Can Muslim Have Sex During Ramadan?
Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, where Muslims worldwide observe fasting and engage in spiritual practices.
However, as human beings, we cannot ignore our natural desires, including the physical intimacy between partners. Hence, it is quite common for us to wonder whether can Muslims have sex during Ramadan as it is a time of restrictions and self-discipline.
According to Islamic Sharia, during the daytime, while fasting, Muslims are prohibited from engaging in sexual intercourse. However, married couples are permitted to engage in sexual activity after sunset and before the dawn of true dawn (Fajr).
The Quran explicitly allows for such intimacy during the nights of fasting, as stated in Surah al-Baqarah (2:187). We will discuss the prohibited and permissible conditions of engaging in sex during Ramadan in accordance with the Quran and Hadiths.
Engaging in Sexual Relations During Ramadan: Sharia-Based Prohibited and Permissible Conditions
For an in-depth understanding of the question of can Muslims have sex during ramadan, it is necessary to know the following:
- Prohibition during daytime
- Permission during nighttime
- Prohibition during itikaf
1. Prohibition During Daytime
In accordance with Islamic Sharia, it is unequivocally prohibited to engage in sexual activities during the fasting hours of the holy month. This prohibition applies to both men and women who are obligated to fast.
Violating this prohibition is considered a serious sin, requiring expiation. In Sahih Muslim 1111, we find the following Hadith about expiation,
“Humaid b. ‘Abd al-Rahman reported that Abu Huraira had narrated to him that the Messenger of Allah (S) commanded the person (who) broke the fast in Ramadan to free a slave or observe fasts for two (consecutive) months or feed sixty poor persons.”
Therefore, it’s clear that sexual relations during the daytime while fasting in Ramadan are strictly prohibited according to Sharia-based conditions. Having sex during this period invalidates the fast and requires expiation.
2. Permission During Nighttime
Islamic Sharia permits sexual relations between a husband and wife during the nights of Ramadan after breaking their fast. This permission is granted based on the explicit allowance mentioned in the Quran (Al-Baqarah 2:187).
In this verse, Allah states: “It has been made permissible for you the night preceding fasting to go to your wives [for sexual relations]. They are a clothing for you and you are a clothing for them. Allāh knows that you used to deceive yourselves, so He accepted your repentance and forgave you. So now, have relations with them and seek that which Allāh has decreed for you [i.e., offspring]. And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread [of night]. Then complete the fast until the night [i.e., sunset]. And do not have relations with them as long as you are staying for worship in the mosques. These are the limits [set by] Allāh, so do not approach them. Thus does Allāh make clear His verses [i.e., ordinances] to the people that they may become righteous.”
This verse clearly outlines the permission for sexual relations during nighttime in Ramadan, emphasizing the importance of seeking offspring and fulfilling marital duties.
Although sexual relations are permitted at night, engaging in sexual activity during a woman’s menstrual cycle is prohibited at all times. The Quranic reference for this prohibition can be found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:222), where Allah says:
“They ask you ˹O Prophet˺ about menstruation. Say, “Beware of its harm! So keep away, and do not have intercourse with your wives during their monthly cycles until they are purified. When they purify themselves, then you may approach them in the manner specified by Allah. Surely Allah loves those who always turn to Him in repentance and those who purify themselves.”’
3. Prohibition During Itikaf
While general permission is granted for sexual relations during the nights of Ramadan, an exception exists for individuals observing I’tikaf. Engaging in sexual activities during I’tikaf is explicitly prohibited according to Sharia law.
This prohibition serves as a means to maintain the sanctity of the retreat, emphasizing the temporary detachment from worldly affairs and the complete devotion to spiritual growth.
Muslim individuals in I’tikaf should immerse themselves in prayer, contemplation, and religious texts, deepening their connection with Allah and purifying their souls.
Balance the Spirituality and Intimacy During Ramadan
It is fully addressed by Islamic Sharia-based conditions as to whether or not Muslim women can have sex during Ramadan. Prohibited during the daytime to uphold the sanctity of fasting, sexual relations are permitted during the night after breaking the fast, as explicitly stated in the Quran (Al-Baqarah 2:187).
The guidelines provide a delicate balance between fulfilling marital duties and adhering to the spiritual obligations of Ramadan. However, individuals observing I’tikaf are exempt from this permission.
These Sharia-based rules reflect Islam’s holistic approach to self-discipline, spiritual growth, and the sanctity of intimate relationships.
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Sources:
https://islamqa.info/en/answers/23339/can-you-have-intercourse-during-ramadan
https://fiqh.islamonline.net/en/sexual-intercourse-during-ramadan/
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