What is the meaning of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) having intercourse with Aisha while she was menstruating?

Question:
May Allah reward you, Honorable Shaykh. This questioner says: The statement of Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) while she was wearing a waistcloth between her navel and her knee, is confusing to me. What is the meaning of this "mubasharah" (intimacy)?

Answer:
It is clear. "Mubasharah" in this context means that he enjoyed her company, kissed her, and touched her body, except for the private parts. He abstained from , meaning from the place of menstruation. As for the command to wear a waistcloth, was this specific to him (peace and blessings be upon him), or was it a measure of precaution? Otherwise, the only forbidden thing is the discharge of menstruation itself. The husband may enjoy the rest of his wife's body while she is menstruating. This is in contrast to the Jews, for the Jews never approached a menstruating woman, nor did they eat from her cooking or her work.