The Case of One Who Involves Himself in Carnal Relations with his Wife in the State of al-’Ihram after Completing Some Acts of al-Hajj

“I once asked abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), about a man who performs seven time Tawaf around the House, then performs Sa‘y between al-Safa’ and al-Marwah four times, and feels trouble in his stomach. He then goes to his lodging and relieves himself; then he overwhelms his wife for (sexual intercourse). He (the Imam) said, ‘He must do Ghusl (bath) and return to complete his Sa‘y between al-Safa’ and al-Marwah with another three walking, ask his Lord for forgiveness and there is nothing on him.’ I then asked, ‘What is the rule if he performs obligatory Tawaf around the House, and after the fourth round of walking he feels trouble in his stomach, goes to relieve himself and overwhelms his wife for (sexual intercourse). He (the Imam) said, ‘His al-Hajj is destroyed, he owes one badanah. He must do Ghusl (bath), go back to perform Tawaf of seven times, then perform Sa‘y between al- Safa’ and al-Marwah and ask his Lord for forgiveness.’ I asked, ‘Why is there not anything on him when he performs sexual intercourse with his wife before completing Sa‘y of seven times walking for complete Sa‘y, as he owes one offering because of his sexual intercourse with his wife before completing Tawaf? He (the Imam) said, ‘Tawaf is obligatory and there is Salat (prayer) with it. Sa‘y is of the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah, O Allah, grant compensation to Muhammad and his family worthy of their services to Your cause. I then said, ‘Has Allah not said, “Al-Safa’ and al-Marwah are of the reminders of Allah?”’ He (the Imam) said, ‘Yes, He has done so, there are also these words of Allah (to consider), “If one volunteers goodness he will find Allah appreciative and all-Knowing.” Had Sa‘y been obligatory He would not say, “Those who volunteer”.”’