Is foreplay recommended before intercourse?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of the Wedding Feast

Book 37 · Issue 7 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

It is recommended (*yustahabb*) for the man to play with his wife before intercourse so that her desire rises, enabling her to attain the same pleasure from the intercourse as he does. Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz narrated that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: 'Do not approach her sexually until she has attained the same level of desire as you have, so that you do not precede her in climax. When asked how, it was clarified that by kissing, touching, and caressing her, once you see she has attained what you have, then have intercourse with her.'