Maimuna said, “God’s messenger used to pray in a woollen garment which was partly over him and partly over me while I was mentruat-ing.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)
Purification: Mishkat al-Masabih 550
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and peace and blessings upon His final Prophet Muhammad.
Textual Analysis
This noble hadith narrated by the Mother of the Believers, Maimuna (may Allah be pleased with her), demonstrates the permissibility of a husband praying while sharing a garment with his menstruating wife. The Prophet (peace be upon him) prayed wearing a woollen garment that partially covered him and partially covered Maimuna during her menstrual period.
Legal Rulings Derived
First: It is permissible for a man to pray while wearing a garment that has touched his menstruating wife, as there is no impurity transmitted through dry contact. The purity of the garment remains intact.
Second: A menstruating woman is not inherently impure in her entire being; rather, the impurity is specific to her menstrual blood. Her body, breath, and sweat remain pure.
Third: This hadith refutes those who claim complete separation from menstruating women is required. The Prophet maintained normal marital closeness while observing proper boundaries.
Spiritual Dimensions
The wisdom behind this ruling shows Islam's moderation in matters of purity. While maintaining ritual purity for prayer, Islam does not impose unnecessary hardships in marital life. This reflects the divine mercy in Islamic legislation.
The Prophet's practice demonstrates that normal household interactions with menstruating women do not invalidate one's prayer or state of purity, provided no actual menstrual blood is transferred.
Conclusion
This hadith from Mishkat al-Masabih serves as evidence for the balanced approach Islam takes toward purity laws. It maintains the sanctity of prayer while facilitating ease in marital relations. May Allah grant us understanding of His religion. Ameen.