Ramadan is a sacred month of fasting, worship, and spiritual reflection. But what about intimacy between spouses? Islam provides clear guidelines on when marital relations are permissible during this holy month.
Understanding these rules helps Muslims maintain both their devotion and the bond with their spouse in a way that aligns with Islamic teachings. At Sabil Al-Quran, we offer insightful explanations based on the Quran and Hadith to help you observe Ramadan correctly while strengthening your faith and relationships.
Do Muslims have Sex in Ramadan?
Yes, Can Muslims Have Sex During Ramadan, but only at night, after breaking their fast at sunset (Maghrib) and before the pre-dawn meal (Suhur). However, having sexual relations during the fasting hours, between Fajr (dawn) and Maghrib (sunset) is strictly forbidden and invalidates the fast.
Allah clearly permits intimacy between spouses at night during Ramadan in the Quran:
“أُحِلَّ لَكُمْ لَيْلَةَ الصِّيَامِ الرَّفَثُ إِلَىٰ نِسَائِكُمْ ۚ هُنَّ لِبَاسٌ لَّكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ لِبَاسٌ لَّهُنَّ ۗ عَلِمَ اللَّهُ أَنَّكُمْ كُنتُمْ تَخْتَانُونَ أَنفُسَكُمْ فَتَابَ عَلَيْكُمْ وَعَفَا عَنكُمْ فَالْآنَ بَاشِرُوهُنَّ وَابْتَغُوا مَا كَتَبَ اللَّهُ لَكُمْ”
“It has been made permissible for you to be intimate with your wives during the nights preceding the fast. They are a garment for you, and you are a garment for them…”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:187)
This verse confirms that intimacy is allowed at night but must be completely avoided during fasting hours.
Can I Touch My Wife’s Private Parts During Fasting?
During Ramadan fasting hours (from dawn to sunset), a husband and wife must practice self-restraint. Touching or showing affection is allowed, but with limits to avoid breaking the fast.
Rulings on Physical Intimacy While Fasting
Allowed Actions:
- Holding hands, hugging, kissing lightly, or showing love and affection without leading to sexual arousal or ejaculation.
- The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) used to kiss his wives while fasting, but he had strong control over his desires.
Narrated by Aisha (رضي الله عنها):
“كان النبي ﷺ يُقبِّل ويُباشِر (زوجاته) وهو صائم، وكان أملكَكم لإربِه (أي كان أكثر الناس قدرة على ضبط شهوته).”
“The Prophet (ﷺ) used to kiss and embrace (his wives) while he was fasting, but he was the one who had the most control over his desires among you.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1927, Sahih Muslim 1106)
Prohibited Actions:
- If touching, kissing, or caressing leads to ejaculation, the fast is invalidated, and Qada’ (making up the fast) is required.
- Sexual intercourse is strictly forbidden during fasting hours and requires expiation (Kaffarah), which means fasting 60 consecutive days or feeding 60 needy people.
Allah says in the Quran:
“فَالْآنَ بَاشِرُوهُنَّ وَابْتَغُوا مَا كَتَبَ اللَّهُ لَكُمْ”
“Now you may have relations with them and seek what Allah has destined for you…”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:187)
This verse allows intimacy only at night during Ramadan but forbids it while fasting.
Can I Fast If I Had Sex The Night Before?
Yes, you can fast if you had sex the night before, as long as you perform Ghusl (ritual purification) before Fajr (dawn) prayer. Having sexual relations at night during Ramadan is allowed for married couples, but one must ensure they are in a state of purity before engaging in worship.
Allah says in the Quran:
“أُحِلَّ لَكُمْ لَيْلَةَ الصِّيَامِ الرَّفَثُ إِلَىٰ نِسَائِكُمْ ۚ هُنَّ لِبَاسٌ لَّكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ لِبَاسٌ لَّهُنَّ ۗ عَلِمَ اللَّهُ أَنَّكُمْ كُنتُمْ تَخْتَانُونَ أَنفُسَكُمْ فَتَابَ عَلَيْكُمْ وَعَفَا عَنكُمْ ۖ فَالآنَ بَاشِرُوهُنَّ وَابْتَغُوا مَا كَتَبَ اللَّهُ لَكُمْ”
“It has been made permissible for you to be intimate with your wives during the nights preceding the fast. They are a garment for you, and you are a garment for them. Allah knows that you used to deceive yourselves, so He turned to you in mercy and forgave you. So now, you may have relations with them and seek what Allah has decreed for you.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:187)
This verse clearly states that intimacy is allowed at night during Ramadan, but fasting begins at Fajr.
Do I Have To Shower After Sex in Ramadan?
Yes, you must perform Ghusl (ritual purification) after sex in Ramadan before engaging in prayers, including Fajr. However, if you had sex at night and did not perform Ghusl before Fajr, your fast is still valid as long as you perform Ghusl before praying.
Why Is Ghusl Necessary After Sex?
In Islam, Ghusl is required after sexual relations (Janabah) before engaging in any act of worship, such as Salah (prayer) and reciting the Quran.
Allah says in the Quran:
“وَإِن كُنتُمْ جُنُبًا فَاطَّهَّرُوا”
“And if you are in a state of Janabah (impurity), then purify yourselves.”
(Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:6)
This means that after sexual intercourse, both husband and wife must perform Ghusl before engaging in acts of worship, including prayer.
What Happens If You Have Sex During the Day in Ramadan?
If a Muslim engages in sexual activity during the daylight hours, while fasting, it breaks the fast. This act is considered a major sin and requires the following expiation (Kaffarah):
- Free a slave (if possible).
- If not possible, fast for 60 consecutive days.
- If unable to do the above, feed 60 poor people.
Abu Huraira (رضي الله عنه) narrated:
جاء رجل إلى النبي ﷺ وقال: “يا رسول الله، لقد هلكت!” فسأله النبي ﷺ: “ما الذي حدث؟” فقال: “وقعت على أهلي (جامعت زوجتي) في نهار رمضان وأنا صائم.” فأخبره النبي ﷺ أن عليه إما أن يعتق رقبة، أو يصوم شهرين متتابعين، أو يُطعم ستين مسكينًا.
A man came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said, “O Messenger of Allah, I am ruined!” The Prophet asked, “What happened?” He replied, “I had sexual relations with my wife during Ramadan while fasting.” The Prophet (ﷺ) then told him to either free a slave, fast for two consecutive months, or feed sixty poor people.
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1936, Sahih Muslim 1111)
Understanding the guidelines and etiquettes of Ramadan is essential to maintaining a fulfilling and spiritually enriching fast. When it comes to the question of intimacy during Ramadan, it’s important to follow the teachings of Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as outlined in the Quran and Hadith. While sex is prohibited during the daylight hours, it is allowed at night from Maghrib to Fajr.
Explore more about the wisdom of Ramadan, its rules, and the path to spiritual growth. At Sabil Al-Quran, we provide authentic Islamic knowledge to help you live a life full of faith and understanding.
Many wonder, can you drink water while fasting? The answer, along with other important fasting-related questions, is covered in the Ramadan Questions and Answers Podcast. Get clear explanations on fasting rules, exceptions, and ways to maximize the spiritual benefits of Ramadan.
FAQS
What happens if a Muslim has sex during the day in Ramadan?
If a Muslim engages in sexual activity during the daylight hours of Ramadan, their fast is invalidated, and they must make up for the fast by fasting on another day after Ramadan. The individual must also repent for the mistake.
Can Muslims kiss or touch their spouse during Ramadan?
Kissing or touching a spouse is permissible in Ramadan as long as it does not lead to sexual arousal or further intimacy that would break the fast. However, if it results in sexual relations, the fast will be broken.
What should I do if I accidentally break my fast during Ramadan?
If a Muslim accidentally breaks their fast (such as eating or drinking by mistake), the fast remains valid, and no penalty is required. However, intentional actions that break the fast, such as sexual activity during the day, will require repentance and making up the missed fast.