Q: While watching a Bahrain TV program, my two wives heard a Shaykh saying that sexual intercourse during Ramadan is impermissible. It seems that the Shaykh meant that sexual intercourse is impermissible during daylight hours in Ramadan rather than nights although he did not make this clear. In fact, I am still arguing with them that sexual intercourse during Ramadan nights is permissible. However, it is a prevalent belief among women that sexual intercourse during Ramadan in general is impermissible. Please, give us your opinion. As-salamu `alaykum warahmatullah wabarakatuh (May Allah's Peace, Mercy, and Blessings be upon you).

A: Allah (Exalted and Glorified be He) permitted sexual intercourse (for a married couple), eating and drinking at night during the month of Ramadan. Allah (Exalted be He) stated: It is made lawful for you to have sexual relations with your wives on the night of As-Saum (the fasts). They are Libas [i.e. body cover, or screen, or Sakan, (i.e. you enjoy the pleasure of living with her - as in Verse 7:189) Tafsir At-Tabari] for you, and you are the same for them. Allah knows that you used to deceive yourselves, so He turned to you (accepted your repentance) and forgave you. So now have sexual relations with them and seek that which Allah has ordained for you (offspring), and eat and drink until the white thread (light) of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread (darkness of night), then complete your Saum (fast) till the nightfall. Actually, sexual intercourse was made impermissible at night at the beginning of ordaining Sawm (Fast), but this ruling was later abrogated by the above-quoted Ayah (Qur'anic verse).May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.