Can a man have sex with other women if wife refuses?

In Islamic tradition, the question of whether a man can engage in sexual relations with other women if his wife refuses him is addressed through various narrations and interpretations. One account in Sunan an-Nasa'i describes a situation where a man approached the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and said, "My wife does not refuse the hand of the one who touches her." The Prophet responded, "Divorce her if you wish." When the man expressed his fear that his soul would follow her, the Prophet then instructed, Then enjoy her. Sunan an-Nasa'i 27:76SunniSahih Isnaad (per Al-Albani). This narration indicates that the Prophet permitted the man to continue enjoying the relationship with his wife despite the challenges he faced.

Additionally, the broader context of marital relations and rights within Islam emphasizes mutual respect and fulfillment of each other's needs. If a husband finds himself in a situation where his wife is unwilling to fulfill his needs, he may consider various options, including marriage counseling or, as mentioned in the narration, divorce. However, it is not simply permissible for him to seek sexual relations outside the marriage without addressing the underlying issues.

Thus, while the narration indicates a permissibility to continue enjoying the wife, it is critical to approach such matters with consideration of the emotional and spiritual dimensions of the marital bond.