It was clear to everyone that this duty was too hard for Muslims. Allah, therefore, relaxed their restrictions when this experience was still vivid in their minds so that they may appreciate Allah s mercy and His response. That Arabic term used for making love may be taken to mean the preliminaries of sex or sexual intercourse itself. Both meanings are intended here in order to make both actions lawful. The Qur an, however, does not let this meaning pass without adding a compassionate touch which gives the marital relationship an air of gentle friendliness which contrasts with the rough animal aspect of the sexual desire.
Garments provide cover and protection.
The relationship between man and wife does both functions as it protects the privacy of each of them. Islam deals with man as he is and accepts everything in his constitution and nature. It then holds man by the hand to elevate him to a much higher level. Adopting this attitude, Islam satisfies the physical urge, adds to it this genetic touch and provides it with this gentle cover, all at the same time. The deception of themselves which is mentioned here, refers to their suppressed desires, or, perhaps, to the actual fulfilment of these desires, since it was reported that some of them did so at the restricted hours.