Yes, but the permissibility of a husband touching his wife after performing wudu (ablution) depends on the school of Islamic jurisprudence (madhhab) and the nature of the touch.
Different Perspectives on Physical Contact and Wudu
There's no single, universally accepted answer. Different schools of thought within Islam offer varying opinions:
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Shafi'i Madhhab: The dominant opinion within the Shafi'i school, prevalent in many regions, states that direct skin-to-skin contact between a man and a woman who are marriageable nullifies wudu for both, even if it's between a husband and wife. This is explicitly stated in multiple sources, including this IslamQA response and a statement from Malaysia's Mufti Department: "According to the above question of skin contact between husband and wife, it invalidates the ablution of both of them." However, a barrier, like clothing, between the skin prevents the nullification.
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Hanafi Madhhab: In contrast, Hanafi scholars hold a more lenient view. Some Hanafi scholars, such as Al-Sarkhasi, stated that touching or kissing a woman does not necessitate repeating wudu. (https://www.aliftaa.jo/research-fatwa-english/1895/Does-touching-wife-without-desire-invalidate-Wudoo).
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Other Madhhabs: The opinions of other schools of thought may vary. It's crucial to consult with a knowledgeable scholar within one's own madhhab for definitive guidance.
Key Considerations:
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Intention: The intention behind the touch does not appear to be a major factor in the Shafi'i view, while some Hanafi views seem to allow for non-sexual touching.
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Bodily Fluids: If the contact results in the emission of seminal fluid, wudu is broken regardless of madhhab. This is supported by a comment on Reddit: "If it involves bodily fluids, it can break your wudu."
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Barrier: The presence of a barrier, such as clothing, between the husband and wife's skin, generally prevents the nullification of wudu.
Conclusion:
While a definitive answer depends on the specific school of thought and circumstances, understanding the various interpretations is essential. Consulting a religious scholar familiar with your madhhab is advisable for personalized guidance.
