Menstrual blood unclean part 2?

Question

Okay, I've got some great answers to my first question about menstraul blood being unclean which explained a lot (from a hygiene perspective it does make sense).

So now, understanding why the Bible (and many other faiths) said it was unclean THEN, why, when we know how the biological process works, do some people in some faiths (I'm not going to say ALL Christians, Muslims, Jews or what-have you) STILL consider menstruation "unclean"? I can understand it when people didn't take regular baths, there was limited sanitation for well water, etc., and no one understood biologically where it came from, but now that we know how the menstrual cycle works and know that menstrual blood (and the uterine lining contained therein) is designed to sustain life, and have better sanitation (pads, tampons) to deal with the "messy" aspect of it, why do some people STILL consider it unclean? I've seen posts from others in here that specifically use the word "unclean". Why use that nowadays? Thnx!

James - I read and understood your last answer - it was a very good answer. In fact, you stated that "unclean" is a bad word to use, which I agree with. That's why I'm asking WHY people still use the word "unclean"? Why not use "ritually unclean"? I have yet to see a post that says "ritually unclean", which to me is an indication that the poster thinks menstruation is literally "dirty". I agree with your last post, and I understood it. That's why I have a part 2.

Answer 1

Thank you for these two questions.

I did not see the original question and so I have just now read that and all the answers posted so far.

There is more to the Islamic view on this than was previously stated. The only things that women who are in menses cannot do are those things, which in Islam require one to be in a state of ritual cleanliness (wudhu). These are mainly the rites of Salat, which is the required 5 times daily prayers, fasting, reading from the Quran and some others. The state of ritual purity is broken whenever anyone bleeds (among other things). This includes blood on the skin from a cut or wound or from a nosebleed. If a man were to have a nosebleed in the middle of the prayers, his wudhu would be broken and he would have to stop praying and go do the wudhu ritual washing again before starting prayers again.

The difference with menstrual blood is the fact that it is basically a continuous flow making it uncertain if you can attain a state of wudhu. There are authentic hadith of women bringing menstrual cloths to the prophet Muhammad (saw) to see if they were still in menses. This uncertainty means that one cannot be sure if one can attain a state of ritual purity.

As previously stated in an answer to the first question, this is also a sign of mercy for Allah. For many people, the five ritual prayers each day are a hardship. For those with these conditions the requirement is lifted so that the religion should not become a burden on them.

There is nothing considered unclean in the common way of using that term, in menstrual blood. It does not mean dirty, nasty, smelly, rotten, horrible or anything like that.

And Allah knows best.

Peace and Blessings,

Salim

Answer 2

2-4 years ago I stocked up on everything I need so was not affected by the shortage. I got good prices because I did it between the panic of 2008 and the current one, which seems to be fading out. Since I am proficient, I don't need to go to the range for long periods of time. Therefore I keep my ammo for actual (potential) use and don't blow it off at the range. I have what should be a lifetime supply, mostly. And let's be real here, on a philosophical level: barring civil war or zombies, how many men are you going to try to kill in this lifetime? Seems like a 6-shooter should be a lifetime supply under normal circumstances. I am prepared for abnormal circumstances. Haven't bought ammo during this crisis, already have plenty. I am, however lusting after getting a flintlock. But that's just for fun. Maybe someday I can afford a nice one.

Answer 3

You seem to understand it already without needing ask the question. The religious laws were designed by men (or divulged by gods -depending on how you want to look at it) at a time when it was necessary to prevent disease. THe problem now is the heated debate over scriptural inerrancy which causes some people to take a literal stand on every work of their religions sacred text rather than acknowledging that some laws are outdated and no longer apply to our time.

Answer 4

Did you not read my last answer? It is not unclean as in messy or dirty. It is ritually unclean for approaching Yhwh and worshiping in the Temple.

Answer 5

We've proven the Earth is older than the Bible exists. We've proven that mankind did not descend from dirt. We've proven so many things that religion used to claim as truth, and guess what? They're still claiming it. You're dealing with a group of people who are ready to ignore evidence and believe what they want to believe, so it's no surprise when they refuse to update their beliefs to reflect new knowledge.

Answer 6

I'm only guessing, but blood-born pathogens.

Answer 7

The one question you must ask yourself......

where would this world be "without" it?