Fath al-Rabbani

It is narrated from Sayyiduna Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) that when a woman was menstruating, the Jews would neither eat with them nor live together with them in the same houses. When the noble Companions asked about this, Allah Almighty revealed this verse: {وَیَسْئَـلُوْنَکَ عَنِ الْمَحِیْضِ قُلْ ھُوَ اَذًیفَاعْتَزِلُوا النِّسَاء َ فِی الْمَحِیْضِ وَلَا تَقْرَبُوْھُنَّ حَتّٰییَـطْہُرْنَ فَاِذَا تَطَہَّرْنَ فَاْتُوْھُنَّ مِنْ حَیْثُ اَمَرَکُمُ اللّٰہُ اِنَّ اللّٰہَ یُحِبُّ التَّـوَّابِیْنَ وَیُحِبُّ الْمُتَطَہِّرِیْنَ۔} … And they ask you about menstruation. Say, “It is a harm, so keep away from women during menstruation and do not approach them until they are pure. Then when they have purified themselves, go to them from where Allah has commanded you.” Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves. (Surah Al-Baqarah: 222) The Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “You may do everything except intercourse.” When this reached the Jews, they said: “This man always intends to oppose us in every matter.” Sayyiduna Usayd bin Hudayr (may Allah be pleased with him) and Sayyiduna ‘Abbad bin Bishr (may Allah be pleased with him) came and said: “O Messenger of Allah! The Jews have said this in response to your command. Should we not even have intercourse in this state (so that we may oppose the Jews even more)?” Upon hearing this, the face of the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) changed; we saw that he became angry with those two Companions, and they both left in fear. Later, when a gift of milk was brought to the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), he sent for them and gave them the milk to drink. From this, they understood that the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was not angry with them.