Intercourse During the Last Days of Menstruation

This content is derived from the book "500 Questions and Answers for Women," based on the fatwas of the scholars of the Haramain, translated by Hafiz Abdullah Saleem.

Question:

If a husband demands intercourse with his wife during the last days of her menstruation, should the wife comply with his request?

Answer:

This question implies that the wife is aware that intercourse during menstruation is prohibited. It is common knowledge that when a woman is menstruating, it is not permissible for her husband to engage in intercourse with her, as stated in the Qur'an:

«وَيَسْأَلُونَكَ عَنِ الْمَحِيضِ قُلْ هُوَ أَذًى فَاعْتَزِلُوا النِّسَاءَ فِي الْمَحِيضِ وَلَا تَقْرَبُوهُنَّ حَتَّىٰ يَطْهُرْنَ فَإِذَا تَطَهَّرْنَ فَأْتُوهُنَّ مِنْ حَيْثُ أَمَرَكُمُ اللَّهُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ التَّوَّابِينَ وَيُحِبُّ الْمُتَطَهِّرِينَ»

“And they ask you about menstruation. Say, ‘It is harm, so keep away from women during menstruation. And do not approach them until they are purified. And when they have purified themselves, then approach them from where Allah has ordained for you. Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves.’”

[Surah Al-Baqarah: 222]
The scholars unanimously agree that intercourse during menstruation is strictly haram (prohibited). A wife is obligated to refuse her husband’s request for intercourse during menstruation and prevent him from doing so, as it is prohibited by Shari'ah.

The principle is that obedience to the Creator takes precedence over obedience to creation. Disobedience to Allah by fulfilling a prohibited demand of one’s spouse is not permissible.

[Shaykh Muhammad ibn Salih al-Uthaymeen (رحمه الله)]
 
Back
Top