Hadith 525 demonstrates the practical implementation of this verse. The Prophet does not abandon his wife. He does not treat her as untouchable or spiritually impure. Instead, he maintains affection—lying in the same bed, resting his head on her lap, reading Qur'an, embracing—while respecting the specific sexual prohibition by asking her to wear an izar (a lower garment covering from navel to knees).
‘Aisha reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to me: “Bring me the mat from the mosque.” She said: “I am menstruating.” Upon this the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) remarked: “Your menstruation is not in your hand.”
Within the "Book of Menstruation" ( Kitab al-Hayd ), Hadith number 525 stands out as a cornerstone text regarding the permissibility of intimacy between a husband and his wife during the menstrual cycle, provided specific boundaries are observed. This Hadith serves as a vital clarification, balancing the needs of marital intimacy with the sanctity of worship and ritual purity.
In contemporary discourse, Hadith 525 is frequently cited by scholars arguing against the “contamination” narrative. For centuries, some cultures treated menstruating women as untouchable—unable to cook, enter kitchens, or even sit on shared furniture. The Prophet’s words directly challenge that: Your menstruation is not in your hand. If the hand is clean, the action is lawful. Sahih Muslim Book Of Menstruation Hadith 525
: The Hanafis and Shafi’is generally prohibit a menstruating woman from remaining in the mosque but permit passing through or brief entry for need , citing this hadith. The Malikis, however, are stricter, forbidding any entry unless she fears for her safety or the mosque’s property.
: While she is excused from formal prayer, the Prophet ﷺ noted that "Your menses are not in your hand," meaning a woman can still perform tasks like handing someone a mat from the mosque or helping her husband wash his hair. International Islamic University Malaysia 3. Post-Menstrual Purification (Ghusl) Upon the completion of the period, a ritual bath ( ) is required to return to a state of purity:
The Qur'an uses the word adha (harm/discomfort), not najis (ritual impurity requiring washing off). Hadith 525 proves the Prophet touched her, rested on her, and recited revelation in her presence. If she were physically najis , he would have avoided all contact. Hadith 525 demonstrates the practical implementation of this
"They ask you about menstruation. Say, 'It is harm (adha), so keep away from wives during menstruation and do not approach them until they are pure.'"
However, if you are searching for Hadith 525 specifically within the , editions vary. Many researchers looking for this specific numbering in the context of menstruation are often exploring the rulings on Ghusl (ritual bathing) or the physical interactions permitted during a woman's period. Key Themes in the Book of Menstruation
When the Prophet wanted to be intimate in a non-coital way, he simply asked for a barrier—the izar . This is a brilliant legal concession: Instead, he maintains affection—lying in the same bed,
Classical scholars used Hadith 525 to debate two major issues:
Menstruation affects specific ritual obligations but does not disconnect a woman from her faith: Prayer and Fasting : A menstruating woman must abandon prayer (