Bayhaqi 14298 — The period of grace for the impotent husband

Hani bin Hani said: A beautiful woman came to Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) and said: "O Commander of the Believers, what is your view about a woman who is neither a widow nor a woman with a husband?" He understood what she was saying. Her husband was the chief of his people, and he too came. Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "What do you say about what she is saying?" He said: "It is just as she has said." He said: "Anything other than this?" He said: "No." He said: "Not even in the last part of the night?" He said: "Not even in the last part of the night." Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "You have ruined yourself and you have ruined her, yet I dislike separating the two of you."