Question: What is the ruling of sexual intercourse during menstruation?
Answer:
Bismi Llahir Rahmanir Rahim
Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatuLlahi wa barakatuhu
It is absolutely prohibited for a menstruating woman or a woman in a state of lochia to engage in sexual intercourse with their spouse. In fact, it is considered a major sin (kabira).
Allah Most High says:
They ask you about menstruation. Say: “It is an impurity. So, keep away from women during menstruation; and do not have intimacy with them until they are cleansed. But when they are cleansed, then go to them from where Allah has commanded you. Surely Allah loves those who are most repenting, and loves those who keep themselves pure.” [2.222]
Repercussions
If both spouses willingly engage in this act, they must each repent and ask for Allah Most High’s forgiveness. For more information on the conditions of repentance, please read this article.
Additionally, it is recommended for the husband to give in charity the equivalent of:
- 4.25 grams of gold if the blood was red, or it was at the beginning of her menstruation;
- or 2.125 grams of gold if the blood was yellow, or it was in the middle or end of her menstruation.
The money should be given to poor and needy individuals who are eligible zakat recipients.
Related Rulings
It is also unlawful for the husband to touch with skin-to-skin contact the area between her navel and knee, regardless of whether sexual desire is present or not. The backside, hips, and thighs are all included in this prohibition. Skin-to-skin contact with all other areas of the body is permissible, like the chest, back, arms, and calves.
It is also unlawful for a woman to claim that she is menstruating in order to avoid marital relations. Likewise, the opposite is true; it is unlawful for a woman to claim that she is in a state of purity in order to engage in marital relations when she is in fact menstruating.
To learn more about how to be intimate with your spouse during menstruation, check out our self-paced course: Your Period Questions.
Jazak Allah khayran
Naielah Ackbarali
References:
- Imam ibn Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar
- Imam ibn Abidin, Manhal al-Waridin