Is the resumption of marital relations (Raj'ah) permissible for a man whose wife is in the revocable waiting period (Iddah)?

Chapter on What the Muhrim Must Avoid and What is Permissible for Him

Al-Mughni

Book of Hajj

Book 11 · Issue 5 · Bab 3

Open in Qurani

Primary text

The resumption of marital relations (Raj'ah) is permissible. This is the established view of the majority of scholars. The basis for this permissibility is that the woman during revocable waiting period is still considered a wife, and the resumption is an act of retention (Imsak), supported by the command to 'retain them in kindness' (Quran 2:231). This is thus permitted like retention before divorce.

Supporting text

A second narration suggests that resumption is not permissible because it constitutes permitting enjoyment of a private part sought through a contract (marriage), which is forbidden for the person in Ihram, similar to the prohibition of marriage itself.