Most-asked question

What is the ruling on intercourse while fasting?

127 fatawa in the archive answer questions on this, from 6 South African Darul Iftas (AskImam, Mufti Online, Ibn Masood, Azaadville, DU Zakariyya, Camperdown). Below, each Darul Ifta’s answer is quoted word for word from the opening of one of its fatawa.

Based on the fatawa linked below. Please read the sources and double-check with a Darul Ifta for your situation.

Consult a mufti for your situation. Fatawa SA is a read-only archive and issues no rulings of its own.

What the Darul Iftas say

“In principle, if a person is absolutely certain that his actions will not break his fast by leading to ejaculation or intercourse, then he is allowed certain actions. For example, he is allowed to kiss his wife, touch his wife, see her naked etc. while in the state of fasting.”

AskImam — Is it permissible to fondle your wife while fasting? · 9 Feb 2020

“Whilst fasting just as it is impermissible to indulge in sexual activities similarly it is impermissible to fantasize about sexual activities. As far as looking at pornography is concerned it is totally prohibited in Sharee’at. Committing these major sins in the state of fasting destroys the reward of the fast completely.”

Mufti Online — Ejaculating due to Fantasizing or Looking at Pornography whilst Fasting · 23 Jan 2012

“If you merely stimulated your private part and ejaculation did not occur, then the fast will not become void. However, if ejaculation (of sperm) took place, then the fast will become void. Only qadha will be necessary. There will be no Kaffarah (i.e. you do not have to keep 60 consecutive fasts as compensation).”

Azaadville — Masturbation While Fasting · 3 Mar 2025

“By masturbating the fast is nullified, hence one is required to make Qadhaa of the fast. Kaffarah will not be necessary. In the case of doubt, one may keep Qadha of the fast as a precautionary measure.”

Ibn Masood — Masturbating whilst fasting · 8 Nov 2022

Quotes are the opening words of each answer as published; the full answer, its conditions and references are on the fatwa page. Answers depend on the exact details of each question.

Read the fatawa

  1. Will there be kaffarah if a person was to eat after breaking his fast through masturbation? AskImam · 5 Mar 2025
  2. Masturbation While Fasting Azaadville · 3 Mar 2025
  3. Kaffarah for intercourse during Ramadaan Ibn Masood · 29 Mar 2024
  4. Is kaffarah of fast necessary due to masturbation? Camperdown · 24 Mar 2023
  5. Kaffaarah for having intercourse with one's wife while fasting in the month of Ramadhaan Mufti Online · 19 May 2022
  6. Does a French kiss invalidate fasting? DU Zakariyya · 26 May 2005
  7. My wife tells me not to observe optional fasts on certain days. What should I do? AskImam · 26 Jan 2021
  8. Kissing While Fasting Azaadville · 15 Jan 2022
  9. Ejaculating whilst fasting Ibn Masood · 18 Mar 2024
  10. Kaffaarah for having intercourse with one's wife while fasting in the month of Ramadhaan Mufti Online · 11 May 2022
  11. What is the Kaffārah for sexual relations during Ramadan on various occasions? DU Zakariyya
  12. Does masturbation break ones fast? AskImam · 13 May 2020
  13. Is it permissible to fondle your wife while fasting? AskImam · 9 Feb 2020
  14. Ejaculating due to Fantasizing or Looking at Pornography whilst Fasting Mufti Online · 23 Jan 2012
  15. Masturbating whilst fasting Ibn Masood · 8 Nov 2022

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