Sexual Purity and Sleep Routine
In Islamic morality, great importance is attached to bodily cleanliness. In the works of Imam Ghazali, certain rituals and purification methods that should be considered in marital relationships are particularly emphasized. According to this, it is disliked (makruh) to have intercourse without washing the genitals or performing ablution after waking up. This is important for both maintaining physical purity and purifying the heart. Ghazali also points out that having sexual relations at the beginning of the night is not appropriate, while those who will sleep in a state of impurity (junub) should perform ablution. This advice is aimed at ensuring the continuity of cleanliness and cleansing oneself of sins.
Personal Care and Moral Responsibility
According to traditional Islamic morality, a person’s responsibility towards their own body is not limited only to physical cleanliness. According to the information in Imam Ghazali’s works, even simple actions such as sweeping or wiping the bed before getting into it are behaviors related to personal care and respect. It is also stated that personal care activities such as shaving and trimming nails should not be done while in a state of impurity (junub). This is because every part of the body will return to the body in the afterlife. These teachings encourage individuals to be sensitive and responsible towards their own bodies, which aligns with modern understanding.
Azil and Marital Morality: Different Interpretations
It is noteworthy that Imam Ghazali’s works address the topic of azil as an important part of marital morality. Azil refers to refraining from ejaculation after sexual intercourse, and it has been subject to different interpretations in different periods. While some scholars consider this permissible in all cases, others deem it forbidden. Ghazali evaluates these differing opinions and argues that the most correct fatwa is that azil is permissible. This approach is consistent with the principle of respecting mutual consent and love in marriage. Discussions about azil allow us to understand the delicate balance between individual preferences and social order in Islamic morality.