Abrogation of the Law of the Previous Shariats

اُحِلَّ لَكُمْ لَيْلَةَ الصِّيَامِ الرَّفَثُ اِلىٰ نِسَآئِكُمْ  

Surah Baqarah, Aayat 187

“Intimacy with your wives during the night of fasting has been made lawful.”

In the previous Shariats [the Deen of Isa, Musa and other Ambiya Alaihimus Salaam] the factors which nullify Saum (fasting) which are eating, drinking and intimacy, were lawful from Maghrib till Isha. After Isha these became haraam.

This law prevailed till the time of our Nabi (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) when Umar (Radhiyallahu Ta’ala anhu), and some other Sahaabah, overcome by carnal passion indulged in intimacy after Isha during the nights of Ramadhaan.

The next day, full of remorse he expressed this before Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam). The Aayat was consequently revealed and their sin was forgiven.

It was then clarified that intimacy, eating and drinking had been made halaal till the time of Fajr. They were now given this concession. Intimacy during I’tikaaf, however, remained forbidden.

(Al-Ikleel Ala Madaarikit Tanzeel)