Couple Wants to Delay Consummating Marriage

14-4-2003 | IslamWeb

Question:

I have recently married. My wife and I both want to take our time before we consummate our marriage. Is there any restriction on when this has to be done or can we take our time and only do so when both of us are completely comfortable with each other?

---

Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

There is nothing in the Sharee’ah that prevents delaying sexual intercourse with one's bride after the establishment of the marriage contract provided there is mutual consent between the bride and the bridegroom. But if both or one of them fears committing Zina (adultery), then it becomes obligatory on them to consummate their marriage in order to preserve their chastity, as this is one of the main objectives of marriage. The man should not cause harm to his wife by delaying having intercourse with her.

Allah knows best.