Question (Q-20):
If a husband and wife live far from each other, can they use the internet and video calling etc. for sexual gratification from each other?
Answer:
Spouses, especially young ones, should avoid living apart at great distances for long periods of time. A husband should try his best to return to his wife within four months.
“وبذالک أمر أمير المؤمنين الفاروق الأعظم عليه الرحمة والرضوان”
“This is what the Leader of believers, Al Fārūq Al A’dham, Sayyidunā ‘Umar Ibn Al Khattāb commanded.” (Al Fatāwā Ar Ridhwiyyah, Lahore publication, Volume 23 Page 388)
If unable to return within four months, he should arrange for her to reside with him. It is not permissible for him to gain sexual gratification from her via the internet. This is because, even though she is his wife, this method pulls one towards masturbation or adultery, and could also cause a young wife to enter into a sinful and immoral path.
When a husband and wife are physically proximate to each other, sexual satisfaction from each other can be attained through every appropriate manner. The Holy Qur’ān states:
فأتوا حرثکم أني شئتم
“So come into your tillage as you will.”
(Sūrah Al Baqarah 2:223)
And Allah knows best
Written by: Muftī Shamsulhudā Khān Misbāhī (Allah preserve him)
