Ramadan is a sacred period in the calendar for those of Muslim faith. Most notably, it’s linked to fasting, as those participating can only consume food when the sun is below the horizon..
Sajad Mahmood, CEO of Muslim Charity Right, stated: ‘Observing the fast during the holy month is extremely important as it is a time for enhancing one’s connection to God and is a time for self-examination, and self-restraint.
‘Ramadan is a month which should serve as a month of spiritual training for the rest of the year. The goal of Ramadan is to help establish positive habits for the remainder of the year so you are spiritually and mentally stronger than you were before.’
But what about sex?
Ramadan is observed by around 1.8 billion Muslims across the world, and may be curious about the regulations concerning intimate relationships during the Islamic holy month?
Here’s what is and isn’t permissible.
Is sexual activity allowed during Ramadan?
The truth is many Muslims – irrespective of their marital status – will still be engaging in sexual activity during the month of Ramadan.
What is and isn’t allowed, however, is connected to fasting hours.
During the fast, sexual activity is prohibited. Once fasting concludes for the day, those activities considered haram in the daylight hours are once again allowed to resume until fasting begins anew the following day.
Mahmood added: ‘Embracing and kissing is permitted between spouses (during daylight hours), as long as it does not lead to more than that.
‘This is so worshippers are not diverted during daylight hours and have more time for devotion and for acts of kindness towards others.’
Though most time and energy should be devoted to worship, Muslims are permitted to continue with their sexual activity between sunset and dawn.
Islam doesn’t allow for extramarital sexual relations, so during this holy month, nonmarital sex technically should be avoided even more.
Many practicing Muslims will choose to engage in sexual activity more freely, however. Just as with all religions, it is up to the individual to practice what resonates with them.
Ramadan impacts various aspects of a person’s life beyond their dietary choices.
It influences their sexual activity, social plans, pastimes, and spending habits.
The month is dedicated to worship above all else, commemorating the prophet Muhammad’s revelation.
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