What is the interpretation of verse 223 of Surat Al-Baqarah and what is the meaning of this verse?
Al-Shawkani, in his interpretation of verse 223 of Surat Al-Baqarah, stated that the word "harth" (cultivation/tillage) implies that permissibility applies only to the private part (the front organ) specifically, because it is the place where offspring are sown. And "anna shi'tum" (wherever you wish) means from any direction you wish (from behind or in front, or in any position), provided it is in the place of "harth" (the private part). And His saying, Exalted be He: "And put forth [good] for yourselves" means good, and "and fear Allah" is a warning against falling into prohibitions, and "and know that you will meet Him" is an exaggeration in the warning, and "and give good tidings to the believers" is a reassurance for those who do good and avoid evil. Al-Bukhari narrated that the Jews used to say that if a man approached his wife from behind in her front part, the child would be cross-eyed, so this verse was revealed in response to that.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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