I asked Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) about a man who engages in sexual intercourse with his wife but does not discharge. He replied, "He should wash the parts which comes in contact with the private parts of the woman, perform ablution and then pray." (Abu `Abdullah said, "Taking a bath is safer and is the last order.")
Hadith Text & Context
"I asked Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) about a man who engages in sexual intercourse with his wife but does not discharge. He replied, 'He should wash the parts which comes in contact with the private parts of the woman, perform ablution and then pray.' (Abu `Abdullah said, 'Taking a bath is safer and is the last order.')"
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 293 | Book: Bathing (Ghusl)
Primary Ruling & Its Wisdom
The Prophet (ﷺ) initially prescribed partial purification when full intercourse occurs without emission: washing the contacting parts and performing wudu. This demonstrates Islam's consideration for ease, as complete ghusl was not mandated in this scenario.
This ruling applies specifically to cases where the husband's penis enters the wife's vagina but he does not ejaculate. Mere touching or foreplay without penetration does not nullify wudu according to the majority of scholars.
Scholarly Commentary on the Final Position
Abu Abdullah (Imam al-Bukhari) notes that taking a complete bath is "safer and is the last order," indicating the evolution of this ruling. Most classical scholars hold that the final, abrogating position requires ghusl after any penetration, regardless of emission.
This precautionary approach (ihtiyat) ensures certainty in worship and avoids potential doubt. The Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali schools all require ghusl after penetration occurs, making this the consensus position.
Practical Application
For contemporary Muslims, the safe position is to perform complete ghusl after any sexual intercourse involving penetration, whether emission occurs or not. This aligns with the majority scholarly opinion and ensures ritual purity for prayer.
If one follows the earlier ruling mentioned in the hadith, they should ensure proper washing of contacting parts and perform wudu before prayer. However, the recommended approach is to take the complete bath to be certain of purity.