In the Islamic Jurisprudence (Fiqh) and Spirituality, fasting (al-Ṣawm) is not merely abstaining from food and drink. Its essence is al-Imsāk, a strict mechanism of self-control from everything that invalidates it, including biological desires. Among the many things that invalidate a fast, the legal ruling regarding sexual intercourse while fasting or having sexual relations during the day in the month of Ramadan occupies a position of grave transgression. This violation incurs the Major Expiation (Kaffarah ‘Uzma) for the violation that carries serious legal consequences.
This issue often causes confusion among married couples, especially regarding time limits. What if intimate relations occur at the very end of the night, and then dawn suddenly breaks? Does their fast automatically become invalid?
To answer this problem scientifically and authentically, we will examine the book Asna al-Matalib Syarah Rawd at-Talib (Volume 1, pages 414 & 417), a monumental work by Shaykh al-Islam Zakariyya al-Anshari. This study aims to establish the matter of Sharia so that our worship remains valid before Allah ﷻ .
The Basic Ruling Regarding Sexual Intercourse During the Day in Ramadan
The Ulama have reached a Consensus (Ijmā‘) that intentionally engaging in sexual intercourse during the day in the month of Ramadan is Forbidden (Ḥarām) and absolutely invalidates the fast. This prohibition applies strictly regardless of whether the activity leads to ejaculation (inzāl) or not.
In Asna al-Matalib, the following wording is explained:
فصل : ( ويفطر ) الصائم … ( بالجماع ) ولو بغير إنزال ( عمدا ) بالإجماع
“And the fast is broken… by sexual intercourse (jimak) even without the emission of semen (inzal) intentionally, based on Ijmā’.”
The crucial point of the naṣ (text) above is the phrase “even without the expulsion of semen.” This means the invalidation of the fast due to sexual intercourse is not contingent upon the peak of biological satisfaction. The mere disappearance of the ḥasyafah (glans of the penis) into the farji (vulva) is sufficient to destroy the value of that day’s fast. The perpetrator is obligated to repent naṣūḥā, make up the fast, and pay kaffārah (a severe penalty).
The Dilemma of Dawn: A Thin Boundary Between Valid and Invalid
One of the most complex yet important discussions in this chapter is the condition of transitional time. Shaykh Zakariyya al-Anshari raises a specific case: What is the ruling regarding a person who is engaged in sexual intercourse, and then the fajr sadiq (the sign of the entry of the Subuh prayer time) rises?
The ruling is divided into two scenarios based on the perpetrator’s response at that moment.
1. The Scenario of Immediate Revocation (Al-Naz‘u Fauran)
If at the break of dawn, or upon hearing a valid Adhān of Subuh (Fajr), the person immediately withdraws his private parts with the intention of stopping sexual intercourse, then his fast is judged Sah (valid).
The wording in Asna al-Matalib states:
قوله : ( وكذا مجامع علم بالفجر حين طلع فنزع ) في الحال وقصد بالنزع ترك الجماع فإنه يصح صومه
“Similarly, a person who engages in sexual intercourse knowing the dawn has arrived, then immediately stops and intends to discontinue the act, their fast is valid.”
Then, what if after it is removed, ejaculation (inzāl) occurs? Doesn’t the expulsion of semen invalidate the fast?
Herein lies the justice of the Sharīʿah. The emission of semen in this condition is considered an unavoidable side effect (mutawallid) of a previously permissible act (sexual intercourse before dawn).
Shaykh Zakariyya explained his reasoning:
قوله : ( وإن أمني ) لتولده من المباشرة المباحة قبل الوقت
“(The fast remains valid) even if he emits semen, because it arises from mubasyarah (physical intimacy) that is permissible before the time [for fasting] enters.”
Therefore, as long as the withdrawal is done immediately, the ejaculation that accompanies it is forgiven and does not invalidate the fast. This is a form of concession (rukhsah) due to the difficulty of avoiding a biological effect that has already reached its peak.
2. Scenario of Continuing Sexual Intercourse (Istidāmah)
Conversely, if a person knows that dawn has broken but intentionally continues to have sexual relations—even if only for a few seconds—or delays withdrawal for momentary pleasure, then their fast is Invalid.
This action is categorized as a severe violation. It not only requires making up the fast (qadha), but also incurs the obligation to pay Kaffārah ‘Uẓmā (a major expiation).
The Consequences of Kaffarah for Violators
It is important to understand that the sanctions for those who commit adultery during the day of Ramadan are very severe, as a form of ta’zīr (punishment) for disrespecting the holy month.
This kaffarah is sequential (tartīb):
- Freeing a believing slave.
- If unable, then fasting for two consecutive months without interruption.
- If one is still unable [to fulfill the obligation], then feed 60 poor people, each receiving 1 mud (approximately 6.75 ounces).
This punishment demonstrates how Islam greatly safeguards the sanctity of the time of worship. A servant who is in a state of Iḥrām during a fast should be occupied with dhikrullāh (remembrance of God) and restraining desires, not indulging in animalistic passions.
The Sufi Perspective: Maintaining the Etiquette of Worship
From a fiqh perspective, we speak of validity and invalidity. However, from a Sufi perspective, engaging in sexual intercourse in the final moments before dawn indicates the weakness of a servant’s wara‘ (piety/caution).
The experts of Ma‘rifat teach us to maintain a safe distance (sadd al-dharī‘ah). If the time of imsak is near, it is best to stop activities that potentially violate limits. Forcing oneself until the last moment before dawn risks causing someone to fall into doubt (syubhat) or even a clear violation.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“Leave what causes you doubt for what does not cause you doubt.”
Summary Table of the Legal Ruling Regarding Intercourse at Dawn
To facilitate understanding, here is a summary of the rulings based on specific conditions in the book Asna al-Matalib:
| Condition | Actor’s Action | Fasting Status | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daytime (Intentionally) | Engaging in Sexual Intercourse | Invalidated | Obligatory to make up the fast (Qadha) & Expiation (Kaffarah). |
| Dawn | Immediate Withdrawal | Valid | Even if semen exits after withdrawal. |
| Dawn | Continuing Sexual Intercourse | Invalidated | Obligatory to make up the fast (Qadha) & Expiation (Kaffarah). |
| Forgetfulness (Unintentionally) | Engaging in Sexual Intercourse | Valid | A gift from Allah, not invalidated if truly forgotten. |
FAQ: Questions About Sexual Intercourse and Fasting
Does the emission of semen without sexual intercourse invalidate the fast?
Yes, if done intentionally through the intermediary of the hand (masturbation) or physical contact (mubāsyarah) with one’s wife. However, if seminal fluid is emitted due to a wet dream (ihtilām) or merely looking/daydreaming without contact, the fast remains valid.
What if a husband forces his wife to have intercourse during the day?
A husband commits a major sin and is obligated to pay kaffarah. A wife who is forced to fast has her fast invalidated and is obligated to make up the fast (qadha) but is not obligated to pay kaffarah.
Is the kaffarah permissible to be chosen at will?
No. The kaffarah must be performed sequentially. It is not permissible to immediately choose to feed the poor if one is still physically capable of fasting for two consecutive months.
When is the permissible time for a husband and wife to have relations during the month of Ramadan?
The time permitted is at night, starting from sunset (Maghrib) until the rising of dawn (Subuh). Allah ﷻ says in QS. Al-Baqarah: 187, “Permitted to you on the nights of Ramadan is intercourse with your wives.
Conclusion
Maintaining the validity of the fast requires knowledge and mujahadah (sincerity). The case of sexual intercourse at dawn teaches us about the precision of time in worship. For married couples, knowing the limits of this Sharia “red light” is crucial. If dawn breaks, the “emergency brake” must be applied immediately. Aborting it instantly saves your fast, while continuing it invites severe sanctions.
May Allah always guide us to perform worship with sincerity and in accordance with the guidance of Sharia.
And Allah knows best.
Reference
al-Anṣārī, Zakariyā. Asnā al-Maṭālib fī Sharḥ Rawḍ al-Ṭālib. With ḥāshiyah of Aḥmad al-Ramlī. Edited by Muḥammad az-Zuhrī al-Ghamrāwī. Cairo: al-Maṭbaʿah al-Maymānīyah, 1313 H. Reprinted by Dār al-Kitāb al-Islāmī.
