Surah 1-2 - YasSarNal QuR'aN

Al-Baqarah (The Cow) | THE FAMILY: THE FOUNDATION OF HUMAN SOCIETYPurity in Sexual RelationsThe next point the sūrah deals with is a delicate and most private one, but hereagain marital relations are elevated above the physical contact, even when thediscussion is concerned with the most physical aspect of married life, namely, sexualrelations:They ask you about menstruation. Say: “It is an unclean condition; so keep aloof fromwomen during menstruation, and do not draw near to them until they are cleansed.When they have cleansed themselves, you may go in unto them in the proper way, asGod has bidden you. God loves those who turn to Him in repentance, and He lovesthose who keep themselves pure.’ Your wives are your tilth; go, then, to your tilth asyou may desire, but first provide something for your souls. Fear God and know thatyou shall meet Him. Give the happy news to the believers. (Verses 222-223)Within marriage, sex is not an end in itself, but a means to achieving much moreprofound goals in life, not least of which is reproduction and the continuation ofhuman life. While it may satisfy the physical desire, sex during menstruation is notonly unclean and carries health risks for both man and woman, but also fails to serveits fundamental objective. As a matter of fact, sex during menstruation is not veryattractive to normal healthy people because it is not conducive to reproduction.Sound human nature tends to avoid it. On the other hand, during cleanliness sexfulfils the natural desire and achieves a natural objective. Therefore, the questionraised is given a clear answer of prohibition: “They ask you about menstruation. Say: ‘Itis an unclean condition; so keep aloof from women during menstruation, and do not drawnear to them until they are cleansed.’” (Verse 222)However, that is not the end of the matter. Sexual behaviour outside themenstruation period must conform to certain manners and standards of decency andpropriety: “When they have cleansed themselves, you may go in unto them in the properway, as God has bidden you.” (Verse 222) Here the sūrah points out that sexualintercourse is allowed only at the place where fertilization may take place. Theimmediate physical pleasure is not the only purpose of sexual intercourse; its higherpurpose is the continuity of human life. God points out what He has made lawful,and a Muslim seeks what is lawful. Moreover, God’s laws are meant to purify Hisservants. Hence the statement: “God loves those who turn to Him in repentance, and Heloves those who keep themselves pure.” (Verse 222)The sūrah then defines this aspect of the marital relationship in the most poignantand affectionate terms, saying: “Your wives are your tilth; go, then, to your tilth as youmay desire, but first provide something for your souls. Fear God and know that you shallmeet Him. Give the happy news to the believers.” (Verse 223)298