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I am completely mind blown that @nadia_abdalla_ video on menstruation is receiving backlash when her post was completely non-controversial. It was speaking to girls and women and at the same time, sensitizing the community about the importance of discussing menstrual hygiene.
When it comes to menstruation the conversation can be had from two angles: religious and social.
I'll tackle the the social one first.
I'll tackle the the social one first.
As someone with a state position speaking to both a Muslim and non-Muslim audience, Nadia has every right to discuss a serious issue with very real socioeconomic impacts. The reality is girls without access to pads are exchanging sex for pads.
The reality is women who deal with menstrual complications can't talk about because of shame or because they can't afford to go and see a gynecologist. And no, you local Imam or priest are not educated to discuss such matters with girls and women.
Let's not even discuss how incredibly uncomfortable it is to go speak on this to a complete stranger and a MAN? What? And let's not pretend that such things are already relegated as "women's" issues and are therefore not considered important enough to disucss?
But let me not go on a tangential. Let me stick to the social here. The reality is half of the world's population here menstruates making the argument that this is unique or "private" null and void. Many girls actually don't get any information when starting to menstruate.
Not in school. Not at home. So for men to assume this is being and should be discussed only privately is an even bigger confirmation that you are speaking out of your asses on something you actually don't know anything about.
Therefore, let women speak on matters they are far more knowledgeable about. Thus far there has been nothing lewd or improper at all that has been discussed. So for someone to get uncomfortable when we are only scratching the surface is a reflection of YOU. You are the problem.
You are projecting your discomfort and uneasiness on something that is totally natural and God-given and that is not anyone else's problem.
On matters of religion. I'll stick to Islam because that's what I know. Islam actually is beautiful in that it encourages open discussions as long as the proper decorum is upheld. I will start with a few examples on how historically Islam has handled these topics.
There are records of women standing up in public forums in front of the prophet and the Caliphs to ask about sexuality and menstruation. There is no subsequent record to show they were silenced or told to be quiet.
What Islam discourages and what I have always known is that of course you mind your language when speaking about such matters. You shouldn't go into detail unless it's in the appropriate setting e.g. medical situation and you can't just use crude language.
That said, if just the word period and general discussion on how we should normalize mentioning it and how to address the challenges associated with it make you hot and bothered...I am sorry to say that is not Islam. That is you getting in your own feelings.
So let us maintain that perhaps you feel ashamed discussing it. And given the context we have grown up in, it's understandable. But that doesn't make it right. And you talking over women especially when you don't have the merit to doesn't it make it right either.
And you arguing about it because you are ignorant about it..technically Islamically isn't right either. Islam does not encourage ignorance. And it does not encourage you making something lawful, unlawful.
