Issues of Intimacy and Compassion in Islam

Allah, the Exalted, says in the Quran: “And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought.” (30:21)

Islam caters to the human side of things with which one is raised with. Islam does not allow fulfilling one's sexual desire in an uncontrolled animalistic manner. Islamic writer, Muhammad Qutb said: “There is no problem with the issue of sex in Islam. Islam sets regulations through which one can satisfy his natural needs [among which is his sexual desire] and does not prevent him from doing so. The regulations set in Islam [regarding this topic] are similar to bridges set over a stream; it does not block the stream, rather organizes commuting back and forth. In this manner other goals can be achieved as well, which could not have been achieved [before the erection of the bridge]. This is exactly what Islam aims with man's sexual urge. It sets up regulations, not to prevent and suppress it; but organizes and regulates it, for these are the boundaries and limits of Allah. Allah says: “Do not transgress the boundaries of Allah.” These are the boundaries that Allah sets as safe limits within which man can disburse that energy, and with which goodness encompasses both individual and society.” (Manhaj at-Tarbiyah al-Islaamiyyah vol. 2, pg. 218-9) The Prophet forbade that one discard the beauties of this life and live a life of exile. When one of his Companions sought permission to become a celibate he forbade it. In another narration it states: 'Three people came to the houses of the Prophet asking about the worship of the Prophet. When they were informed of his worship, they saw it as little, and said: 'we are unlike the Prophet; Allah has forgiven him his past and future sins!’ One of them said: 'As for me, I will continuously pray throughout the nights.' The other said: 'I will continuously fast and not break it.' The last one said: 'I will not approach women.' The Messenger came and asked: 'Are you the ones who said this? Indeed, by Allah, I am the most god-fearing of you and pious, but I fast and break it, pray and take rest, and marry women, so whoever does not adhere to my Sunnah (i.e. my way) is not from me.' (Muslim #1401)

The Prophet commanded that Muslims get married. He said: “O youth, those of you who can afford to get married, let them get married for it is morally uplifting and would protect one from committing unlawful sex.” (Bukhari #5065)

The Prophet also informed Muslims that marriage is an act of worship. He said: “When one of you approaches his family, it too is a charity (i.e. a rewarding deed).” The Companions said: “O Messenger of Allah if one of us approaches his wife desiring her, would he receive a reward on account of that?” The Messenger of Allah said: “Won’t a person receive sin for approaching an unlawful woman? Similarly, when he approaches his wife, he will be rewarded.” (Muslim #1006)

The Prophet’s Humane Behavior

Jegens mensen in het algemeen: The Prophet was very humane in his treatment of others. He said: “O Allah Muhammad is only a human being; he becomes angry as others become angry. So any believer I have hurt, or spoken harshly towards or have punished, make that for him a source of forgiveness and a means of becoming closer to You O Allah on the Day of Resurrection.” (Muslim #2601)...