mere dislike is likewise open to question. For example, if he is under a blanket with her and has intercourse with her such that their movements can be seen, then this is, in fact, undoubtedly closer to being prohibited, because it is not fitting for a Muslim to descend to such a state. Moreover, it may arouse the desire of the onlooker, resulting in harm; and that onlooker may be someone who does not fear Allah and may assault the woman after her husband has finished with her.

The correct view in this matter, therefore, is that intercourse within anyone’s sight is prohibited—unless the observer is an infant who neither understands nor comprehends what is taking place; in that case, there is nothing wrong with it. But if the child can comprehend what they are doing, then intercourse should likewise not take place in his presence, even if he is a child, because he may speak about what he saw unintentionally.

Thus, for example, a child still in the cradle, only a few months old, presents no problem, because he does not understand or comprehend such a matter. But if a child is three or four years old, and a man has intercourse with his wife in the child’s presence, this should not be done, for the child may speak about it the following morning. For this reason, it is disliked for intercourse to take place within sight of a child, even if he has not yet reached the age of discernment, provided that he can comprehend and understand what he saw.

His statement, “and speaking about it”: Glory be to Allah the Magnificent! The author says that speaking about intercourse with one’s wife is disliked, but this too is clearly open to question. The correct view is that speaking about it is prohibited. It has been reported in a hadith from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him: “Among the people of the worst standing before Allah on the Day of Resurrection is a man who is intimate with his wife and she is intimate with him, then he goes about in the morning speaking of what took place between them.” (1)