Enjoying One's Wife (Istimta') During Hayd

Question

Zayd's wife is in her days of hayd (menstruation), and Zayd, owing to the strength of his desire, is being driven to intend a forbidden act (fornication). In such a situation, may Zayd have intimacy (mubashara) with his wife during the days of hayd or not? Besides this, if there is any other way out, kindly set it down.

Answer

Intercourse with one's wife in the state of hayd is haram; and fornication is haram in any case — there is no need even to ask about it. There is latitude to enjoy (istimta') the rest of the body apart from [the area] from the navel to the knees. Zayd should be patient during the days of hayd, or fast, or else also marry a second time (take a second wife).

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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