What is the legal definition of al-'Anin (impotence)?
Chapter on the Term for the Impotent and the Castrated who is not amputated
Al-Mughni
Book of Marriage
Primary text
Al-'Anin is defined as the inability of a man to perform sexual penetration (ilaaj). This inability stems from the word 'ana'a,' meaning to obstruct, because his organ obstructs when he intends penetration. It is considered a defect in the husband that necessitates the annulment (faskh) of the marriage contract.