1. It was by way of caution and keeping away from what may lead to the prohibited.

2. It is to be understood in light of differing circumstances. His statement, peace and blessings be upon him, “Do everything except intercourse” (1), applies to one who can control himself; whereas his statement, peace and blessings be upon him, “You may have what is above the waist-wrapper,” applies to one who cannot control himself, either because of weak religious commitment or strong desire.

If he enjoys her in a manner other than intercourse, ghusl (the ritual bath) is not obligatory upon him unless he ejaculates. If a menstruating woman ejaculates, it is recommended for her to perform ghusl for major ritual impurity, so that the state of major impurity does not remain upon her—whether she entered that state after menstruation, such as if she had a wet dream, or she was already in a state of major impurity when menstruation began. This is what the scholars have stated (2). By means of this ghusl, she may recite as much of the Quran as she needs, such as her regular recitations, learning, and teaching.

If the bleeding ceases but she has not performed ghusl, nothing other than fasting and divorce becomes permissible.

His statement: “If the bleeding ceases but she has not performed ghusl, nothing other than fasting and divorce becomes permissible.”

That is, if the bleeding ceases and she has not performed ghusl, everything remains prohibited except fasting and divorce.

As for fasting, they said: once she has become pure, she is exactly like one in a state of major ritual impurity, and fasting is valid from one in that state, as indicated by the Quran and the sunnah.

The evidence from the Quran is His saying, Exalted is He: “So now have relations with them and seek what Allah has decreed for you. Eat and drink until the white thread becomes distinct to you from the black thread of