INTRODUCTION
Islam acknowledges the fact that one’s sexual desire has to be satisfied. It considers fulfilling this desire a praiseworthy matter, as long as it is done within Islamic legal (Shari’ah) limits. It is not sinful to satisfy this desire, nor should it be neglected. Allah says: “Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire – of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of the worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return.” (3:14)
Wife Rights
Hakeem b. Mu’awiyah al-Qushairi said that his father said: “O Messenger of Allah, what is the right of one of our wives over us?’ He said, ‘To feed and clothe her as one feeds and clothes himself. Do not slap her on the face, or say evil and nasty things to her. He should only forsake her in the bed [and not send her away to a separate house].’” (Abu Dawood)
Read More +Divorce in Islam
When marital relations cannot continue, divorce is an alternative, for it prevents evils from spreading in the community, such as a husband’s cheating on his wife and vice versa. It prevents alteration of lineage, disruption of the inheritance, and the spread of evil in society. Divorce is confined within its limits, so that it cannot be abused by those who have little intellect.
Read More +Marriage in Islam
In Islam, marriage is encouraged. It is the only permissible way in which a person may relieve his sexual tension. The Messenger(s) said: “I marry women, so whoever disregards my Sunnah, is not from me.” (Irwaa al-Ghaleel) Read More +The Prophet (s) said: “Women and perfume have been made dear to me, and I find comfort in performing Salah (prayer).” (Nasa’ee) Islam prohibits suppressing this desire completely, for Islam is the Deen, which is in accord with the natural disposition of man. It fulfills his natural needs in an appropriate way, in accordance with Shari’ah law. Abu Hurairah said: The Messenger of Allah (s) was asked about what admits people into Jannah [Heaven] most. He said, “Fear of Allah and good manners.” He was then asked about what admits people into the Hell-Fire most? He said, “One’s tongue and private parts.” (Tirmidthi)
In this booklet, we will discuss the Islamic method of satisfying the sexual desire, and how it can be transformed from a base desire into an act of worship through which a Muslim receives reward.