‘A'isha said that a woman of the Ansar asked the Prophet about washing after menstruation and he instructed her how to do it, saying,“Take a piece of cotton with musk and purify yourself with it.” She asked how she should do this, and he replied, “Purify yourself with it.”She asked again how she should do this and he replied, “Praise be to God! Purify yourself with it.” ‘A'isha then drew her aside and said, “Go over the mark of the blood with it.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)
Purification of Menstrual Blood
From the Book "Purification" in Mishkat al-Masabih, Hadith Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 437
Textual Analysis
The hadith demonstrates the Prophet's meticulous guidance regarding purification rituals. His initial instruction to use cotton with musk indicates the importance of pleasant fragrance in cleansing, while his repeated emphasis on purification underscores its religious significance.
The woman's repeated questioning reflects the Companions' earnest desire to understand religious obligations completely, while the Prophet's patience shows his exemplary teaching methodology.
Legal Rulings
Scholars derive that musk-scented cotton is recommended for cleansing menstrual blood, though unscented materials suffice. The wiping action described by 'A'isha indicates that physical removal of blood traces is required, not merely symbolic cleansing.
This hadith establishes that complete purification requires both the removal of physical impurities and the restoration of ritual purity through proper washing procedures.
Spiritual Dimensions
The Prophet's instruction to use musk symbolizes the transformation from impurity to purity, mirroring the spiritual journey from sin to righteousness. His exclamation "Praise be to God!" reminds us that purification is both a physical act and spiritual gratitude.
'A'isha's intervention demonstrates how religious knowledge is transmitted through proper channels and how female Companions played vital roles in educating other women in matters of personal purification.