An Imam at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, mosque, Isale-Igbein, Prof Sherifdeen Kareem, has explained that Muslim couples can have sexual intercourse during the month of Ramadan, but only after they have broken their fast.
The cleric, who spoke with our correspondent in Abeokuta, explained that it was only illegal for unmarried couples to have sex.
According to him, Islam only allows legally married couples to have intercourse, between mogrib and Solatul Subh (after breaking of fast and after the pre-dawn meal) during Ramadan.
He said, “Muslims can copulate by the time they’ve taken their iftar, that’s after Solatul Mogrib. As long as they could eat, they are allowed to interact with their spouses till the time of Fajr.
“They are allowed to have intercourse with their wives or their husbands as long as they have the right to eat and drink.
“This is particularly about married men. If they are not married, intercourse is unlawful at any time. So, Islam only allows legally married couples to have intercourse, between Mogrib and Solatul Subh.”
The cleric, however, advised Muslim couples to stay away from each other while fasting (during the day), in order to prevent being carried away by their emotions.
He said that prophet Muhammad (SAW) kissed his wife during Ramadan. He, however, advised Muslim couples to refrain from such acts if they know it would lead to having sexual intercourse.
He said, “During the day, Muslim couples should try and maintain decorum, so they wouldn’t be carried away by emotion.
“The husband should not engage in close interaction like hugging and the like so that temptation won’t overcome him.
“It was reported that the prophet used to kiss his wife but the scholars of Islam have explained that if the kiss would lead to higher emotional gestures, then they should avoid kissing.
“If the hugging also would lead to further action, then they should resist.