What is the ruling on two women engaging in physical contact (tadāluk)?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Ḥudūd (Prescribed Penalties)

Book 51 · Issue 1 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

Two women engaging in physical contact are considered adulteresses and are cursed. This is based on the Prophet's statement that if a woman approaches a woman, they are both adulteresses. No fixed punishment (Hadd) is incumbent upon them because the act does not involve penetration (īlāj), resembling direct contact without penetration of the private parts. They are subject to disciplinary punishment (Ta'zīr) because it is considered adultery for which there is no Hadd, similar to a man touching a woman without intercourse.