al-Afkar, Journal For Islamic Studies
Vol. 9 No. 2 (2026)

Beyond Taharah: Integrative Interpretation of QS Al-Baqarah 2:222 in Biology, Psychology, Spirituality

Putri Yasmin Nurul Azizah Tandean (Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta)
Jihan Kharisma Hidayatulloh (Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Indonesia)
Ahmad Nurrohim (Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta)



Article Info

Publish Date
03 Jun 2026

Abstract

QS. Al-Baqarah [2]: 222 discusses menstruation through the concept of adha, the prohibition of sexual intercourse, and regulations of cleanliness until a state of purity is attained. In the classical exegesis of al-Qurtubi, this verse is understood within the normative-legal framework of fiqh al-taharah, thereby confining its meaning predominantly to ritual jurisprudential rulings. Such an approach reveals limitations in interpreting menstruation as a multidimensional phenomenon that also encompasses biological and psychological aspects. This study is a library-based research employing an integrative thematic exegesis approach, combining linguistic analysis, al-Qurtubi’s tafsir, and relevant biological and psychological literature. The findings indicate that adha refers to biological disruption and physical-emotional discomfort, rather than merely “impurity”. The phrase fa’tazilu is also understood as a protective restriction of sexual relations, rather than social isolation. The integrative analysis demonstrates that menstruation represents the unity of physiological, psychological, and spiritual dimensions. Thus, the verse is not solely normative-legal in nature, but also contains protective, relational, and reflective meanings in understanding women’s bodily experience in a more holistic manner

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Journal Info

Abbrev

Afkar_Journal

Publisher

Subject

Social Sciences

Description

al-Afkar, Journal for Islamic Studies is published by Association of Secondment Lecturers (Asosiasi Dosen DPK) UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung Indonesia. Focus of al-Afkar, Journal for Islamic Studies is on publishing original empirical research articles and theoretical reviews of Islamic Studies, ...