Respected Scholar,
As-Salāmu ʿAlaikum Wa Raḥmatullāhi Wa Barakātuh,
I pray this message finds you in the best of health and īmān.
I am a follower in taqlīd of Ayatollah al-Uzma Sayyid Ali al-Sistani (may Allah protect him), and I have recently been studying the etiquettes of marital intimacy in the light of Islamic teachings at Islam.org. While I understand the general permissibility and boundaries established in Islamic law, I came across the following narrations attributed to Imām Jaʿfar as-Ṣādiq (as), which have left me with some confusion:
- It was asked of Imām as-Ṣādiq (as):
“If someone undresses his wife (and makes her naked) and looks at her, is there a problem?”
He replied:
“There is no problem, is there any better pleasure than this that exists?”
- Again a question was asked:
“Is there any problem if a husband plays with the private part of his wife?”
The Imām replied:
“There is no problem, provided that he doesn’t use anything other than his own body parts (i.e. nothing external).”
- It is narrated that Muḥammad bin al-Ais asked Imām as-Ṣādiq (as):
“Is it permissible to go near my wife naked (i.e. make love naked)?”
The Imām replied:
“No, don’t do such a thing…”
In light of the above, I respectfully seek clarification on two straightforward questions: I want you to please answer both question one by one.
- According to the rulings of Ayatollah Sistani, is it permissible for me to kiss and touch the private parts of my wife using only my body, when we are both alone and in the privacy of our bedroom?
- Is it permissible to perform sexual intercourse while both of us are fully unclothed?
I raise these questions purely out of a desire for accurate understanding and spiritual mindfulness within the boundaries of our faith. I would be grateful for your guidance in reconciling these narrations and understanding their practical application today.
Jazākumullāhu Khayran for your time and assistance. May Allah continue to bless your efforts in serving the ummah.
With sincere respect,
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Wa Alaykum Assalam wr wb.
Yes it is permissible to do all acts mentioned in your 1 and 2 questions.
Wassalam.