Is it permissible to force a wife or a bondwoman to have intercourse if they refuse?
It is not permissible for a woman to deny herself to her husband. She must fulfill his request unless it harms her or distracts her from an obligation; otherwise, she would be disobedient and recalcitrant (nashiz), and her maintenance and clothing would be forfeited. He (the husband) should admonish her, forsake her in bed, and he may strike her with a non-bruising blow. Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah was asked about a woman who denies herself to her husband, and he replied that it is not lawful for her to be recalcitrant (nushuz). If she persists, he may strike her with a non-bruising blow, and she is not entitled to maintenance or a share (of conjugal rights). If the wife does not respond to admonition, forsaking in bed, or striking, the husband is permitted to withhold maintenance and clothing, and he may divorce her or seek khul‘ (dissolution of marriage). Similarly, a female slave is not permitted to refuse to fulfill her master's desire except for a valid excuse.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/9755