Is sexual intercourse disliked for one who lacks water but does not fear impotence?
Chapter on Tayammum
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
There are two rulings concerning intercourse for one who lacks water (ma' al-adami) but does not fear impotence (al-'unut). The preferred ruling is that it is permissible without dislike. This is supported by the actions of Ibn Abbas having intercourse with his non-Arab slave girl while lacking water, then praying with his companions, including Ammar, without objection. Ishaq bin Rahwayh affirmed that this practice is a Sunnah established from the Prophet, peace be upon him, concerning Abu Dharr and Ammar and others. If they found water sufficient to wash their private parts, they were to wash them and then perform Tayammum. If water was unavailable, they perform Tayammum for both major impurity (Janaabah), minor impurity, and impurity (najasah), and then pray.
Supporting text
One opinion states that intercourse is disliked in this situation because the person foregoes a state of purity that could have been maintained. A specific nuance was recounted from Al-Awza'i: if a period of four nights had passed between him and his family, he should abstain (from intercourse), but if it was three nights or less, he should not abstain.