by striking him in the side—not that Satan will not harm him in a religious sense.

Other scholars said: Rather, the hadith is general: Satan will never harm him. The word “never” indicates that this is continuous. But the answer to the case we mentioned is that this is a means, and means may fail to produce their effect when impediments are present. As the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Every child is born upon the natural disposition, but his parents make him a Jew, a Christian, or a Magian.” (1) Otherwise, the Messenger’s words, peace and blessings be upon him, are true and truthful; yet this is one means among others, and impediments may be present.

If someone says to us, “If this is a means and impediments may be present, then what is the benefit?” We say: This is mistaken and incorrect. The benefit is that you have undertaken the means, while impediments are incidental; the basic presumption is that they are absent.

Therefore, you should undertake the means, certain that it will benefit, while the matter is then in Allah’s hand. Everyone who wishes to do something that has means leading to it does not say, “I fear impediments”; rather, he undertakes the means, while impediments are incidental.

Before intercourse, a husband should do with his wife that which arouses her desire, so that the man and woman are alike in desire. This is more pleasurable and more beneficial for both parties. He should do with her whatever arouses desire, such as kissing, touching, and the like. Then, when he wishes to have intercourse, he should say: “In the name of Allah. O Allah, keep Satan away from us and keep Satan away from what You provide us”—that is, from a child—for