Oral sex in Islamic law

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The issue of Oral Sex in Islam is controversial among Islamic scholars. Some allow the practice and some disapprove. However, the generally known Islamic rule is that whatever is not haram (banned) in the Quran, nor by a prophetic statement or behavior, is to be allowed; as principally everything is allowed; the exception is what was prohibited by Allah or by his messenger. Based on this principle, oral sex is an allowed act.[6] Furthermore, oral sex is licit, as long as it is practiced between husband and wife, same as for every other sexual practice. The basic ruling is licitness from head to toe with the exception of anal intercourse and genital intercourse during menstruation.

Contents

[edit] Citations of oral sex in Islamic literature

[edit] Arabs knew about oral sex

The concept of oral sex is as old as the Hudaibiya Treaty in Islamic tradition, as cited above by Sahih Bukhari. This shows that the Arabs at the time of Prophet were familiar with the idea.

[edit] From the Sahih Al-Bukhari

Oral Sex in Sahih Al-Bukhari [4] by Sahih Hadith of Sahih Al-Bukhari by Imam Al-Bukhari & Urdu translation of the Hadith.
Oral Sex in Sahih Al-Bukhari [4] by Sahih Hadith of Sahih Al-Bukhari by Imam Al-Bukhari & Urdu translation of the Hadith.

At the time of the Hudaibiya treaty, in a fit of rage Abu Bakr told Urwa bin Masud Thaqafi[1]:

“Suck the clitoris/vagina ( ‏بظر : English translation clitoris. [7], [8]) of Laat”.[2][3]

Oral Sex is not haram according to a Pakistani sect, but disliked, see [9] & [10].

Shaving of the pubic hair is often favored as well in Islamic tradition.[11].

[edit] From the History of Al-Tabari

وكان عبد مناة بن كنانة تزوج هند بنت بكر بن وائل ...... أبو بكر امصص بظر اللات واللات طاغية ...

تاريخ الطبري - الطبري ج 2-

“Suck the clitoris/vagina of Laat”. [12].

[edit] Opinions from other Islamic sects

Dr. Qaradawi, a Sunni, allows the practice of oral sex in a fatwa with certain conditions.[13]. Shia Imam Al-Khoei said that oral sex between husband and wife is not unlawful (not haraam). [14]. One group of salafi scholars and Shafii school says that oral sex is completely halal (clean) because of the hadith of the prophet(s) in which he encouraged foreplay between spouses, and that these are naturally gratifying activities that will help the spouses have a better marriage. [15].

Dr. Heba Kotb, a Sunni female scholar[16] Dr.[17] who gives sex advice on Egyptian TV, said that oral sex is allowed “since there is no religious text banning it”.[18], [19].

[edit] Sucking the Wife's Breasts and Vagina

There is no Islamic text that forbids the sucking of a wife's breast. Therefore, it is up to the husband and wife to decide to do it or not.[20]. The husband can caress the breasts and nipples and suck the wife’s breasts. *[21] and [22]

The Malikis allow licking the vagina (farj) stating that there is no harm in it and it is not a hated act (makruh). Imam Malik said that there is no harm in licking the pudendum with the tongue. [23].

Shiaa references say that Imam Musa al-Kazim was once asked, "Can a person kiss his wife's vulva?" The Imam said, "No problem". (Wasa'il, vol. 14, p. 77; for similar views of present mujtahids see al-'Urwah, p. 625).[24].

[edit] On touching the penis

If one can touch, one can kiss if it is clean.

Touching the penis in Islamic Law by Sahih Hadith of Al-Muwatta Imam Muhammad & Urdu translation of the Hadith; the translation of the above page is given partially at [5].
Touching the penis in Islamic Law by Sahih Hadith of Al-Muwatta Imam Muhammad & Urdu translation of the Hadith; the translation of the above page is given partially at [5].

In Islam, some have argued that the sexual organs should not be considered impure, dirty or otherwise bad, but these are just like others parts of body. Touching the sexual organ does not nullify the ablution: "A man asked Muhammad if a man who touches his penis has to perform ablution. The prophet replied: "No, it is just a part of you."

Hanafi jurists who claim touching the penis in Islamic Law [25] is not a shameful act. The Sahih Hadith of Al-Muwatta Imam Muhammad (see image) argues that the "act is not impure". And emphasized that "if the penis were vile or impure, it should be cut off from the body and thrown away". The Hadith claimed that there is no difference between the penis and the other parts of body. Scholars such as Muhammad B. Al-Hasan Al-Shaybani cited several opinions from Abu Hanifah:

Abu Hanifah related to me, on the authority of Hamad b. Ibrahim, on the authority of ؛Ali b. Abi Talib, that concerning touching the penis he said: “There is no harm. I touch it or the end of my nose.”
Abu Hanifah related to me, on the authority of Hamad b. Ibrahim, that Ibn Mas؛ud asked about wudu for touching the penis. He said: “It is impure [najas], so cut it off!” meaning that there is no harm in it.
Abu Hanifah related to me, on the authority of Hamad b. Ibrahim, that Sa؛d b. Abi Waqqas passed by a man who was washing his penis. He said: “What are you doing? This is not required of you.”

However, there are also Sahih Hadith (namely Volume 1 Page 36a) which mention the performing of ablution is compulsory after the touching of the sexual organ.

But, Abu Hanifah reiterated that that washing the penis is important after urinating.

The first and second of these reports are related to the oft-cited report, given on the authority of Talq b. ؛Ali [b. al-Mundhir b. Qays], concerning the saying of Muhammad about the penis. Talq b. ؛Ali said: We were with the Apostle of God when a man, like a Bedouin, came to him and said: “Oh Apostle of God, what do you think about a man touching his penis after performing wudu?” He [Prophet Muhammad] said: “What is it but a piece of your flesh?”

[edit] Oral sex as foreplay

Oral sex should not lead to any repulsive feeling, and it is advisable to guarantee that the spouse is approving the act in order to fulfill the maximum joy out of the act. [26].

Dr. Heba Kotb stresses that women should also enjoy sex. Oral sex is a form of foreplay and Islam "stresses the importance of foreplay". [27]. Hanbali books mention that it is lawful for a husband to achieve ejaculation by his wife masturbating him, and by rubbing his penis between her thighs or breasts. [28].

[edit] Foreplay techniques

Ubaydullah bin Zurarah said that he had an old neighbor who owned a young slave-girl. Because of his old age, he could not fully satisfy the young slave-girl during sexual intercourse. She would therefore ask him to place his fingers in her vagina as she liked it. The old man complied with her wishes even though he did not like this idea. So he requested 'Ubaydullah to ask Imam ' Ali ar-Riza (a. s.) about it. When 'Ubaydullah asked the Imam about it, the Imam said, "There is no problem as long as he uses any part of his own body upon her, but he should not use any thing other than his body on her." (Wasa'il, vol. 14, p. 77). [29].

The Prophet said, "No one among you should have sex with his wife like animals; rather there should be a messenger between them." When asked about the messenger, he said, "It means kissing and talking." (Tahzibu'l-Ihya, vol. 3, p. 110). [30].

The prophet also stated: "Every game a person plays is futile except for archery, training one’s horse and playing with one's wife (foreplay and kissing)". (Sunan Tirmidhi, Musnad Ahmad, Sunan Ibn Majah)[31]

[edit] Relation to Sexual Gratification

In the light of the Quran verse, Al-Mu'minun, five to seven scholars said that the husband is allowed to enjoy his wife through any means of enjoyment except for anal sex. Dr. Ali Jum`ah, professor of the Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence at Al-Azhar University, said that licking, sucking and kissing a spouse's sexual organs are all allowed, as long as it gives a person sexual gratification. This concept will keep him away from unlawfulness (haraam).[32]. It is allowed for a husband to lick his wife's vaginal area when it helps her have orgasm. Also, the wife can lick her husband's penis to cause erection and suck on it for an orgasm or ejaculation of semen. All sexual acts that aim at satisfying and pleasing the spouses are allowable.[33].

[edit] Concept of pure and impure secretions

[edit] Genital secretions

Secretions from the vagina are pure. There is no hadith or verse that mentioned anything of vaginal discharge.[34]. Similarly, many scholars view that semen is pure (taahir).[35].

The Shafie madhabs said that the sperm of the male is pure, but pre-ejaculate, or "mazi liquid", is najasa. The partners in fact might be licking the mazi liquid which is najasa before the ejaculation is completed. Hence it could be understood if this is the case then oral sex is makruh but certainly not haram because there is no evidence to say so. [36].

Muslim scholars are of the opinion that if sucking leads to releasing semen, then it is blameworthy (makruh), but there is no decisive evidence to forbid it. These parts are not dirty like anus (dubur in Arabic). But there is no decisive evidence to make it unlawful, especially if the wife agrees with it or achieves orgasm by practicing it. [37].

[edit] Avoiding secretions

If oral sex can be done in such a way that no filth is involved, then it would be considered lawful for a wife to kiss her husband's penis as long as she avoids any areas where there is pre-ejaculatory fluid, a loving couple could always use a condom, and a husband can kiss the outer parts of his wife's genitals and suck her clitoris (mentioned in many books of Hanbali fiqh) for her pleasure and satisfaction to an orgasm and it must be sure to rinse out mouths afterwards. [38].

By using the Arab strap, condom or by holding base shaft in hand tightly, the discharge of impure secretions and contact with semen during oral sex may be avoided.

[edit] Bath (Ghusl) after Oral Sex

Oral sex is only permitted as a way of stimulation and foreplay. If a husband does have oral sex with his wife, and ejaculates sperm, then Ghusl is obligatory; however, if he only releases Madhy then Wudu’ is only required, and the wife has to wash the Madhy away. If during the course of oral stimulation, ejaculation takes place, one must wash it away if it gets in one’s clothing or mouth.[39].

[edit] When Disliked

Scholars say that it is Makrooh to do it with the intention of ejaculating in wife’s mouth.[40].

[edit] References and notes

  1. ^ As cited by Imam Bukhari [1]
  2. ^ Al-Lat is an idol worshipped by the Thaqif in the Pre-Islamic period. [2].
  3. ^ Sahih Bukhari, Kitab al Sharut [Conditions], Book: al-Sharut fil Jihad [Conditions for Jihad], Hadith 2770. [3].

[edit] See also

[edit] Further reading