Marriage And Sexuality In Islam

Islam considers marriage as the most intimate communion between man and woman. The mystery of sex finds it fulfilment when intimate spiritual harmony is combined with the physical link. Marriage and family laws are, therefore, an important part of Islamic law for the fulfilment of its ultimate objective of building a harmonious and peaceful human society. In his inimitable style, Imam al-Ghazali, may Allah be pleased with him, discusses this subject in this small book, and shows how Islam, despite differences in rules and marriage, sets out inviolable principles so that marriage is not distorted by godless understandings now threatening to dehumanise many a society of both the East and West. The Islamic code of marriage and family is second to none in importance in helping to lead a life of goodness and purity.

Islam considers marriage as the most intimate communion between man and woman. The mystery of sex finds it fulfilment when intimate spiritual harmony is combined with the physical link. Marriage and family laws are, therefore, an important part of Islamic law for the fulfilment of its ultimate objective of building a harmonious and peaceful human society. In his inimitable style, Imam al-Ghazali, may Allah be pleased with him, discusses this subject in this small book, and shows how Islam, despite differences in rules and marriage, sets out inviolable principles so that marriage is not distorted by godless understandings now threatening to dehumanise many a society of both the East and West. The Islamic code of marriage and family is second to none in importance in helping to lead a life of goodness and purity.

A Taste of Honey provides a scholarly exposition on the prominent place that sexuality and erotology enjoyed in traditional Islam. The book is divided into two parts; part one presents a critical examination of sexual ethics and part two consists of a concise treatise on the art of seduction and lovemaking. The central aim of this book argues that Islam is a sexually enlightened religion which teaches that sensuality should not be devoid of spirituality. The book also argues that the loss of sacred sensuality afflicting modern society can be reclaimed by a revival of the classical erotological tradition. Drawing upon the Qur’ān, ĥadīth and traditional erotological literature, the book follows the style and composition of classical Eastern and Afro-Arab love texts such as the Kama Sutra and Jalāl ad-Dīn aś-Śuyūţī’s erotic treatises. A Taste of Honey is a thought-provoking work on a highly sensitive, yet extremely important subject.

Originally published in 1985. Beginning with the Qur’an, Abdelwahab Bouhdiba confronts the question of male supremacy in Islam, and the strict separation of the masculine and the feminine. He gives an account of purification practices, of Islamic attitudes towards homosexuality, concubinage, legal marriage and of the sexual taboos laid down by the Qur’an. He assesses present-day sexual practice, including eroticism, misogyny and mysticism and concludes that the sexual alienation – and even oppression – of modern Muslim women is the result not of the Islamic vision of sexuality, but of social and economic pressures.

Fulfilment of sexual desire and needs are key in sustaining a harmonious marital relationship. However, in today’s society, sexual boundaries are being pushed further and further, and often, sexual deviance is openly practised. In such circumstances, there is a need to identify which sexual activities are permissible in Shari’ah. Islamic Guide to Sexual Relations is a serious endeavour to tackle these sensitive matters in a clear and concise manner. While being respectful and dignified in the language he employs, the author does not shy away from discussing sensitive issues. He records, in thorough detail, the guidance Islam provides regarding sexual encounters with one’s spouse. The book covers a wide range of issues, and thus, answers many frequently asked questions on the topic of sexual relations. It concludes with a short chapter addressing Islamic etiquettes and practises pertaining to newlyweds on their first night.