Al-Nasāʾī related, “I stayed with Qutaybah ibn Saʿīd for one year and two months.”
In Egypt he lived in Zuqāq al-Qanādīl (1). Even in advanced age his face remained radiant. He favored wearing Nubian striped cloaks and green garments, and he greatly enjoyed life. He had four wives, to whom he allotted his nights, and in addition he kept a concubine. He was fond of eating cockerels that were bought for him, fattened, and castrated.
One of the students once said, “I imagine that Abū ʿAbd al-Raḥmān must be drinking nabīdh (a fermented beverage), judging by the freshness of his complexion.” Another remarked, “I wonder what his view is on approaching women from the rear.”
When he was asked about these matters, he replied, “Nabīdh is forbidden, and nothing sound has been transmitted regarding the back passage.”
However, Muḥammad ibn Kaʿb al-Quraẓī narrated from Ibn ʿAbbās that he said, “Water your field wherever you wish.” (2) One should not exceed his statement.
I say: We have become certain, through routes that leave no room for avoidance, that the Prophet ﷺ forbade intercourse in the anus of women (3), and we have decisively affirmed its prohibition. I have composed a large monograph on the subject.
(1) A well-known district in Egypt, famous for its market of books, notebooks, and curios such as glassware and other attractive items. Al-Kindi remarks: “It was given this name because it was the quarter of the nobility, and lanterns hung at the entrances of their houses.” See: Yaqut, Muʿjam al-Buldan, 3/145.
(2) Reported by al-Bayhaqi, 7/196, through the chain of Saʿid b. Mansur – ʿAbd al-ʿAziz b. Muhammad – Yazid b. ʿAbd Allah b. Usama b. al-Had – Muhammad b. Kaʿb – Ibn ʿAbbas (may Allah be pleased with him) with the wording: “Water your crop wherever it sprouts.”
(3) Imam al-Baghawi states in Sharh al-Sunnah, 9/106 (our critical edition): The scholars unanimously agree that a man may approach his wife in her vagina from the rear and in whatever posture he wishes; the Quranic verse was revealed concerning this. Ibn ʿAbbas explained the words, “So approach your tilth however you wish” (2:223): “Come to her from the front or from behind, so long as it is in the place of intercourse.” ʿIkrima said likewise, adding that the intended spot is only the vulva; the same is related from al-Hasan. Saʿid b. al-Musayyib commented on the verse: “If you wish, practise withdrawal, and if you wish, do not.” Others have also said regarding the Almighty’s words—