriage Life
Understanding what is haram between husband and wife in Islam is essential for maintaining a harmonious and respectful marital relationship.
Islam provides clear guidelines prohibiting acts such as anal intercourse, sexual relations during specific periods, intimacy during holy times, and engaging in sexual activities publicly.
Respecting these boundaries preserves marriage’s sanctity and ensures both the couple’s physical and emotional well-being. Muslim couples must be aware of these prohibitions, fostering a relationship that aligns with Islamic principles.
Embracing modesty, privacy, and reverence contributes to a fulfilling and spiritually aligned marital journey.
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