Shortened Question:

At what point does Ghusl become Fard in Marital intimate relationship?

Question:

At what point does Ghusl become Fard in an intimate marital relationship?

Does it become Fard after foreplay (hugging, kissing, and playing with each other’s private parts) without the discharge of semen or having sex?

Is playing with each other’s private parts considered as masturbation?

Answer:

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

Ghusl (taking a bath) becomes Fard by the ejaculation of semen whether or not intercourse took place. Once the private part of the male is inserted into the private part of the female, Gusl becomes Fard whether or not semen is discharged. (Bahishti Zewar Vol. 1 Pg.72-73).

Playing with the private parts of your marital partner is foreplay and is commendable.

And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best

Mufti Saeed Ahmed Golaub

Islamic Solutions

Jamaica