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What is the interpretation of the noble verses cited in the answer concerning the difference between anal intercourse with one's wife and sodomy, which states that sodomy is sexual intercourse between two males, and that the meaning of Allah's saying: ﴿So approach them from where Allah has commanded you﴾ is to avoid approaching women during menstruation?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

In the interpretation of the verses concerning the people of Lot, Al-Qurtubi explained that the abomination was the act of sodomy with males, and that the people of Lot had not been preceded in this act. Al-Tabari mentioned that the people of Lot would engage in sexual intercourse with men out of lust, neglecting women. As for the verse, "So when they have purified themselves, then come to them from where Allah has commanded you," Mujahid stated that they (the Arabs) used to avoid women during menstruation but would approach them anally. Ibn Abbas, however, said that what is meant is the vagina and nothing else. Regarding the verse, "Your women are a cultivated field for you, so come to your cultivated field however you wish," Ibn Abbas said that the cultivated field is the place of childbirth. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, "Facing forward or backward, as long as it is in the vagina," emphasizing that this should be in the front (vagina) and nowhere else.

Sodomy (Liwat) is not limited to a male engaging in sexual intercourse with another male; it also includes a man engaging in sexual intercourse with a woman anally, which is called minor sodomy (al-Lutiyyah al-Sughra). Explicit texts have been reported prohibiting this act. The Prophet (peace be upon him) cursed whoever has sexual intercourse with his wife anally, considering it an act of disbelief in what was revealed to Muhammad (peace be upon him), and that Allah would not look at the one who commits it. This act is forbidden by Islamic law and is a major sin.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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