Islam is a total and complete way of life, therefore, sex education is part of the Islamic teachings. The Qur’an cites numerous injunctions related to matrimonial life, and the Prophet (saw) had explained these teachings in a noble way. Allah (swt) says in Surah Al-Nisa (The Women) the following: “O people, keep your duty to your Lord, who created you from a single being and creates its mate of the same (kind), and spread from these two many men and women. And keep your duty to Allah, by whom you demand one of another (your rights), and (to) the ties of relationship. Surely Allah is ever a Watcher over you.” (Qur’an 4: 1)

However, in Surah Al-Rum (The Roman) the Qur’an states the following about the creation of mankind: “And among His signs in this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your hearts: verily in that are signs for those who reflect.” (Qur’an 30: 21)

Again the Qur’an stresses the idea that people should get married. In Surah Al-Nur (The Light) Allah says the following: “Marry off any single persons among you, as well as your honorable servants and maids. If they are poor, Allah will enrich them from His bounty. Allah is boundless, Aware.” (Qur’an 24: 32)

This type of teaching does give confidence to people and trust in the Creator who is the Provider for all. One should not only be looking for wealth, position or status, but he should also put his trust in Allah. In one Hadith, the Prophet (saw) assured people the financial help of Allah if they get married and to live a pure and clean life. The Hadith goes as follows: “Three groups of people Allah obliged Himself to help them: Mujahid in the cause of Allah, a worker to pay his debts, and the one who wants to marry to live a chase life.” (Tirmidhi)

Islam does encourage people to get married as soon as they are ready to assume the responsibility of the matrimonial life. The Prophet (saw) said: “O young people! Whoever can assume the responsibility let him get married as it helps him cast down his gaze and protects his private organs; and whoever cannot, he should fast as it is a protection for him.” (Jama’ah)

Islam is against ascetic life. People are to live and enjoy their worldly and spiritual life at one time. The Prophet (saw) said: “Indeed Allah has replaced for us the ascetic life with the pure and magnanimous law.” (Tabrani)

At the same time, Islam condemns anyone who involves himself in sex outside matrimonial life, whether before marriage or after marriage. Adultery and fornication are a big sin; and the person, if caught, is to be penalized accordingly. (An-Nur: 2).

Islam also condemns those who claim they are living by a common law system. Islamic teachings stipulate that a believing and a faithful person will attain blessings for a maximum of fifty percent of blessings and rewards will be earned through marriage. This means that marriage is a blessing from Allah to mankind if both parties are using it in the appropriate way, method, and frequency.

To enjoy matrimonial life, a believing person will receive rewards and blessings from the Creator. This means that Allah will give the husband and wife rewards while they are fulfilling their biological needs and desires. There are, of course, rules and regulations, as to how, how often, where and when to enjoy their matrimonial life. Hence, matrimonial life is not a sin, but a blessing. It is considered a matter of worship like prayer, fasting, pilgrimage, charity and other good things a person does for himself and for mankind.

If spouses follow the rules and regulations of matrimonial life which are stipulated in the Qur’an and Hadith, they will not have any diseases such as AIDS, and venereal diseases. They will continue to enjoy life with “safe sex”, and at the same time, they are to be rewarded for it in this life and in the hereafter.

In the hereafter, there will be a permanent life in paradise, and both husband and wife shall enjoy their matrimonial lives. In Surah Yasin, Allah says the following: “Verily the companions of the garden shall that day have joy in all that they do. They and their associates will be in pleasant shade, reclining on raised couches. Every fruit will be there for them.” (Yasin: 55-57)

This type of life in Paradise is full of happiness without any problems. Women will not have their monthly periods, and there will not be any venereal diseases. It will be a life of enjoyment, a life of entertainment, a life of happiness, and a life of eternal peace.

While the life in Paradise is full of enjoyment, one has to enjoy this life too. Matrimonial life on this earth should be a life of blessing, rewards, enjoyment, and happiness. In a Hadith about the matrimonial life as a life of entertainment. The Prophet (saw) said: “This world is a life of entertainment; and the best entertainment is a virtuous woman.” (Muslim)

by Dr. Ahmad H. Sakr