Title: Does Islam Prescribe any Etiquette for Sexual Intercourse? Question: Is there any specific time for sex during the 24-hour cycle? Are there any positions specified for vaginal sex? Is it unlawful in Islam to look at your wife's private parts during sex (should this take place in dark only)? Thank you Hope to hear your as ever enlightening reply Answer: Answers to your questions follow: The Qur'an has recommended three timings in a day as times of privacy between a husband and a wife. The Qur'an says: O you who believe, it is recommended that your slaves and those who have not reached maturity among you should ask permission for entering upon you at three occasions: before the morning prayers; when you relax during the afternoon; and after the night prayers. These are three private hours for you. (Al-Noor 24: 58) Thus, it should be clear from the translation of the cited verse that the recommended times of privacy between a husband and his wife are 1) before the Fajr (morning) prayers; 2) between the Zuhr and the `asr prayers (afternoon); and 3) after the `ishaa prayers. The Shari`ah has not given any directives in this respect. In fact, the Shari`ah has expressly allowed individuals to have closeness with their wives in any way they like (except for indulging into any unnatural acts). The Shari`ah has not given any directives in this respect. The matter has been left to the individuals, who are directly concerned. I hope this helps. August 25, 2000