Husband taking an oath to forbid himself from having sexual intercourse with his wife

Q: My wife, who bore me six children, was never undutiful to me through all the previous years and I have carried out my responsibilities to her. However recently she has not been compliant in many matters, for example refusing me in bed. I have tried with her many times, but she insists on not having intercourse. She says that she will not sleep in the same bed with me, unless I grant her request, but I am not able to do what she wants. (Part No. 20; Page No. 98) Your Eminence, I lost my patience and threatened her, saying, “As for Talaq (divorce), I will never give it to you. As for the other matter, it is forbidden for me (i.e. It is forbidden for me to have intercourse with you).” After saying that, I regretted what I had said and so did she. What is the ruling on what I said and what is the solution?


A: If the reality is as you mentioned, you may have intercourse with your wife, but you must also offer Kaffarah (expiation) for your oath. You should feed or clothe ten poor people or free a believing slave. If you cannot afford this, you should perform Sawm (Fasting) for three days. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.


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