Assistant professor, Institute of Islamic Culture and Thought
Abstract
‘Ifaf, in the sense of chastity, is not only a moral principle, but also contains many juridical (fiqhi) effects. In general, functions of the principle of chastity in family jurisprudence and law may be classified into “positive” and “negative”. In its positive function, it can make marriage obligatory (wajib) and it may makes fulfillment of sexual needs of the wife necessary for her husband. In its negative function, it can prevent divorce. Although, in some minor parts of this issue, there is no juridical consensus, from sources of Islamic Jurisprudence it can be inferred that keeping one’s chastity and preventing danger of unchastity can be efficient as a juridical rule.
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