It is crucial for women to observe cleanliness during this period because the mucous membrane of the uterus is very rich and ready to receive and accept any microbes. At this time, the cervix is open, and its capacity to accept microbes is heightened. The cervix is brittle and fragile, making it more susceptible to injury from external stimulation.
The Holy Qur’an states: «يَسْئلُونَكَ عَنِ الْمَحِيْضِ، قُلْ هُوَ أَذًى فَاعْتَزِلُوا النِّسَاءَ فِي الْمَحِيْضِ وَلَا تَقْرَبُوهُنَّ حَتَّى يَطْهُرْنَ» (“They ask you about menstruation, say: Menstruation is a disease and discomfort, so men must avoid women during menstruation (in terms of conception) until they are purified.”)
Menstruation
Dr. Adnan Sharif writes: “Menstruation is the best environment for the growth and development of microbes. There are billions of harmless bacteria and microbes in a healthy human body; however, they can become harmful in certain circumstances, such as intercourse during menstruation, which can cause inflammation and swelling in the reproductive system and urinary tract for both men and women. Moreover, during menstruation, a woman often lacks the emotional readiness for intercourse, leading to instances of impotence and sexual coldness in both men and women due to psychological distress. A woman is a man’s field; if he wants to reap a good harvest from his wife, he must consider her features, characteristics, desires, and needs.”
Dr. Sharif also mentions that many cases of uterine or colon cancer can be attributed to intercourse during menstruation.
Professor Donald Smith, a clinical and theoretical professor of urology at the California School of Medicine, states in the book General Urology that “acute urethritis” (a painful swelling of the urinary tract) often occurs after intercourse and is commonly observed in those who engage in sexual activity during menstruation due to the increased microbial flora in the vagina. There may be countless other health risks not yet revealed to us. Yet the Qur’an has addressed these risks succinctly, demonstrating its miraculous nature, which surpasses what is currently known.
The Holy Qur’an emphasizes this point, and the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) imposed a financial penalty to deter husbands from having intercourse during menstruation, stating: “Whoever has intercourse during menstruation should give half a gold dinar in charity.”
Circumcision
Another important teaching of Islam is “circumcision,” which Muslim families are encouraged to perform on their children as soon as possible due to its numerous benefits.
Benefits of Circumcision
1. Cleanliness: Circumcision is considered a great preventive measure that helps to maintain hygiene and health.
2. Aesthetic Reasons: It is viewed as an ornamentation and beautification of the human body.
3. Respect for Creation: It aligns with the Islamic appreciation of human creation.
4. Regulation of Sexual Instincts: It helps in moderating sexual desires.
Dr. Sabri Qabbani discusses additional benefits of circumcision in his book Sexual Health:
1. It protects a person from oily secretions and unpleasant odors, thereby preventing mental and emotional distress associated with these issues.
2. Circumcision reduces the risk of cancer, as studies have shown that uncircumcised individuals are at a greater risk, whereas circumcision is rare among those who practice it.
3. Early circumcision can prevent issues such as nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting).
4. It decreases the frequency of masturbation in adults.
