Menstruation and Henna: Pollution and Purification - The Henna Page

Mohammed recommended it. Different sects and tribes had different henna and cleansing
techniques, visual symbols, exorcisms, and rituals reflecting local culture. Henna was frequently
part of postmenstrual ghusl, the purification bath, applied in patterns and techniques varying
according to local taste.
Islam did not create these concepts about reproductive blood and henna; Islam adapted pre-
existing Semitic traditions. Islamic menstrual taboos were based on a concept of pollution and
vulnerability versus purity and strength. Menstruating women were vulnerable to jinn and the
Evil Eye, irresistibly drawn to blood, particularly reproductive blood. These evil forces caused
fitna, or disorder, which manifested as disease, inappropriate conduct, and tragedy. Henna
contained baraka, or blessedness, which protected the wearer from misfortune. Women used
henna and protective patterns drawn with henna to purify their bodies, to preserve the health of
their skin and hair, and to protect their souls and minds from attack by malevolent spirits.
Women negotiated their menstrual and reproductive vulnerability through henna, wearing visible
symbols to show that they were pure, strong, in good spiritual standing, as well as in emotional
and physical health.
Western fashion and cosmetics changed henna use patterns in the 20 th century. North African and
Middle Eastern now often prefer the convenience and style of commercial nail polish and lotions
to henna. Though there is a thriving henna tradition in Mauritania and Sudan, many
contemporary Muslim women prefer to wear hijab and modest clothing to express their purity,
and avoid henna because it seems old-fashioned and rural, or too much like tattooing (Messina
1988).
“Menstruation and Henna, Pollution and Purification”, was written by Catherine Cartwright-Jones as partial completion
of the requirements for a Master’s degree in Liberal Studies focusing on henna, under the supervision of Dr. A Smith
and Dr. N Ammar, Kent State University, Kent Ohio, USA
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