Some of the Benefits of Marital Intimacy

Imam Ibnul-Qayyim Al-Jawziyah

As for his ﷺ guidance in marital intimacy and relations, it is the most complete guidance. By way of it, health is maintained, pleasure and delight for the soul is attained, and the objectives for which it is done are reached. For intimacy, at its foundation, is done for three reasons; and they are the primary objectives behind it:

1.) The preservation of lineage and perpetuity of humankind so that the number (of people) that Allah has decreed to exist within this world may be reached.

2.) The release of fluid which would cause harm if retained or built up within the body.

3.) The fulfillment of desire, the attainment of pleasure, and enjoyment of the blessing; and this is the only benefit (of the three) that remains (for intimacy) within paradise. For there is no (new) lineage nor is there any harmful build up that is in need of being expelled.  

Some of the virtuous doctors hold that intimacy is from the means for maintaining good health.

(He continued): From its benefits: (Aid in) lowering the gaze, self restraint, remaining chaste from the Haram; and the attainment of these aforementioned benefits for the woman as well. Hence, it is beneficial for the person in his Dunya and his hereafter. It is likewise beneficial for the woman. Due to this he ﷺ used to practice it and love it, and he would say:

حبب إلي من دنياكم النساء، والطيب

“Made beloved to me from your Dunya are women and sweet fragrances.” [Reported by Ahmad 3/128 and An-Nasa’i 7/61 Al-Albani graded in Sahih within Sahih Al-Jami’ no. 3124]

Source: At-Tibb An-Nabawi pg. 207-208

Translated and Summarized by Raha Batts