Sex and Islam

Alright, we’re talking grown folks business. Get the kids out the room!

Seriously, I hear and read so many questions about sex in Islam, I figured I had to put up a post about it.

Besides, the word “SEX” is so alluring, I’m sure it’ll attract a lot of visitors. Got you, didn’t it?

I would just like to put up a quick list of what’s allowed and not allowed when it comes to sex in Islam. I would also like to give some…advice (mostly for men, since I am one also) that can make your sex life a little better, Inshallah.

First, I want all Muslims to understand one thing: Sex is good.

I should know. I have four kids.

Sex is so good, we even earn blessings for have relations with our spouse.

But like everything else in Islam, sex required moderation.

If we go too far to one side (no sex at all) we imitate the corrupt views of other faiths where they live in perpetual chastity. This is an unnatural state as our bodies and minds literally SCREAM for sensuality.

And if we go too far the other way, we lose all morals and decency. Allah knows best, but I believe this vulgar preoccupation with sex that is common in my country (the U.S.A.) leads to senseless violence and rampant dehumanization.

So Allah and His Prophet (peace be upon him) has allowed a good thing, but within moderation.

How is it moderated? Sex is only allowed between married spouses. (And to be clear, marriage in Islam can only be between a man and a woman. Here’s what I think about so-called gay marriage.)

And even sex between spouses is limited, though the limitations are very few, common sense, and practically universal.

Well, let’s get to it, shall we?

I think the first thing to understand is who can actually have sex in Islam.

A man is allowed to have sex with his wife.

That pretty much sums it up.

• There can be no sex before marriage (even if the couple is engaged).
• There can be no sex with anyone outside of your marriage (even if your spouse agrees i.e.  no swingers!).
• There can be no boyfriend/girlfriend relationship (even without sex).

This should be enough for now. Inshallah, I’ll continue this topic tomorrow.

Learn more about the Islamic religion at Islamic Learning Materials.

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