1. Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims
  2. Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims

Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims

14 Questions

Does Islam recognise marital rape? If yes, then how is it defined and what punishment is applicable for it?
Hassanain Govani

Salaamun Alaykum

I do not belive the exact phrase "marital rape" occurs in Islamic sources. That, however, does not mean that Islam condones rape within a marital context. 

The Quranic command is for husband and wife to live with each other honourably and kindly. A number of ahadith further put emphasis on this. Husbands are ordered to treat their wives with fairness, kindness and patience. They are not to harm them. 

As for sexual intercourse, husbands are further ordered to take care of their wives' needs and the husband is not to proceed with the actual coitus until the wife is ready.

Again, we remind ourselves that husbands are not allowed to mistreat and/or harm their wives. 

Hence, although the terminology "marital rape" does not occur in the sources (as far as I know), I believe one must conclude that the act as such is not allowed.

In need of your prayers
If a woman gets pregnant after being raped can she give birth to the child? Is the child considered legitimate as no man may marry her after that?
Amina Inloes

1. Abortion is forbidden. A child is a human with a right to life regardless of how it is conceived. However, some scholars allow abortion in this situation if keeping the child is psychologically or personally traumatic. It is certainly not a requirement to abort the child.

2. "No man may marry her after that" - who said that? Yes, some people have some backwards ideas about virginity or purity or marrying a woman with kids, but these ideas are from people, not Islam. If the woman wishes to marry, inshallah she will find the right husband. Maybe she would not want to be married to someone who thinks in a wrong way. 

Allah is merciful and just. It would not be merciful or just for Allah to punish the victim in this situation by forcing more consequences on her after the first trauma.

 
Is it allowed to marry a rape victim?
Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi

Yes of course. It is not only permissible, but it can be a very noble act to help a rape victim to build her life and get her out of the sufferings which were imposed on her with out any fault from her. Those who help others will be helped and blessed by Allah (SWT).

Wassalam.
Is it true that Islam requires a raped woman to provide four witnesses in order to get justice?
Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi

Not true.

Raped woman gets justice immediately after the criminal is arrested and evidence is established against him.

Wassalam.