A: “If a woman lost her virginity due to jumping, injury, becoming old or (strong) menstrual periods, then she will be considered a virgin.” (al-Ikhtiyar li ta’lil al-Mukhtar, 3/116)
Therefore, purely based on the fact that a woman may not remain a virgin, it would not be unlawful for a virgin woman to use tampons. In some cultures, women are greatly looked down upon or even harmed and oppressed by the husband if she lost her virginity. This is totally unIslamic and a major sin, from which we must abstain. We must also educate members of our communities that it is wrong and sinful to suspect any wrongdoing on behalf of the woman, for Islam orders us to always have good opinion about others. In fact, even if a woman lost her virginity through unlawful sexual intercourse and then repented, it would not be permitted to think low of her. After all, what guarantee is there that the man is a virgin?
Having said that, it may be better for unmarried women to avoid using tampons due to the negative implications it can bring about upon marriage. However, it cannot be considered unlawful purely based on this reason.
In conclusion, married and unmarried women should avoid using tampons, for firstly, it is something that is inserted internally, and secondly, using a tampon may be harmful to one’s health or at the least unhygienic, and thirdly, for unmarried women, using tampons and breaking of the hymen may (though unfortunate) cause problems after marriage. This is when it is not proven that tampons cause severe harm to the woman. However, as mentioned above, if it is proven that using tampons is harmful to the woman’s health, it would not be permitted to use them.
And Allah knows best
Aadiel Moosagie (Mufti)
[email protected]
www.councilofulama.co.za