What is the meaning of the command to avoid the 'place of menses' ({al-mahīd}) based on Quran 2:222?
Chapter on Menstruation
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
The command 'So keep away from women during menstruation' (Quran 2:222) dictates avoiding the place of menstruation. The term 'al-mahīd' is interpreted as the location of the menses, similar to 'al-maqil' (place of resting at noon) or 'al-mabīt' (place of staying overnight). Restricting the avoidance to the location of the blood is evidence permitting other contact. The reason for prohibiting intercourse is the harm ('adhā), which is specific to the site of the blood, similar to the prohibition concerning the anus. The narrations permitting contact above the izar only prove what is above the izar is lawful, not that what is between the navel and knee is unlawful.
Supporting text
The opposing view holds that 'al-mahīd' means the menstruation itself (the act/source), based on the verse: 'And they ask you about menstruation. Say, 'It is an ailment' (Quran 2:222), where 'al-adhā' is the menstruation being questioned. However, the term can mean both, and the intent of the place of the blood is more strongly indicated for two reasons: First, if it meant avoiding contact entirely during the duration of menses, that would contradict the consensus. Second, the context of revelation involved the Jews avoiding all aspects of the woman during menses; the Prophet (PBUH) clarified, 'Do everything except sexual intercourse.' Interpreting it as avoiding the physical act itself would align with the Jews, which is contrary to the clarification.