What is the ruling of sexual intercourse during menstruation?

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 fiqh of menstruation course or menstruation books.

Jazak Allah khayran

Naielah Ackbarali

References:

Imam ibn Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar
Imam ibn Abidin, Manhal al-Waridin

Naielah Ackbarali

Naielah Ackbarali is the founder and CEO of Muslima Coaching. Naielah is a qualified CBT therapist, an experienced Muslim marriage counselor of over 10 years, and an Islamic studies teacher for over 15 years. She obtained a Master of Arts (Level 7) in Counseling & Psychotherapy Practice at Bath Spa University, earning a Distinction. She also received a Postgraduate Certificate (Level 7) in Psychological Therapies at Queen Mary University of London. She has a Master Practitioner Diploma in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). She has also completed training in the Gottman Method for Couples Therapy and gained a Diploma in Counseling Skills. Naielah is a trained strategic relationship coach, certified life coach, and a certified NLP Master Practitioner. Combined with her knowledge from Islamic studies, coaching experience, and personal marriage of almost 20 years, she offers faith-based marriage coaching to couples, wives, and singles. She has helped hundreds of women and couples with almost a decade of coaching experience with clients from all over the world (USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Australia, Africa, & the Middle East). She is an author of several marriage books and has been featured on the Islam Channel and British Muslim TV. She was also selected to do an exclusive interview with BRAINZ Magazine.