The question of sexual intercourse during Ramadan is one of the most common inquiries among married couples observing the holy month. Clarifying the boundaries of intimacy is essential to ensure that one’s fasting is valid while maintaining the rights of the spouse.
The Quranic Ruling
It is explicitly clear in the Shari’ah that a husband and wife are permitted to have sexual intercourse during the nights of Ramadan. This permission applies from the time of breaking the fast at Maghrib (sunset) until the beginning of the fast at Fajr (dawn).
Allah Almighty addresses this directly in the Quran:
“It has been made lawful for you the night preceding fasting to go to your wives [for sexual relations]. They are clothing for you and you are clothing for them. Allah knows that you used to deceive yourselves, so He accepted your repentance and forgave you. So now, have relations with them and seek that which Allah has ordained for you…” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:187)
The Limits of the Prohibition
The prohibition of sexual intercourse applies strictly during the daylight hours of the fast—from dawn until sunset. Engaging in intercourse during this specific window invalidates the fast and incurs a severe penalty (Kaffarah). However, once the sun sets, the restriction is lifted, and normal marital relations may resume until the next dawn.
Exception: Spiritual Retreat (Itikaf)
There is a specific exception to the permission of night-time intimacy. If a person is observing Itikaf (spiritual retreat) in the mosque during the last ten nights of Ramadan, sexual relations are prohibited even during the night.
This is based on the concluding part of the same verse:
“…And do not have relations with them as long as you are staying for worship in the mosques. These are the limits [set by] Allah, so do not approach them.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:187)
Summary for Married Couples
Scholars confirm that there is absolutely nothing wrong with a married couple engaging in conjugal relations during the nights of Ramadan. The mutual comfort and intimacy between spouses are recognized as “raiment” (clothing) in the Quran, signifying protection, warmth, and closeness, which continues even during this blessed month, provided the daylight limits are respected.
