Why You Should Totally Rock Cloth Pads!

Welcome to Mariam Poppins! I appreciate you guys being here and reading the blog. Thank you kindly.
Today lets deviate from our regularly scheduled blog series to talk about women's health! I love green living, natural, organic, and eco-friendly products. And I want to share one of my favorite eco-friendly products with you guys.
The misunderstood reusable menstrual cloth pad.
 Using cloth pads is one of the best decisions a woman can make as far as taking control of her health. Why do I say this? What makes cloth pads a great product for women to use. Here's my top  reasons you are going to want to rock a cloth pad on your next cycle! Alright? Right! Let's do this lol!

1.  Cloth pads are environmentally friendly. Reusable cloth pads do not contribute to landfills like there counter parts. When the cloth pad wears out due to continued usage  based on the materials used to make it , it can be composted.
As Muslims its important to take care of the environment. Disposable pads are hard to breakdown and this is a big problem.

2. Cloth pads are not laced with chemicals. Disposable pads are not a healthy alternative. 

" Abu Khadeejah explains the importance of one of the two bounties which Allaah has blessed us with, that is, good health.

Ibn al-Qayyim  mentions that since health is one of the most precious favours that Allaah has bestowed upon his creation once a person has entered Islaam, then it is fitting that whomoever is granted a portion of this fortune of good health, that he cherishes it and he preserves it against harm.

Imaam Al-Bukhaareee narrated from Abdullaah ibn Abbaas radhiAllaahu anhumma that the Prophet Muhammad salallaahu ‘alaihi wassallam said that there are two bounties regarding which many of the people have become neglectful or that they are unaware and neglectful – that is, having good health and free time.

Ibn al-Qayyim also mentions that the foundations of medicine (medicine of the body) is of three types or of three basic fundamentals:
1. The preservation of health
2. A diet that avoids that which causes harm to the body
3. Removing harmful matter from the body.

Furthermore, Ibn al-Qayyim said if one looks at the medicine of Allaah and that which Allaah has sent to his Messenger salallaahu ‘alaihi wassallam compared to the medicine that is practised by the people and that which they have found and invented. Then there is no doubt for anyone with any intellect and any knowledge of the Creator that there is no comparison between the two. That is, that which Allaah has sent down as a cure then there is no comparison between  that and that which the people have invented.

Imaam adh-Dhahabee said it is compulsory upon every Muslim to seek nearness to Allaah by way of every means that he is able to muster and gather together.
So a person must exert himself in fulfilling the commands and acts of obedience and after this he must keep away from that which Allaah has forbidden. The most beneficial means and the most successful path of nearness to Allaah for a person is to mainitain good health. And to treat sicknesses because the affiair of good health is something that is sought in the legislated supplications and acts of worship.

It is narrated in the Saheehayn that the Messenger of Allaah salallaahu ‘alaihi wassallam said:

"Allaah has not sent down a disease except that He has also sent down its cure."

Imaam as-Sa’dee says about this hadeeth that in general it encompasses all illnesses whether hidden or apparent. There is a medicine that combats those diseases and illnesses either by prevention (preventative measures that bring about immunity), by curing the sickness completely or reducing effect of that sickness. In this there is an encouragement, from Allaah upon the tongue of the Messenger of Allaah salallaahu ‘alaihi wassallam to learn the cures of the body just as you learn the cures of the heart." (taken from here)

Reusable cloth pads are healthy for you and according to the above quote it is important that we take the time to take preventative measures from diseases and illnesses. 

3. You will save money!

Who doesn't like to save money honey? Lol! 
You can purchase a set of cloth pads, use them, and wash them and have them ready for your next cycle In shaa Allaah. This frees your money up to do other things. Perhaps you can donate money to charity, or save up for Hajj. Either way, you don't have to spend out extra money each month.

4. Cloth pads are sanitary and are not messy.

Yes I said typed that! I have heard some statements about cloth pads that I can totally understand where they are coming from, but at the same time, what people think about them being unclean is far from the truth.

"I have a heavy flow. I can't wear cloth pads."

Cloth pads are designed with that in mind. With the understanding that each woman's flow is different. It's not a one pad's absorption fits all flows situation. On the contrary, cloth pads are designed in these ways:

Light menses flow

Regular/medium menses flow

Heavy menses flow

Overnight and Postpartum

When you purchase a cloth pad the sewist has that in mind and they use a fabric in the core that is meant to absorb the fluid, and then they use a waterproof fabric for leakage prevention. There is a eco friendly science to all this reusable madness lol.

Cleaning your cloth pad does take time in a sense that its not convenient like a disposable, that you can just chuck in the trash and never to see again (but hey on the flip side the earth will have a hard time breaking it down, which means its gonna be a fitnah in the long run, think bigger picture). You can simply wash your cloth pad by hand and just hang to dry. Or put it in your laundry. It's not really that hard to do, and the health benefits outweigh the work you have to do to keep them clean. There are also homemade cleaning solutions you can make or purchase to take care of your cloth pads.

5. They come in awesome funky prints!

LOL yes I went there. But it is so true. You can't purchase a disposable pad with funky fun fly prints, now can you? lol! 

Or really cool solid colors. If you can sew your own then you have the unique opportunity to pick your own fabrics and design a pad that suits you and your personality. If you can't sew your own then you have a great opportunity to purchase some affordable ones in the prints or designs that you like! Each cloth pad sewist are not the same :-) some use organic cotton, some don't. Some use different absorbent material, while others use different shapes. Cloth pads are fun, and actually show a woman's personality. 
Cloth pads are not meant to be a hardship, but to be an aide in good hygienic practices among women. 

​What are your thoughts?

How do you feel about cloth pads?

Let's chat! Comment below :-) In shaa Allaah