Saeed bin Musayyib used to say: If a person marries a woman, but is unable to have intercourse with her, he should be given a respite of one year. If he is able to have intercourse during this period, then that is better; otherwise, separation will be effected.

Imam Malik, may Allah have mercy on him, asked Ibn Shihab: From when should the one-year respite be given? From the day of seclusion? Or from the day the case is presented before the judge? He said: The invitation will be given from the day the case is presented.

Imam Malik, may Allah have mercy on him, said: The person who has already had intercourse with his wife, and then for some reason becomes incapable, there is no need to give him respite, nor will there be separation.