Question

Are virgin women allowed to used tampons or khursuf during menstruation?

Answer

In the name of Allah, the Inspirer of truth

It is disliked (makruh) to insert anything into the internal part of the vagina. Since tampons are inserted in the vagina to contain period fluid, using it will be disliked. It is preferable to use external sanitary products such as liners/pads.

The reasoning behind the prohibition is to protect young girls from self-exploration of the private areas, which may lead to sinful behaviour. This prohibition also extends to non-virgin women that feel the use of these products may make them susceptible to female masturbation.

As for using the kursuf, it should be noted that there are two methods of using the kursuf:

1 – the kursuf is placed at the opening of the labia minora/majora (farj kharij) without any insertion into the vaginal opening (farj dakhil). This does not block the flow of any discharge or blood from the vagina. However, it does allow one to correctly determine the colour of discharge at the time of exit (before oxidisation) which assists in correctly determining the start and end of hayd.

2 – the kursuf is partially inserting into the farj dakhil, blocking the exit of any discharge or blood. As long as the discharge/blood does not seep through the outer end of the kursuf, it will not be considered to have exited. This method of use can be adopted during istihada for the purpose of maintaining wudu.

A virgin should use a kursuf according to the first method and avoid any form of insertion. It is recommended for her to use a kursuf during her days of hayd. For a non-virgin, it is also recommended to use a kursuf during istihada.

It is makruh to completely insert a kursuf into the vagina.

And Allah knows best.

Answered by:
Bint Saeed

Checked & Approved by:
Mufti Abdul Rahman Mangera
Mufti Zubair Patel