Menstruation in Islam

Menstruation (Ḥayḍ)

Etymology and Translations

• Arabic: الحيض (al-Ḥayḍ)
• Turkish: Adet

Definition

Menstruation is the monthly bleeding experienced by women, resulting in a state of ritual impurity according to Islamic teachings. During menses, women are excluded from performing specific religious duties such as prayers (Ṣalāh) and fasting (Ṣawm). While they must make up missed days of fasting, they are not required to compensate for missed prayers. Similar to men in a state of ritual impurity (Janābah), women cannot touch the Qur’an nor stay in mosques.

Qur’anic References

Menstruation is specifically mentioned in the Qur’an, which advises men to refrain from marital relations with menstruating women “until they are cleansed” (Qur’an 2:222). Following the cessation of menstrual bleeding, women must perform the ritual cleansing (Ghusl) before resuming religious practices or sexual relations.

Key Points and Rituals

Rituals of Purity

1. Menstrual Period: It is seen as a state of ritual impurity.
2. Ghusl (Ritual Cleansing): Required once menstruation ends before being able to perform regular religious functions.
3. Restrictions:
   • Salāh: Women are excused from the five daily prayers.
   • Ṣawm: Women are excused from fasting but must compensate these days later.
   • Qur’an: Handling or recitation in full is prohibited.
   • Mosques: Remaining inside is not permitted.

Sexual Ethics

The Qur’an asserts that men should not engage in marital relations with their wives during their menstruation period (Qur’an 2:222). Respecting this boundary is emphasized to maintain ritual purity.

Sunnah and Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence)

• Scholarly Interpretations: Various Islamic jurists have discussed the rules concerning menstruation, providing detailed guidelines for different scenarios.
• Major Schools of Thought: The interpretation of these rulings can slightly vary between different schools like Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali.

Further Studies

For an in-depth understanding of menstruation in Islamic tradition, the following books and texts are recommended:

1. “The Book of Menstruation & Post Partum Bleeding” by Imam Abu Hanifa
2. “Women and the Qur’an: A Study in Islamic Tradition” by Barbara Stowasser
3. “Purity, Body, and Hygiene in Medieval Islam” by Ahmed Ibn Nājib al-Misrī (translated work)

Takeaways and Conclusion

Menstruation, referred to as ḥayḍ in Arabic, holds significance in Islam, impacting a woman’s daily religious responsibilities temporarily. This period is respected through various measures ensuring ritual purity, highlighting the attention Islam pays to physiological states. Understanding these rules provides a deeper insight into Islamic life and the balance between religious observances and natural bodily functions.

Menstruation is deeply intertwined with the concepts of purity, ethics, and legal rulings in Islamic law, showcasing an aspect of how faith and daily life are harmoniously aligned in Islamic teachings.