Asma’ daughter of Abu Bakr said that a woman asked God's messenger to tell her what one should do when blood from her menses dropped on her garment. He replied, “When blood from her menses drops on the garment of any of you, she should rub it with her fingers and sprinkle water on it, then she may pray in it.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)
Purification: Mishkat al-Masabih 493
A Commentary on the Hadith of Asma' bint Abi Bakr
Textual Analysis
The noble hadith transmitted by the trustworthy Asma' bint Abi Bakr al-Siddiq addresses a fundamental matter of purification for women. The questioner sought clarification from the Prophet regarding menstrual blood that falls upon a garment, demonstrating the Companions' meticulous care in matters of worship.
The Prophet's response establishes a clear methodology: first rubbing the affected area with fingers, then sprinkling water upon it. This sequence indicates the importance of removing the physical substance before applying the purifying agent.
Juridical Rulings
This hadith provides evidence that menstrual blood is among the minor impurities (najasah khafifah) that can be purified through washing. The scholars have derived from this that if the blood is removed and the area is washed, the garment becomes pure for prayer.
The specification of using fingers indicates the permissibility of physical removal of the impurity before washing. The sprinkling of water signifies that complete immersion is not necessary for this type of purification.
Spiritual Dimensions
This teaching demonstrates Islam's practicality and ease in matters of purification. Rather than requiring the discarding of garments or complex washing procedures, the Shari'ah provides a simple, accessible method.
The permission to pray in the garment after this purification reflects Allah's mercy and understanding of human circumstances, removing unnecessary hardship while maintaining the standards of ritual purity required for worship.