'A'isha reported: Asma (daughter of
Shakal) asked the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) about washing after
menstruation. He said: Everyone amongst you should use water (mixed with the
leaves of) the lote-tree and cleanse herself well, and then pour water on her
head and rub it vigorously till it reaches the roots of the hair. Then she
should pour water on it. Afterwards she should take a piece of cotton smeared
with musk and cleanse herself with it. Asma' said: How should she cleanse
herself with the help of that? Upon this he (the Apostle of Allah) observed:
Praise be to Allah, she should cleanse herself. 'A'isha said in a subdued tone
that she should apply it to the trace of blood. She (Asma) then further asked
about bathing after sexual intercourse. He (the Holy Prophet) said: She should
take water and cleanse herself well or complete the ablution and then (pour
water) on her head and rub it till it reaches the roots of the hair (of her)
head and then pour water on her. 'A'isha said: How good are the women of Ansar
(helpers) that their shyness does not prevent them from learning religion.
