Sex Is Insignificant?

[Three-One-Three]

How can we reconcile Islam rendering sexuality as both insignificant and the most pleasurable thing in existence? Keep in mind our destination will be heaven and sex will be the most engaged-upon activity in heaven. Is sex insignificant only in this world, but significant in heaven?

Imam Ali (AS): “He whose intellect is complete finds sexual desires insignificant.” [Ghurar Al-Hikam, No. 8226]

Imam Sadiq (AS): “Indeed, the people of heaven do not take delight in the pleasures of heaven more than sex; neither food nor drink has that much pleasure for them.” [Wasail Al-Shia, V. 20, Hadith 24929]

It was asked of Imam Sadiq (AS): “If someone undresses his wife (and makes her naked) and looks at her, is there a problem?” He replied: “There is no problem, is there any better pleasure than this that exists?” [Hadiyah Al-Mutaqin, P. 111]

[Belle]

Marriage is half your deen, which is in part for halal sex... I think the point here is that people should not be sex obsessed as many people are. Or dont get attached to sex or any worldly desire, those needs should be fulfilled to the point you need to be able to focus on higher thinking but dont make them the end goal. 

[Ruq]

Your 2nd quote taken literally seems absurd. Sex is a biological function for the procreation of a species. Unless you think there is a need for procreation in heaven it makes no sense that it would exist there. If theres some sort of sensual pleasure available in the afterlife it would surely be without biological function and as the inclination for and experience of copulation is so integrally related to biological function it doesnt really make sense that it would exist in the same way does it? Maybe there is some kind of sensual experience available analogous to the orgasm or something but 'sex' in terms of copulation would seem to be an inapropriate word.

[Mzwakhe]

salam,
sex (being male or female)? sexual intercourse is not to be done with anyone, anywhere, anyhow!
Sacred are the married interactions, blessed they are who are married.
ws

[narsis]

Bismillah.

Salaam.

Sexuality is one of the important and even sacred powers in the world and this is why it should be kept between its jurisprudential lines.

With Duas.

Narsis.

[maes]

On 4/28/2015 at 8:38 PM, Three-One-Three said:

How can we reconcile Islam rendering sexuality as both insignificant and the most pleasurable thing in existence? Keep in mind our destination will be heaven and sex will be the most engaged-upon activity in heaven. Is sex insignificant only in this world, but significant in heaven?

Imam Ali (as): “He whose intellect is complete finds sexual desires insignificant.” [Ghurar Al-Hikam, No. 8226]

Imam Sadiq (as): “Indeed, the people of heaven do not take delight in the pleasures of heaven more than sex; neither food nor drink has that much pleasure for them.” [Wasail Al-Shia, V. 20, Hadith 24929]

It was asked of Imam Sadiq (as): “If someone undresses his wife (and makes her naked) and looks at her, is there a problem?” He replied: “There is no problem, is there any better pleasure than this that exists?” [Hadiyah Al-Mutaqin, P. 111]

Indeed Quran believes that sex is one of the most pleasurable thing even in this world.

God knows this very well !

Quran is speaking with different kinds of audiences.

One day Ali (AS) said to Salman, "Do you want me that I show you your position in heaven", Salman replied "Yes", Then Ali showed him and asked, "do you want to go there now"

Salman replied : "No, I only want you and to accompany you, oh Ali"

Some people may want to go to heaven just for the sex, Are they worshiping God just for sex !!! They are more like sex worshipers !!!

But God is very merciful and he does not prevent his bounty even from those Mushriks (those who want heaven for the sex). We do not have anything to be proud of. We are nothing.

Ali ibn abi Talib (AS) says :

"""

• A group of people worshipped Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى out of desire for reward; this is the worship of traders. Another group worshipped Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى out of fear; this is the worship of slaves. Yet another group worshipped Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى out of gratitude; this is the worship of freemen.
• Even if Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى had not warned those disobedient to Him of chastisement, it was obligatory by way of gratefulness for His favours that He should not be disobeyed.
• My Lord, I did not worship you out of fear from Your Fire, nor out of desire for Your Paradise; but I found You worthy of worship, so I worshipped You.

"""

Moreover, it is advised by Ahlul Bait that people should not get naked totally during sex, this is a very perfect and adequate advice from the psychology point of view.

[The Green Knight]

On 4/28/2015 at 8:38 PM, Three-One-Three said:

How can we reconcile Islam rendering sexuality as both insignificant and the most pleasurable thing in existence? Keep in mind our destination will be heaven and sex will be the most engaged-upon activity in heaven. Is sex insignificant only in this world, but significant in heaven?

Imam Ali (as): “He whose intellect is complete finds sexual desires insignificant.” [Ghurar Al-Hikam, No. 8226]

Imam Sadiq (as): “Indeed, the people of heaven do not take delight in the pleasures of heaven more than sex; neither food nor drink has that much pleasure for them.” [Wasail Al-Shia, V. 20, Hadith 24929]

It was asked of Imam Sadiq (as): “If someone undresses his wife (and makes her naked) and looks at her, is there a problem?” He replied: “There is no problem, is there any better pleasure than this that exists?” [Hadiyah Al-Mutaqin, P. 111]

Thats painfully simple. When it comes to intellect of course sexual desire is going to occupy the mind, being deep rooted and strong, and will end up influencing your judgments and decisions if you allow it. Its an animal emotion. Emotions tend to corrupt wisdom. However, experiencing pleasure of sex and admitting that its one of a kind is obviously an other thing.

[peace seeker II]

Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire - of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return. 3:14

in this life our own pleasures are secondary to pleasing Allah. The next life is all about pleasure 24/7 .. which will be in line with pleasure of Allah.

It's good to think of it this way: when Adam came down to earth, his last thought was sex most probably. He was probably busy repenting, working and looking forwards to getting out of here asap, wa Allahu Aalam ..

although im pretty sure he thought marriage and union with Eve was important, for the sake of killing loneliness, and uniting in the effort to please Allah together .. in a complete and peaceful way

[Mirkhalil]

On 4/28/2015 at 8:38 PM, Three-One-Three said:

How can we reconcile Islam rendering sexuality as both insignificant and the most pleasurable thing in existence? Keep in mind our destination will be heaven and sex will be the most engaged-upon activity in heaven. Is sex insignificant only in this world, but significant in heaven?

Imam Ali (as): “He whose intellect is complete finds sexual desires insignificant.” [Ghurar Al-Hikam, No. 8226]

Imam Sadiq (as): “Indeed, the people of heaven do not take delight in the pleasures of heaven more than sex; neither food nor drink has that much pleasure for them.” [Wasail Al-Shia, V. 20, Hadith 24929]

It was asked of Imam Sadiq (as): “If someone undresses his wife (and makes her naked) and looks at her, is there a problem?” He replied: “There is no problem, is there any better pleasure than this that exists?” [Hadiyah Al-Mutaqin, P. 111]

We should distinguish between two situations. it is clear that one of strongest desire in this world is sexual desire which according to different traditions we are advised not to obsess to it. this desire is common among human and animals and the only difference is that the way of answering to it. So there is no contradiction between these situations.

but in hereafter, sexual desire is one of desires that will be provided for Human as it mentioned in the Quran.

Allahسُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى says :

لَكُمْ فِيهَا مَا تَشتَهِي أَنفُسكُمْ وَ لَكُمْ فِيهَا مَا تَدَّعُونَ‏

you shall have therein what your souls desire and you shall have therein what you ask for (41:31)

[eThErEaL]

How can we reconcile Islam rendering sexuality as both insignificant and the most pleasurable thing in existence? 

Because there is both profane sexuality and sacred sexuality.  Profane sexuality is insignificant.  Sacred sexuality is significant.  Profane sexuality is when the intelligence which contemplates God is absent or not being used.  Sacred sexuality is when God is contemplated.  

[Ali Musaaa :)]

On 4/29/2015 at 10:43 PM, Ruq said:

Your 2nd quote taken literally seems absurd. 

No it doesn't. You're projecting an interpretation onto the text that isnt even there and then saying if taken literally it seems absurd. This sounds far more absurd than reading the hadith literally. 

On 4/29/2015 at 10:43 PM, Ruq said:

Sex is a biological function for the procreation of a species. 

Yes, but the production of offspring is a consequence of sex. It is not the sole purpose for intimacy between a man and his wife - certainly not according to the Prophet [sa] and Imams [as]. It is an act of shared love and compassion between a man and women, and it has never been looked at in the Islamic tradition as something just as means of procreating. This is a medieval christian understanding, which we reject. And even if were the purpose of procreation, that is clearly not what the hadith is talking about. 

The Imam is referring to the physical act of intercourse between a man and a women. This has a lot more to it than just 'procreation'. 

The hadith is talking about the physical pleasure derived from the act and not the consequence of it (the procreation of mankind). 

Imam Sadiq  (as): “Indeed, the people of heaven do not take delight in the pleasures of heaven more than sex neither food nor drink has that much pleasure for them.” [Wasail Al-Shia, V. 20, Hadith 24929]

Edited December 26, 2017 by Hameedeh
Line-through or strike-through fonts were removed.

[Sumerian]

Quote

Muhammad b. Yahya, from Ahmad b. Muhammad b. Isa, from Mu'ammar b. Khallad who said: I heard Ali b. Musa al Reda (as) say: "Three (characteristics) are from the sunnah of the messengers (prophets): Itar (Islamic perfume), taking (shaving/trimming) the hair and abundance of sexual partners."

 

Grading

 

Baqir Majlisi (Miratul Uqul, Volume 20, Page5 : Sahih (authentic)

Bahboodi (Sahih al Kafi, Volume 3, Page 5): Sahih (authentic)

[maes]

On 5/3/2015 at 2:16 AM, al-Ibrahimi said:

 

Quote

Muhammad b. Yahya, from Ahmad b. Muhammad b. Isa, from Mu'ammar b. Khallad who said: I heard Ali b. Musa al Reda (as) say: "Three (characteristics) are from the sunnah of the messengers (prophets): Itar (Islamic perfume), taking (shaving/trimming) the hair and abundance of sexual partners."

 

Grading

 

Baqir Majlisi (Miratul Uqul, Volume 20, Page5 : Sahih (authentic)

Bahboodi (Sahih al Kafi, Volume 3, Page 5): Sahih (authentic)

 

Just to say that there are hadithes which show excessive sex is harmful for body. Sex has special times, special places, and special things should be considered before sex in Shia theology.

[Guest Ali]

As with all other things, a middle path may be a practical solution to affairs regarding sexuality.

This issue needs to be discussed in more detail by our religious scholars, although there has been increasingly more effort in this regard.

Allah swt has kept the affairs of ummah simple. An open and balanced discussion on public forums is needed to have a clear understanding on these kind of issues. 

[Intellectual Resistance]

On 29/04/2015 at 1:38 AM, Three-One-Three said:

How can we reconcile Islam rendering sexuality as both insignificant and the most pleasurable thing in existence? Keep in mind our destination will be heaven and sex will be the most engaged-upon activity in heaven. Is sex insignificant only in this world, but significant in heaven?

Imam Ali (AS): “He whose intellect is complete finds sexual desires insignificant.” [Ghurar Al-Hikam, No. 8226]

Imam Sadiq (AS): “Indeed, the people of heaven do not take delight in the pleasures of heaven more than sex; neither food nor drink has that much pleasure for them.” [Wasail Al-Shia, V. 20, Hadith 24929]

It was asked of Imam Sadiq (AS): “If someone undresses his wife (and makes her naked) and looks at her, is there a problem?” He replied: “There is no problem, is there any better pleasure than this that exists?” [Hadiyah Al-Mutaqin, P. 111]

Gradings of the traditions please?  Our books are not composed only of reliable narrations. Each narration needs to be examined, and if we were not to scrutinise the authenticity of what was relayed, we would accept anything and everything. Are these traditions (especially  the second given it pertains to the topic) authentic or not?

[ShiaMan14]

On 4/28/2015 at 7:38 PM, Three-One-Three said:

Imam Ali (AS): “He whose intellect is complete finds sexual desires insignificant.” [Ghurar Al-Hikam, No. 8226]

Salaam,

This does not mean sex is insignificant. It means people of higher intellect are not consumed by sexual desires all the time. In the world of advertising, there is a common phrase "sex sells". Imam Ali is telling us to increase our intellect to where we are not consumed by our sexual desires.

[MohammadAli1993]

On 30/04/2015 at 8:39 AM, maes said:

Indeed Quran believes that sex is one of the most pleasurable thing even in this world.

God knows this very well !

Quran is speaking with different kinds of audiences.

One day Ali (AS) said to Salman, "Do you want me that I show you your position in heaven", Salman replied "Yes", Then Ali showed him and asked, "do you want to go there now"

Salman replied : "No, I only want you and to accompany you, oh Ali"

Some people may want to go to heaven just for the sex, Are they worshiping God just for sex !!! They are more like sex worshipers !!!

But God is very merciful and he does not prevent his bounty even from those Mushriks (those who want heaven for the sex). We do not have anything to be proud of. We are nothing.

Ali ibn abi Talib (AS) says :

"""

• A group of people worshipped Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى out of desire for reward; this is the worship of traders. Another group worshipped Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى out of fear; this is the worship of slaves. Yet another group worshipped Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى out of gratitude; this is the worship of freemen.
• Even if Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى had not warned those disobedient to Him of chastisement, it was obligatory by way of gratefulness for His favours that He should not be disobeyed.
• My Lord, I did not worship you out of fear from Your Fire, nor out of desire for Your Paradise; but I found You worthy of worship, so I worshipped You.

"""

Moreover, it is advised by Ahlul Bait that people should not get naked totally during sex, this is a very perfect and adequate advice from the psychology point of view.

Can you please elaborate about the last part of your sentence. About not being naked. 

[YAli]

On 4/30/2015 at 3:43 AM, Ruq said:

Your 2nd quote taken literally seems absurd. Sex is a biological function for the procreation of a species. Unless you think there is a need for procreation in heaven it makes no sense that it would exist there. If theres some sort of sensual pleasure available in the afterlife it would surely be without biological function and as the inclination for and experience of copulation is so integrally related to biological function it doesnt really make sense that it would exist in the same way does it? Maybe there is some kind of sensual experience available analogous to the orgasm or something but 'sex' in terms of copulation would seem to be an inapropriate word.

erm... so why do you think married couples continue to do it after they have had kids? Maybe because it is, erm, nice? 

[Sumerian]

For the people who are expecting replies back, check the post date of the people you responded to.

This thread was created in 2015.

[SoRoUsH]

Salam, 

Most Shi'ite are confused and misguided about sex and its significance in Islam, because they're heavily influenced by non-shiite philosophies and religions. 

We, unlike Catholics and pagans, who influenced Catholicism, do not see a battle between our flesh and our spirits. There's no dualism in that sense. Appropriate pleasures of the flesh strengthen our spirits and vice versa. 

Sex, like food, is regulated in Islam, but neither are frowned upon or considered for the weak minded. Eat good food and have good sex. Enjoy sex as you enjoy food. There should be zero, and I repeat zero, sense of shame or guilt attached to sex. Eat a variety of food and have sex with a variety of people, but remember, eat halal food and have halal sex. We're neither Manichean nor Catholics nor Sunni. We've been blessed with Mutah. Sex is good for your body and spirit, as long as it's within the boundary set by Allah. 

[YAli]

3 hours ago, Sumerian said:

For the people who are expecting replies back, check the post date of the people you responded to.

This thread was created in 2015.

 How on earth did i not notice this 

[maes]

On 12/28/2017 at 4:52 PM, MohammadAli1993 said:

Can you please elaborate about the last part of your sentence. About not being naked. 

The jurists believe, based on the hadithes, it is better that men have some covering during sex. This is a preference not a must. You can refer to your marja.

[Zulfiqar1472]

Sex is one of those unlearnt motives of any human being and any living object. 

having sex is not the main motive rather having sex with good women/men is the main motive in Islam in both cases of permeant and temp marriage. so that the sociological and physiological and psychological out come is good.