They Ask Thee about Monthly Course (menses)

They ask about the monthly course. Say, "It is a state of impurity;^EN2-238 so keep apart from women during their monthly course and do not go near them until they are clean,^EN2-239. When they have cleaned themselves, then you may go to them in the manner Allah has enjoined you." ^EN2-240 Most surely Allah loves those people who refrain from evil and keep themselves pure and clean. 2-222

EN2-238 - The Arabic word aza stands both for illness and uncleanliness. Menses are not only state of impurity but also of a disease. During the monthly period, women are medically nearer a state of illness than of health.

EN2-239 - The Quran uses indirect and covert hints and suggestions for the expression of such delicate matters. The instructions, "They should be separated" and "Do not go near them", do not mean that the women should be made untouchables during their monthly periods, as they are made by the Jews, the Hindus and some other communities. The Holy Prophet explained that this commandment meant only to prohibit intercourse with them during menses. All other relations with them may be continued as before.

EN2-240 - The Arabic word amr does not refer to any legal regulation but to the natural instinct that has been embedded in the nature of every human being and animal and is known to everyone.