Menstruation, Non-Menstrual Bleeding, and Their Rulings

Allah, Mighty and Majestic, says:

“They ask you about menstruation. Say, ‘It is a source of discomfort, so keep away from women during menstruation and do not approach them until they become pure.’” [al-Baqarah: 222]

Scholars differ regarding why they asked the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, about women’s menstruation, and how women are to be avoided during it.

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The Differing Views on What Prompted Their Question

As for why they asked the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, about menstruation, it is said that this was because, before Allah clarified the matter for them, they would neither live with a menstruating woman nor eat or drink with her, just as the Jews used to do. Through this verse, Allah Most High taught them that the bleeding women experienced was not so serious as to make it forbidden to share their homes or to eat and drink with them. He said:

“Say, ‘It is a source of discomfort.’” [al-Baqarah: 222]

For the term “discomfort” denotes only something unpleasant that is not severe. Allah, Mighty and Majestic, says:

“They will not harm you beyond causing you discomfort.” [Āl ʿImrān: 111]

And He says:

“If you suffer discomfort from rain.” [al-Nisāʾ: 102]

He informed them that, during their wives’ menstrual periods, they were required only to refrain from intercourse with them. The evidence for this within the verse is His saying, Most High:

“Then, when they have purified themselves, approach them from where Allah has commanded you.” [al-Baqarah: 222]

That is, have intercourse with them