T̤UHR (طهر)
Definition
T̤UHR (طهر) refers to the period of purity that follows menstruation (hayd) or childbirth bleeding (nifas) in a woman’s cycle. During this interval, women are considered ritually pure and can resume certain religious activities that are prohibited during menstruation, such as praying (salat) and fasting (sawm).
Etymology
The Arabic term “طهر” (T̤uhr) stems from the root “ظ-هـ-ر” which carries connotations of cleanliness, purity, and chastity.
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Arabic: طهر (T̤uhr)
- Turkish: Temizlenme Dönemi
Religious Significance
Purification in Islam
In Islamic jurisprudence, periods of T̤UHR are vital for personal and spiritual hygiene. These periods affect a woman’s eligibility to engage in certain acts of worship:
- Salat (Prayers): Menstruating women are exempt from performing the five daily prayers and can resume praying during T̤UHR.
- Sawm (Fasting): For obligatory fasts like those in the month of Ramadan, women may not fast during menstruation but must make up the missed days once they enter the state of T̤UHR.
- Divorce (Talaq): According to Islamic legal theory, divorce, known as “Talaq,” can only occur during the period of T̤UHR and not during menstruation to ensure fairness and emotional stability.
Practical Implications
- Calculating Iddah: The period of waiting (‘iddah) after a divorce or husband’s death includes cycles of T̤UHR to determine if the woman is pregnant, which has legal implications for remarriage.
- Marital Relations: Sexual relations are prohibited during menstruation but allowed during T̤UHR.
Further Reading
For a more in-depth study on T̤UHR and related Islamic jurisprudence, consider reading:
- “Fiqh us-Sunnah” by As-Sayyid Sabiq
- “Women and Gender in Islam” by Leila Ahmed
- “The Position of Women in Islam” by Syed Jawad Qazwini
Takeaways
- T̤UHR is a critical period of ritual purity in a woman’s cycle in Islam.
- It impacts various aspects of religious observance, cleanliness, and marital laws.
- Understanding T̤UHR helps in the broader comprehension of Islamic rules regarding purification and personal conduct.
Conclusion
The concept of T̤UHR is deeply integrated into Islamic teachings and daily life, emphasizing the importance of purity and ethical living. Being aware of its rules and implications ensures that one can practice their faith in accordance with traditional Islamic guidance.
