Having intercourse with the wife interrupts the succession of fasting

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Q: After a dispute with my wife, I took an oath that she was unlawful for me. I found out from a Fatwa (legal opinion issued by a qualified Muslim scholar) that what I did was Zhihar (a man likening his wife to an unmarriageable relative). I offered Sawm (fast) for two successive months but it happened that I made love to my wife without penetration. This happened more than fifteen years ago. Afterwards, I had children from her. She lives with me in my home. What should I do?

A: What you did interrupted the succession of the fasting for expiation of Zhihar because of the generality of the Saying of Allah (Exalted be He): ...must fast two successive months before they both touch each other. (Part No. 20; Page No. 324) What you did is a forbidden kind of touching. So you have to repent to Allah and fast two successive months, i.e., sixty days. Do not repeat what you did with your wife before you complete fasting two months. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.