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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Ritual Ablutions for Women Introduction Menstruation is a natural process which takes place in woman's body every month. Before explaining the laws of the shari'ah about menstruation, it seems ap­propriate to discuss, in short, that why does this take place? Allah has created the woman such that she plays the major role in the perpetuation of the human race. The primary reproductive organs of a woman are her ovaries.

When a girl is born, her ovaries already con­tain about 400,000 immature eggs (which are known as ova). At puberty, the eggs start maturing, usually one ovum each month. The maturing of the ovum takes place roughly halfway between two menstrual cycles. After maturing, it finds its way from the ovary to the fallopian tube and ends up in the womb.

Meanwhile the womb (while preparing for the possi­ble arrival of a fertilized egg) develops a thick, soft, velvety lining which is made up mostly of blood vessels. This thick, soft lining in the womb is called endometrium. If an egg is fertilized, it will be embedded in en­dometrium and continues its growth. But if no egg is fer­tilized, the endometrium (i.e. the lining of the womb) is no longer needed and is shed or discarded. This pro­cess of discarding the endometrium is known as menstruation.

From this biological explanation it is clear that menstruation is neither "the curse" on woman nor a result of the so‑called original sin of Eve. Rather it is a very normal biological process that ensures the perpetuation of the human race. Of course, some women feel uncomfortable a few days before and during menstruation. This discomfort is caused by some of the biological changes which take place in the woman's body. Allah says, They ask you about menstruation.

(O Muhammad), tell them that menstruation is a discomfort for the women, (it is a period when they pass through physical and emotional tension.) (2:222) In this part of the book I intend, by putting my trust in Allah, to explain the Islamic laws (shari'ah) regarding the women who are in their monthly periods.

First the definition of menstruation, its signs and its duration will be discussed; then comes the different categories of women who are in menstruation; followed by four chapters on the laws about the women in each category; and finally the acts which are forbidden to a woman dur­ing her periods and the manner of ghusl are explained.