Question:
Dear Shaykh Senad, Assalamualaykum,
I am trapped in an impossible situation and just cannot get married. I am stuck with a bad habit too, which has reached its limit. I am on the verge of fornication. Therefore, is it permissible for me to employ a man, say, as a driver and have sexual relations with him? Would he be one whom the right hand possesses and am I allowed in these times to have sex with such a person without marriage if absolutely necessary?
I apologize if you have been offended by my question. Thank you. Salams.
Answer:
wa `alaykum salam,
“And to you are) all married women other than those whom you rightfully possess [through wedlock]…”
Some of the well known commentators of the Holy Qur’an (Razi, Tabari, Abdullah Ibn Abbas and Mujahid) hold the opinion that ‘ma malakat aimanukum’ means here “women whom you rightfully possess through wedlock”.
This expression relates to both husbands and wives, who “rightfully possess” one another in marriage. Other commentators who do not share this opinion agree that “whom the right hand possesses” means female slaves [never male slaves].
Imam Senad Agic
Head Imam (IABNA)
The Islamic Association of Bosniaks in North America
American Islamic Center – Chicago
