Martial rape ?
I come from a country where most men joke that non-consensual intimacy doesn't exist. It has always disgusted me, and I’ve been so disappointed by the men around me. I never looked into it deeply before because, to me, it was obvious that forcing someone to engage in sex would ruin any relationship. I just thought of them as disgusting and ignored them.
I’ve started looking into it recently because of another doubt I have, and I’m shocked to find that a majority seem to think there is nothing wrong with it because they view it as a 'right.'
I’m trying to keep this objective and I'll try not to look emotional, but how is this sustainable long-term in a marriage? I know that intimatcy is very important in relationships and that both partners should try to meet each other's needs, but how can forced intimacy not carry any form of accountability or consequences? If a woman is forced, is there truly no recourse? Is it not considered a valid reason for divorce, forcing her to seek a khul' as if the husband committed no wrong?
(There is no hadd or tazir for non-consensual sex between a husband and a wife)
I understand that the term non-consensual intimacy between spouses is a modern legal concept, but does the terminology really matter when the harm to the woman is so obvious? (And the harm to the relationship in general)
Men hold more power in these dynamics, and it feels like islam is meant to protect against that kind of harm, especially when the world is already so unfair. Islam stopped so many mistreatments towards women.
Why is women's arousal not important? Getting aroused is important because it makes intimacy way less hurtful for her.
It’s debated even now if this is even a 'real' issue, which makes me realize how incredibly difficult things must have been for women in the past.