48. Things to avoid during menstrual period.
Verse (2:222) of the Quran says, husbands should remain away from their wives during menstrual period. Citing this verse some argue, there is not any wrongdoing in these women taking part in all kinds of spiritual activities like worship, fasting etc. This is a wrong perception, let’s see clearly how?
This verse was revealed in response to the questions raised by people regarding menstrual period. If a question was raised whether acts of worship could be performed during that period, the response would have been on those lines. But a question regarding indulgence in a family way of life during the menstrual period was raised and the response to the same given in this verse.
Anas (R.A) said: Jews would not sit together with women in the menstrual period while dining. At home they will keep away from these women, hence the companions of Prophet Muhammad queried him about this. Forthwith, this verse (2:222) of the Quran starting as “Oh Prophet they are querying you about menstruation. Say it is a natural indisposition and men should keep away from such woman undergoing this and refrain from having sexual intercourse with them. On revelation of this verse Prophet Muhammad told men to keep away from indulging in sex with their wives during menstrual period and be normal with them in all other activities.
Hadith Book: Muslim 507.
Women undergoing menstrual period were scorned at and ill-treated in Jewish communities. They were not permitted inside the house and were ordered to be aloof. During that time women became untouchables to them, and men refrained from touching things handled by these women. Islam shunned all these kinds of superstitious beliefs.
This verse was revealed to rebut such beliefs.
When there are no restrictions on activities other than indulging in sex during menstrual period, there is no bar on things, the Jews laid restricted on their own. It does not mean that there are no restrictions on offering worship etc.
In verse 5:6 of the Quran the Al-Mighty while speaking about performance of ‘Salah’ says those who are required to have a bath as a condition to perform worship is imperative, they cleanse themselves before starting worship of the Al-mighty. From this verse we understand that cleanliness is a must for performing ‘Salah’
In verse 4:43 of the Quran whilst talking about ‘Salah’ the Al-Mighty says, those required to clean themselves before ‘salah’ should do so. Here bathing is referred to as cleansing oneself.
While referring to menstruation Allah says in verse (4:43) of the Quran, not to approach women, till they have cleansed themselves.
Since these verses (4:43, 5:6,) of the Quran say women during menstrual period are unclean and are not required perform salah, it could be understood that salah is not mandatory upon women during menstrual periods.
Prophet Muhammad has made it clear that performing salah, fasting, and circumambulating the Kaba are forbidden for women while menstrual periods.
The message that women are forbidden from salah can be seen in these hadiths of the Book Bukhari: 228, 304, 306, 320, 325, 331.
Fasting during menstrual period being forbidden, can be found in the Book Bukhari:1951.
Circumambulation of the Kaba being forbidden is found in hadith Book Bukhari: 294, 305, 1650, 5548, 5559.
In all other matters they can involve themselves and act normally as other women.
