Islamic marriage advice and family advice

Is oral sex haram in Islam?

Me and my Wife are married and have one question in our mind for many year and it is:

Is sucking the genital area haram in Islam?

I will appreciate if you can answer this question with proof from Islamic books.

~ Farooq Sharif


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41 Responses »

  1. Farooq,

    Please click on this link for information on marital relations in Islam:
    http://www.zawaj.com/straight_talk.html

    SisterZ
    IslamicAnswers.com Editor

  2. Asalaam alaykum,

    It is not haraam, and don't swallow the sexual fluids. In this regard, the ruling is that the sexual fluids should not be ingested, but it also depends on your sect school of thought in some instances.

    The basic ruling regarding the wife seeking pleasure of her husband’s sexual organ is that of permissibility, however, that which is feared is that this act may lead to possible oral intake of sperm or prostatic fluids. The Hanaabilah have indicated the permissibility of a wife kissing her husband’s penis, as is mentioned in ((al-Insaaf)) of al-Maardeenee [Volume 8, Page 33], and this is the opinion of Ibn ‘Aqeel and other than him. Also, Asbagh from the Maalikiyyah has indicated the permissibility of a man kissing his wife’s private area as is mentioned in ((Tafseer al-Qurtubee)) [Volume 12, Page 231].

    Dr. Ali Jum`ah, professor of the Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence at Al-Azhar Univ., says further that licking, sucking and kissing spouse's sexual organs are all allowed, as long as it gives a person sexual gratification that will keep him away from Haram (unlawful) or starring at opposite sex (marriageable).

    Shedding more light on this, Dr. Sabri `Abdul Ra’ouf, professor of Islamic Comparative Jurisprudence, at Al-Azhar Univ, says that it's allowed for the married couple to enjoy each other as long as what they do does not run counter to the teachings of Islam or violate the public norms.

    • Ok we all agree that a women can get all satisfaction and needs for the whole act..but as A Muslim if we use our parts like tongue in to something that is not clean(vagina)and then can we say the surahs and offer prayer with that tongue and if we do then how to clean that with water....its just confused some says its good amd some says its haram...My personal thing is that it shoupd not be done...

      • So, then all children born are haram and dirty as they are born out of mixture of semen and egg and comes out of vagina? Just curiousity

  3. This question was posed to Al 'Allaamah Muhammad Ibn Naasir al-Albaani [may Allah have wide mercy on him].

    He responded

    There is no reference clearly prohibitting oral sex in the texts of Islam or the sayings of the Salaf. There are two possible reasons for this:
    1. This practice was not known to the early Muslims, and has not become widely known except after the contemporary spread of pornography and obscenity of the dissbelievers as such questions were not asked before these times.

    2. To a certain degree, this practice counts as foreplay (2), and Islam prohibits disclosing private secrets of sexual intimacy such as foreplay, intercourse, and so on.
    With the above understanding, we may conclude (Allah knows best) that oral sex is permissible but highly disliked for the following reasoning:

    1.One cannot declare the prohibition of something without clear evidence from the book of Sunnah.

    2.Oral sex was not one of the known practices of the early righteous Muslims. In addition, it is known to be the practice of dogs and of disbelievers. The muslims are encouraged to imitate the righteous salaf and are discouraged from imitating disbelievers or animals in every matter. Thus oral sex is a disliked practice and a muslim should stay away from it..

    3.Oral sex may be practiced as a form of foreplay- similar to kissing other parts of the body. But one may not indulge in it to a degree that makes it replace normal intercourse.

    4.Oral sex should not be accompanied by swallowing genital excretions of either one of the two spouses. Some of these excretions (like the pre-seminal fluid&vaginal excretions) are najis (impure) and should not come into one's mouth or on one's clothes. Furthermore, a man may not ejaculate in his wife's mouth because the mouth is not a place for seed-cultivation, not to mention possible harmful effects of this.

    5. Excessive oral sex causes harm to the genitals (more often for women than for men), and Islam prohibits causing harm.

    But its up to you in the end.
    There is no text making it haraam, so no one can say its haram.

    • I would draw a point of contention that there is too much inference with the first point that is made in this answer by the scholar. With the stories of sexual debauchery that were described in the instance of Prophet Lut's (as) city, we know that the people before the revelation of the Qur'an were practicing other forms of sex for centuries, if not thousands of years. This was a part of the questions being raised in Judaism and Christianity upon their people, as well.

      Historically, we have research and accounts of artifacts and other recoveries in the pre-islamic era of drawings, carvings, statues, various edicts, and what not detailing the history of sex, which also involved oral sex. In ancient Egypt in fact, one of their myths actually involves oral sex. We also know that the Kama Sutra was composed between 400 BCE and 200 CE in which oral sex is described. And we know that the Arabs traded with those people and may have come into this knowledge. The ancient Greeks had their myths which were exchanged with the early Persians, as well, which contained sexual knowledge, in turn.

      During the Arabic society in which Islam was revealed, from historical data including Islamic History, we know that the people of these times were involved in various forms of legal and illegal sexual acts and situations. Because the Romans as the time had actual laws regarding oral sex, there is the more than likely scenario that the Arabs, whose history suggest it, knew of oral sex whether they did it or not, too.

      The fact that all the early Muslims were not born into Islam, would garner the supposition that being former Jews, Christian and other non-Muslims and/or living in other places, they more than likely, had this knowledge. This is not to say who did what specifically, but the point given is questionable that it is only a popular advent of our times that has come into light.

      In point two, we know this not to be true from this instance in the hadith of Jabir.

      Jabir b. Abdillah reported that once he was on an expedition with the Prophet salla Allahu ʿalayhi wa sallam, and when they were close to the city of Madinah, he sped on his mount. The Prophet salla Allahu ʿalayhi wa sallam asked him why he was in such a hurry to return home. Jabir replied, “I am recently married!” The Prophet salla Allahu ʿalayhi wa sallam asked, “To an older lady or a younger one?” [the Arabic could also read: “To a widow or a virgin?”], to which he replied, “A widow.”

      The Prophet salla Allahu ʿalayhi wa sallam said, “But why didn’t you marry a younger girl, so that you could play with her, and she could play with you, and you could make her laugh, and she could make you laugh?”

      He said, “O Messenger of Allah! My father died a martyr at Uhud, leaving behind daughters, so I did not wish to marry a young girl like them, but rather an older one who could take care of them and look after them.” The Prophet salla Allahu ʿalayhi wa salam replied, “You have made the correct choice.”

      Jabir continues, “So when we were about to enter the city, the Prophet salla Allahu ʿalayhi wa sallam said to me, ‘Slow down, and enter at night, so that she who has not combed may comb her hair, and she who has not shaved may shave her private area.’ Then he said to me, ‘When you enter upon her, then be wise and gentle.’”

      [Reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim, with various wordings, in their two Sahihs]

      Though not graphically explicit, this is a clear instruction of sexual performance itself, thus belying the claim that "private secrets" were not discussed in these times. Though oral sex may not be discussed in hadiths, again, this point is ignoring the fact that the Prophet, himself, gave instruction as to what sexual encounters should be. There are more hadiths on these sexual subjects, as well.

      On that basis, the "understanding" begins to fall apart. To suggest that Muslim people would become like the disbelievers or animals because they practice oral sex draws from where exactly, then? In my estimation, it is an opinion and dislike for oral sex, but nothing more given the context of understanding human historical sexuality.

      In the answer of point 2, the scholar cannot make that claim concretely, just as I cannot claim otherwise as to who did what. Yet more than likely, we know they had the knowledge of it.

      Point 4 bears examining because clothes can be washed of the impure and he should advise to that, too. Ejaculate from my understanding is disliked from entering the mouth because it is najis and not because it is not a place of "seed cultivation." The scholar should furthermore explain the "harmful effects." Are we talking emotional, physical, psychological and/or spiritual?

      Part 5 of his advice bears to what evidence exactly? Has there ever been a study done that oral sex causes undue harm on men or women? The definition of "excessive" is conjectural, as well. An individual may think once a month is excessive whereas another may think once a day is normal.

      If the scholar can provide a scientific basis or Islamic reasoning for point 5, then please include it. Using logic, he will have to concede the historical points, however.

      I know this sound like a lot that I'm bringing up, but by leaving those avenues open to interpretation, this answer may misguide those who find pleasure from oral sex with their spouse as a halal way, though it can be thought of as makrooh provided they do not avoid that which is cautioned against, i.e. the swallowing of sexual fluids.

    • What is the reference to this Fatwa?

    • you said it it is known to be the practice of dogs and of disbelievers, so can you tell me what is the mean of this hadeeth:
      من تشبه بقوم فهو منهم
      i need explanation?

      • It means "whoever imitates (or does like) a people is among them ( or is one of them)"

        Abu Abdul Bari
        IslamicAnswers.com Editor

  4. Assalamu Aleikum,

    As far as I'm informed, the Prophet encouraged foreplay and apart from the private parts, there is not much

    to play with, in the human anatomy. All games are futile except 3: Archery, horse riding and playing with

    one's wife. Also, he said a man who enters his wife without foreplay is an animal. Now foreplay in all

    cultures involves caressing the private parts. The sixth Imam or one of the Prophet's relatives, Imam

    Sadiq was asked if a man can kiss his wife's vagina to which he replied with yes. In all sects, we have

    the promotion of halal Sex toys for marriage. Subnanallah, there is absolutely no doubt that it is halal. The

    spread of pornography in Western civilization has a lot do with the rigid morality of the Catholic church. so

    sex came into the public. The practices itself are not all haram, what is haram, is that it is shown in public

    and that it is heard and seen by other people. The concept of mutual sexual gratification is not unknown

    to Muslims and has never been, thanks to Allah.

    The

    • Not true that foreplay is restricted to the privates. Someone who thinks so is missing a lot. Foreplay includes kissing, and stroking or fondling many other body parts that have sensitive or erogenous zones.

      Wael
      IslamicAnswers.com Editor

      • @Jannah

        Can you provide the source for this sex toy allowance?

        In all sects, we have

        the promotion of halal Sex toys for marriage.

        From my understanding it is haraam to excite the husband or wife with sex toys used on each for orgasm and foreplay in specific sects, especially Shi'ites since you quoted the Jafar as-Saddiq (as), so you need to be careful in saying "all sects." Either partner can use any part of their bodies to touch, but sex toys that enter or stimulate are forbidden from what I know in most cases.

  5. No, provided it is used as foreplay(1), no fluid is swallowed and enters the stomach(2)

  6. While still on this topic, i would like someone to say something on lesbialism and bestiality... Unlike sodomy (gay), i have not seen any reference from the koran or hadith that speaks on bestiality and lesbialism.. Whilst i beleive that lesbialism and bestiality are as much condemnable as sodomy, there is no reference from the koran or sunnah, that speaks on lesbialism and bestiality or condemn it (according to my limited knowlede and few research., and if there is i would appreciate it if someone help me with the references)... Allah has condemned sodomy in the koran and label it as 'the worst sin ever committed by human' during the life time of prophet lut ... And for this sin, Allah destroyed the people with pain torment... Will i be right if i say since there is no ruling in the koran or hadith concerning lesbialism and bestiality,, then anyone who indulge him/her self in these two practices, is not doing haram??? .... Because people justify oral sex by saying that there is no reference in the koran and sunnah that made it haram and prophet muhammad neither did it nor condemn it ... Can i use this same excuse for bestiality and lesbialism???

    • You need to understand the stories in the Qur'an and of the many prophets sent on Earth as to why both issues your brought up are forbidden. Though to be honest, I think you should start your own post on that matter.

      In short, I will say this of lesbianism:

      Lesbianism is forbidden if you understand the natural order of making "pairs" of reproduction and the impressibility of letting women look at each other's privates. Since women cannot marry each other nor look at each other's privates, this is the basis against lesbian relationships from what I understand in Islam, though I am sure there are many other points I am missing.

    • Mohd,

      Please log in and submit your questions as a separate post.

      SisterZ
      IslamicAnswers.com Editor

    • If sodomy is prohibited clearly in islam then it is not such a big problem to understand that lesbianism is also restricted i.e homosexuality is prohibited. Bestiality is also haram in islam. I cannot give you reference of that hadith but i have read it which clearly describe it haram.

  7. Ha ha ha!!! Pardon me for just this please.. What am talking of is related to the original question, The issue of oral sex and it may be of vital importance to the original questioner.., because people are making oral sex halal since there is not a straight forward explicit statement in the koran or hadith that condemn it... So i want to know whether this same excuse can be used for bestiality and lesbialism, since (according to my limited knowledge and few research) there is no straight forward explicit statement in the koran and hadith that say anything on this act... And what confuse me the more is according to the present day sharia, the punishment for this crimes is death in islamic countries.... If we talk about adultory, we can reason with the sharia court if they sentence someone to death by stoning. Because even though there is no such ruling in the koran, there is such ruling in the hadith. An example is the hadith that speaks of a woman that came to the prophet and confess that she committed adultory. After the prophet turned away from her 3 times (indicating that she should go and repent), this woman 'insisted' by repetedly asking the same question and the sharia was finally applied on her.... . . . . . . . . . There are also countless verses of stoning to death in the christian bibles, and an adultorer or adultoress are to be stoned to death according to there scriptures.. . . . . Also if you talk about theft, we can reason with the sharia court if they amputate the thief hand because there is such ruling in the koran.... But there are certain exceptions,, like a thieve who is mentally ill would be spared because it would be assumed that it is his madness that drove him to steal ,, also a poor person who is stinken with poverty and has searched for means of livelihood but alas if couldnt find one, he has also seek assisstance from his muslim brother and neighbours but no one could help him (just like poverty in some african countries) may be spared because it would be assumed that he is frightened that his children and himself might die of hunger.... But you see, there is no verse in the koran which indicates that those committing lesbialism, sodomy and bestiality should be sentenced to death.. And also the prophet has not sentenced these people to death (and if there is any hadith that said lesbians, gays and bestials should be put to death, i would like someone to help me with the reference)... But why do the sharia court sentence the lesbians, bestials and gays to death by hanging when neither the koran nor the prophet muhammad has instruct them to do such???? I beleive any ruling the court may take, must be in accordance to the koran and the sunnah.... Please can someone say something on this.

    • That's a fiqh matter of punishment and one can make so many arguments and counter arguments regarding shariah court decisions, but I'm not sure if that forum is to be made here. I already provided the Islamic reasoning regarding lesbianism, but there is a lot more reasons that I don't want to go into because of the current topic. Submit a post about it and I'll definitely comment.

      I really don't want to approach the other topic your bring up and I don't think anyone really does, because it is disgusting. But I will say this, when the Qur'an says to man and woman, "we have created you in pairs," that should suffice as means to provide the evidence that you so desire.

      Yusufali translation

      49.013
      O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).

      035.011
      And Allah did create you from dust; then from a sperm-drop; then He made you in pairs. And no female conceives, or lays down (her load), but with His knowledge. Nor is a man long-lived granted length of days, nor is a part cut off from his life, but is in a Decree (ordained). All this is easy to Allah.

      Do you not see what Allah (swt) is saying in this verse? In the second ayah, Allah (swt) is describing men and women and their natural inclination to co-habitat and reproduce as this is the natural order from the description of how we came into being and how we go into making a life with a partner from the opposite gender. Allah (swt) constantly refers to man and woman in pairs and does not ever suggest that we do this with the same gender or God forbid, another inhuman creature! People who had done so were instructed not to if you reference the Bible Leviticus 18:23.

      Remember that Allah (swt) tells us that the previous Holy Books were brought into existence though they have been tampered with. The Qur'an therefore reminded us about what had been forgotten. I would hope that humans wouldn't have to be reminded about his, though.

      Would any Muslim dare to say that the Qur'an changed this law? Astagfirullah.

      Lastly, there are Qur'anic verses that say that men should treat a woman as their tilith and that is reasoned that the halal relationship between a wife and husband encompasses oral contact since it is not mentioned as being forbidden. The establishment is because of what is allowed as halal, i.e. marriage between husband and wife. Any other union and sex acts is not sanctioned by Islam. Look at adultery and fornication, though there is sex happening, it is a sin due to the haraam relationship. Please make judicial use of logic.

      And you might want to stop thinking of these things too much as they can lead to a OCD situation.

    • "So i want to know whether this same excuse can be used for bestiality and lesbianism, since (according to my limited knowledge and few research) there is no straight forward explicit statement in the koran and hadith that say anything on this act..."

      Don't be silly, brother Mohd. The Quran has clearly prohibited zina: "And do not come near zina; indeed, it is an abomination and an evil way." (17:32)

      and has ordered the believers to protect their chastity except with their spouses.

      Secondly, the Quran has said:

      Surah An-Nur, Verse 2: "The woman and the man guilty of illegal sexual intercourse, flog each of them with a hundred stripes. Let not pity withhold you in their case, in a punishment prescribed by Allah, if you believe in Allah and the Last Day. And let a party of the believers witness their punishment."

      "Illegal sexual intercourse" refers to all sexual acts outside of marriage.

      Also, the Messenger of Allah has prohibited homosexual acts.

      The presumption in Islam is that all sexual contact outside of marriage is forbidden, while all sexual contact between husband and wife is allowed, except for what was specifically forbidden, such as anal sex, or intercourse during menstruation.

      Wael
      IslamicAnswers.com Editor

      • The arabic azzina means illegal sexual intercouse, is refering to illegal sex between a male and a female.. Azzani meaning a fornicator/adultorer or azzania meaning a fornicatress/adulteress . . . . . . . . . The word zina doesnt refers to bestiality or homosexuality . . . . . . . . . . And also, the koran did spoke of sodomy "AND (remember) LUT, WHEN HE SAID TO HIS PEOPLE: YOU COMMIT alfahishah (sodomy- the worst sin) which none has preceded you in (committing) it in the alamin (mankind and jinn)" "verily, you practice sodomy with men,..." koran28-29... And brother wael, you said the prophet prohibits homosexuality (i would assume this word to refer to both sodomy and lesbialism).. Please for the sake of Allah, i would want you to give the reference, just to increase my knowledge.... Let even assume, the prophet has forbiden lesbialism., then what about bestiality??? Am sure the koran has said nothing about it, or am i wrong? Also the prophet did not say anything about it, or am i wrong? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . You know, there is one point am trying to bring out here., am not trying to justify or legallise these disgusting practices and crimes ... Infact lesbialism and bestiality are utterly utterly disgusting to me. just like sodomy, adultory and fornication are also utterly utterly disgusting to me.. But you see, just because the koran has said nothing on bestiality and lesbialism, and also the prophet muhammad has said nothing about it, no muslim (in his right mind) would legalise this disgusting acts ... This is not a sufficient reason, and had it being this crimes were in existance during the life time of the prophet, the prophet would have definately forbid it and the prophet would have put down strict law on these crimes... Why cant we do thesame justice to oral sex and sucking the breast milk of someones wife??? As far as am concern, this practices are utterly disgusting. I just cant imagine my self kissing or licking or sucking my wife's pussy (genital area)., Or drinking my wife's breast milk, it's utterly disgusting... Am sure, had it been the muslims during the prophet's life time were practicing this disgusting acts, the prophet would have definately utterly forbid it... So we shouldnt 'legalise' what Allah and His prophet has not made legal., ie sucking spouse genital area or drinking wive's breast milk.. Just like we cant legalise bestiality and lesbialism because the prophet did not legalise it... ALLAH KNOWS BEST.. AND TO ERR IS HUMAN

      • @professorx ... If we are to make any reference concerning 'any matter' in islam, we are to make reference with the koran or the sunnah... This is what the prophet instruct the muslims... We cannot make reference with the jewish and christian scriptures. The prophet said we may accept some verses of the ahlil kitab scriptures so long as that verse is exactly inline with what the koran or hadith says.. And we are to discard any verse of there book that goes against the koran or hadith.. And we are neither to accept nor reject the verse of there book that speaks on something 'which the koran or hadith has not comment on'.

        • The line I mentioned in the Bible is in line with the nature of the Qur'an in allowing sex only between two married people and therefore is why I mentioned it in light of using the Qur'an not abrogating it. So there is relevance there the Qur'an says it is a reminder. Heed those words judiciously. We know that the sexual acts you mentioned were illegal before and the Qur'an did not allow it since it was already outlawed. If we use the Qur'an as the bar in what is allowed sexually, we should know that the Bible verse I mentioned is relevant. It's that simple. If a Bible verse is in contradiction to Qur'an, we do not accept it. It's a delicate balance, but for this case, it should be clearly relevant.

          However, by bringing up these other subjects was just to voice your distaste for oral sex and that you want it made illegal? Couldn't you have just cut to the chase and said that without the other semantics? That would have saved a lot typing. No one is forcing you to do that which you refuse in this matter, so how does a halal act between two other people affect you, the ummah or go against Allah (swt)?

          Also, please stop using graphic words to describe women's anatomy. It's unbecoming.

    • Are you aware about the people of prophet Lut Alaihissalam ?

    • Annnnnd. Waaaw I have something to say ... OK .. while we talking about sex.

      • Egypt, I deleted your comment because it was crude and vulgar. This is an Islamic website. If you want to publish a comment here, please use appropriate language.

        Wael
        IslamicAnswers.com Editor

  8. Hello, I am from Turkey. In a few resources written in Turkish language, i saw this question was replied with this ayah:
    222. And they ask you about menstruation. Say: It is a discomfort; therefore keep aloof from the women during the menstrual discharge and do not go near them until they have become clean; then when they have cleansed themselves, go in to them as Allah has commanded you; surely Allah loves those who turn much (to Him), and He loves those who purify themselves.

  9. assalam alaykum,
    the question of brother mohd is answered in many aayat of the qur'an. notable among them is suratul mominoon. when allah said
    ﴿وَالَّذِينَ هُمْ لِفُرُوجِهِمْ حَـفِظُونَ - إِلاَّ عَلَى أَزْوَجِهِمْ أَوْ مَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَـنُهُمْ فَإِنَّهُمْ غَيْرُ مَلُومِينَ - فَمَنِ ابْتَغَى وَرَآءَ ذلِكَ فَأُوْلَـئِكَ هُمُ الْعَادُونَ ﴾
    And those who guard their private parts. Except from their wives and their right hand possessions, for then, they are free from blame. But whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors.)

  10. I strongly object people who call things easily disliked or makruh. There is one restriction in Quran(one must not go near his wife while she's menstruating) and one in sahih hadith(one must not have intercourse in anus). All other means of pleasure are allowed. Don't let relations devoid of pleasure or you'll lead people to illicit intercourses or atleast make it impossible for them to guard sight.

  11. Sallamualleikum, I still not get it right is it that I can play with my wife till d extend of kissing or linking her private part?

  12. Assalamualikum ! Is a single sex haram in islam? If yes please explain it , thank you

    • ahmed hussain, if you mean masturbation, we have posted many questions and answers on this subject. Please search our archives.

      Wael
      IslamicAnswers.com Editor

    • I deleted all your comments. The questions you asked have all been answered repeatedly on this website, in some cases right on this very page. Besides, I'm not convinced that you're not a troll.

      Wael
      IslamicAnswers.com Editor

  13. The reason of you asking the question is an indication that your heart is not convinced with this act... hence you should avoid it as when things are not right you feel uncomfortable about it, that is how we are designed.

  14. Dear @Professor X, I want to endorse you with pasting the translation of Bible Leviticus 18:22-23

    And to my knowledge, our faith is not complete without endorsing/verifying/testifying the Holy Divine books. They are also source of enlightenment, (but if there is any doubt, final word would be of that of the Noble Qur'an.)

    22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind; it is abomination

    23 And thou shalt not lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith; neither shall any woman stand before a beast, to lie down thereto; it is perversion.

  15. it is not haraam. only Makrooh (disliked) if the semen enters your mouth

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