Q 4: A man traveled for work for a long period of time then returned home for a two day vacation but found his wife in her menstruation or postpartum period. What should he do?

A: It is permissible for the concerned man to have sexual activity with his wife but without having any intercourse in the vagina or the anus. The fact that such a man traveled for a long time and is staying with his wife for a short time does not give him any Rukhsah (concession) to have sexual intercourse with her in the vagina while the latter is in her menses or postpartum until the bleeding stops and she performs Ghusl (ritual bath following major ritual impurity). Proof for the foregoing is the generality of the Ayah (Qur'anic verse) which reads: They ask you concerning menstruation. Say: that is an Adha (a harmful thing for a husband to have a sexual intercourse with his wife while she is having her menses), therefore keep away from women during menses and go not unto them till they are purified (from menses and have taken a bath). And when they have purified themselves, then go in unto them as Allâh has ordained for you (go in unto them in any manner as long as it is in their vagina). Truly, Allâh loves those who turn unto Him in repentance and loves those who purify themselves (by taking a bath and cleaning and washing thoroughly their private parts, bodies, for their prayers). The same ruling applies for a woman who is in her postpartum period. On the other hand, sexual intercourse in the anus is always Haram (prohibited) for it is narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Whoever has sexual intercourse with his wife through her anus is accursed. (Part No. 19; Page No. 288) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.