It Could Be a Major Sin! Learn the Rulings on Intercourse During Menstruation Before It's Too Late
YOGYAKARTA - Many couples may not fully understand the Islamic law regarding intercourse during menstruation. However, this is an important matter with clear rules in the Quran and is not permitted for health reasons.
The prohibition on intercourse during menstruation is not without reason. In addition to spiritual aspects, Islam also emphasizes women's hygiene and health. Therefore, it is important to understand the limits and wisdom behind this rule.
Legal Basis for Intercourse During Menstruation According to Islam
As explained in NU Online, intercourse during menstruation is haram. Its prohibition is explicitly stated in the Al-Qur'an Surah Al-Baqarah verse 222:
وَيَسْـَٔلُونَكَ عَنِ ٱلْمَحِيضِ ۖ قُلْ هُوَ أَذًى فَٱعْتَزِلُوا۟ ٱلنِّسَآءَ فِى ٱلْمَحِيضِ ۖ وَلَا تَقْرَبُوهُنَّ حَتَّىٰ يَطْهُرْنَۖ فَإِذَا تَطَهَّرْنَ prayer يُحِبُّ ٱلتَّوَّٰبِينَ وَيُحِبُّ ٱلْمُتَطَهِّرِينَ
Meaning "They ask you about menstruation. Say: Menstruation is dirt. Therefore, keep away from women during menstruation and do not approach them until they are pure. When they are pure, mix with them in the place that Allah has commanded you. Indeed, Allah loves those who repent and loves those who purify themselves." (QS Al-Baqarah: 222)
”
This verse is the basis for prohibiting intimate relations during menstruation, because menstruation is considered unclean and impure. In the book Al-Ibanah wal Ifadah by Abdurrahman bin Abdullah As-Saqqaf, it is explained that a husband is not allowed to have sex with his wife while she is menstruating, and this is only allowed after the blood has stopped and the wife has taken a mandatory bath (ghusl).
Also read the article which discusses Proven Effectiveness! Prayer for Quick Menstruation in Islam and Christianity
Views of Ulama and Schools
Scholars agree that having sex during menstruation is a major sin if done intentionally, consciously and without coercion. However, people who do not know, forget, or are forced are forgiven based on the hadith of the Prophet SAW.
Meanwhile, as reported on the website of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), KH Aminudin Yaqub explained that Islam actually came to rectify the traditions of the jahiliyah era which used to completely shun menstruating women.
In the Islamic view, According to KH Aminudin Yaqub, only the menstrual discharge (farj) should be avoided, not the entire body or the presence of the menstruating woman herself.
Reasons and Wisdom Behind the Prohibition
This prohibition is not only based on religious law, but also has medical and moral implications. According to NU Online, menstrual blood contains impurities and bacteria that can cause infection if sexual contact occurs. Therefore, Islamic law protects the health of both parties by prohibiting intercourse during menstruation.
Furthermore, according to KH Aminudin Yaqub, Islam also emphasizes that menstruating women remain honorable. Only sexual activity is prohibited, while other forms of affection, such as talking, being close, or resting together, are still permitted.
So When Can Relations Resume?
According to the explanation of Al-Ibanah wal Ifadah, a husband may only resume relations with his wife after two conditions have been met:
The menstrual blood has completely stopped.
The wife has performed a ritual bath (ghusl) to purify herself.
Once both have been performed, the marital relationship is halal again. However, if Before the wife performs the obligatory bath, her husband is still prohibited because she is not yet considered clean according to Islamic law.
NU Online emphasizes that for husbands who continue sexual intercourse while their wives are menstruating, this is a major sin and requires repentance. In addition to frequently seeking forgiveness (istighfar), it is also recommended to offer expiation as a form of atonement.
According to Sayyid Al-Bakri in I'anatut Thalibin, it is recommended for violators (who have intercourse with their wives at the beginning of their period) to give one dinar in charity, and if it is at the end of their period, then half a dinar.
It should be noted that one dinar is equivalent to 4.25 grams of 24-karat gold, which is given to the poor. This punishment demonstrates the seriousness of this prohibition.
Therefore, sexual intercourse during menstruation is haram and a major sin if done intentionally. Islam does not prohibit intimacy between husband and wife, but rather protects them from physical harm and maintains spiritual purity.
In addition to discussing the ruling on sexual intercourse during menstruation, follow other interesting articles on VOI for the latest news. Don't forget to Follow and keep an eye on all our social media accounts!