Can you have sex during Ramadan?

Sajad Mahmood, CEO of Muslim Charity Right, said: ‘Observing the fast during the holy month is extremely important as it is a time for improving one’s connection to God and is a time for self-reflection, and self-control.

‘Ramadan is a month which should act as a month of spiritual training for the rest of the year. The aim of Ramadan is to help set you up with good habits for the rest of the year so you are stronger spiritually and mentally than you were before.’

Ramadan is observed by around 1.8 billion Muslims across the world – but what about sex?

If you’re wondering about the rules surrounding intimate relationships during the Islamic holy month, here’s what is and isn’t allowed.

Is sex allowed during Ramadan?

The reality is many Muslims – regardless of their marital status – will still be sexually active during the month of Ramadan.

What is and isn’t allowed, however, is tied to fasting hours.

During the fast, sex is prohibited. Once fasting finishes for the day, those things considered haram in the daylight hours are once again allowed to resume until fasting recommences the following day.

Sajad added: ‘Hugging and kissing is allowed between spouses (during daylight hours), as long as it does not lead to more than that.

‘This is so worshippers are not distracted during daylight hours and have more time for worship and for acts of goodness towards others.’

Though most time and energy should be spent on worship, Muslims are allowed to continue with their sex lives between dusk and dawn.

Islam doesn’t allow for extra-marital sexual relations, so during this holy month, non-marital sex technically should be avoided even more.

Many practising Muslims will choose to have sex more freely, though. Just as with all religions, it is down to the individual to practice what resonates with them.

Ramadan impacts many aspects of a person’s life beyond what they eat.

It affects their sex lives, social plans, hobbies and spending habits.

The month is dedicated to worship above all else, marking the prophet Muhammad’s revelation.