What are the mutual marital duties and rights in an intimate relationship? And is it permissible for the husband to separate from his wife or demand intercourse if she is unable to fulfill his desire, even with love and respect between them?
A husband must treat his wife kindly, and this includes sexual intercourse to the extent of her sufficiency, unless it exhausts his body or distracts him from his livelihood. The wife must obey her husband if he calls her to bed; otherwise, she is disobedient. It is not permissible for the husband to burden his wife with sexual intercourse she cannot endure. If she has a valid excuse due to illness or harm, she incurs no sin for refusing. If the wife is harmed by frequent intercourse, she can agree with her husband on a specific number, or refer the matter to a judge if no agreement is reached. The husband is encouraged to fear Allah concerning his wife and not to harm her. He may consider marrying another woman, or fasting, or taking medications that reduce desire, provided they cause no harm.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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