The Shariah Ruling on Marital Relations While Fasting
➊ In the Light of the Quran
Allah the Exalted says:
“أُحِلَّ لَكُمْ لَيْلَةَ الصِّيَامِ الرَّفَثُ إِلَىٰ نِسَائِكُمْ ۚ”
Translation: “It has been made lawful for you to go to your wives on the nights of fasting.”
This verse shows that marital relations are permissible at night, but during the day, while the fast continues, caution is necessary in these matters.
➋ In the Light of Hadith
Hadhrat Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) says:
“The Prophet ﷺ would kiss one of his wives while fasting and would be intimate (close to her), but he ﷺ would keep control over himself.”
Conclusion: This hadith shows that if a husband kisses or embraces his wife, but keeps control over himself and his desires do not increase, then this is permissible.
➌ The Difference in Ruling Between the Young and the Elderly
In another hadith, a man asked the Prophet ﷺ:
“Is it permissible to kiss while fasting?”
The Prophet ﷺ replied:
“It is permissible for an elderly person, but there is a danger for a young person.”
Explanation: This hadith shows that if a person fears that kissing will increase desire and may lead to an act that breaks the fast (intercourse or ejaculation), then it is better to avoid it.
➍ If Ejaculation Occurs?
- If kissing or embracing increases desire but no semen is discharged, the fast remains intact.
- If semen is discharged (such as in the case of a wet dream), the fast is broken and making up that day is obligatory.
- If a husband and wife establish complete physical relations (intercourse) while fasting, the fast is broken and, along with making up the fast, expiation is also obligatory, meaning either fasting for two consecutive months or feeding sixty needy people.
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari: 1936)
➎ Conclusion
- Permissible: If a husband kisses his wife or expresses affection, but keeps control over his emotions and the fast is not affected by it, then this is permissible.
- Better to avoid: If kissing and embracing may stir desire and there is a fear of an act that breaks the fast, then it is better to refrain from it.
- Complete intercourse (jima) during the day is definitively forbidden and severe expiation is obligatory for it.
Therefore, each person should decide according to his own condition how far he can go without affecting the spirituality of the fast.
