Q. I have been married for the last twenty-five years now and I have had many issues in my marriage. The character and approach of my husband towards me has totally changed in the last five years. Since then, my husband has not been intimate with me. Does this have any effect on my marriage?
A. The lack of intimacy in a marriage for any period of time does not affect the validity of a marriage in any way. Hence, your marriage is valid and intact. (Shaami)
However, we advise you to resolve any issues in your marriage as soon as possible or alternatively, seek counseling as the separation of husband and wife or the absence of intimacy between a couple could have serious implications on a marriage.
Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ismaeel Bassa