The Quranic Ruling
Quran 2:222 — "They ask you about menstruation. Say: It is harm (adha), so keep away from wives during menstruation. And do not approach them until they are pure. And when they have purified themselves, then come to them from where Allah has ordained for you."
This ayah prohibits intercourse during menstruation. The reason given is "harm" (adha) — which scholars understand as a reference to the physiological state that makes intercourse harmful or inappropriate.
What Is Prohibited
- Vaginal intercourse — explicitly prohibited
- Anal intercourse — prohibited always, regardless of menstruation
What Is Permitted During Menstruation
- Everything else — kissing, touching, holding, all forms of physical affection
- Manual stimulation between spouses
- Oral intimacy
- Intercourse with a barrier in the area below the navel — some scholars permit this, others disallow contact with the area
- Sleeping together
- Physical closeness and affection — completely fine
Common misconception: a menstruating wife is not "dirty" or untouchable. The Prophet ﷺ would eat from the same plate, lie in the same bed, and maintain full physical closeness with his wives during menstruation. The only prohibition is intercourse.
When Can Intercourse Resume?
After the period has ended AND the wife has performed ghusl (ritual bath). Both conditions are required. Intercourse before ghusl after the period ends is not permitted.
Health Perspective
Medical science also notes that the cervix is more open during menstruation, increasing infection risk from intercourse. The Islamic prohibition has physiological wisdom behind it — as is typically the case with Islamic rulings on health matters.
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