Maulana Muhammad Ebrahim Palanpuri

Certain Islamic laws are meant exclusively for women. Most of our women are ignorant of these laws while some because of their modesty and shyness are prevented from asking others about these laws. Unfortunately, men also pay very little attention to such, laws. I have tried to explain the laws in very simple language. If you still have any difficulties then you should enquire from an Âlim if there is one amongst your mahram. If there is none, then you should ask your husband or any mahram to enquire from an Âlim to explain it properly to you and you can then explain it to the other ladies. This booklet has been prepared specially for women but a few laws are applicable to men and it is, therefore, advisable that men should also read the booklet and understand the laws because it is also their responsibility to explain these laws to their womenfolk. It is important that the ladies keep this booklet safely in their possession. (From the Concluding Note of the book)

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Istihada: What is it?

How do I pray with abnormal vaginal bleeding

Sexual Intimacy During Istihada

Am I obliged to wash away istihada blood on my clothes before praying?

Rulings related to Purity of a Woman in Istihaadhah

Answer:

Bismi Llahir Rahmanir Rahim

Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatuLlahi wa barakatuhu

If menstruation occurs at any time during the fasting day – namely from the entrance of Fajr to the entrance of Maghrib – the fast is not valid. This is the ruling even if menstruation starts one minute before Maghrib enters.

As for the question at hand, there are two possible scenarios.

First Scenario – Unsure When Blood Exited

If you honestly do not know when the bloody discharge exited, then the principle is that menstruation starts when you actually see the blood.

For example, Aisha is fasting during Ramadan. Maghrib enters at 6 pm. She goes to the bathroom at 6:15 pm and sees blood on her pantyliner. She does not know when the bleeding exited. In this case, she assumes that the blood exited when she saw it at 6:15 pm. Therefore, her fast is valid because her menstruation started after Maghrib.

Second Scenario – Reasonably Sure When It Exited

However, if she feels the wetness exit her vagina before she uses the bathroom, and she is reasonably certain that it is menstrual blood, then she should consider that her menses started when she felt the wetness.

For example, Hina is fasting during Ramadan. Maghrib enters at 6 pm. She is expecting her period to start soon. At 5:50 pm, she feels discharge exit her vagina. She does not make it to the bathroom until 6:15 pm. She sees blood on her pantyliner, and knowing her body, she is reasonably sure that the bleeding exited when she felt it at 5:50 pm. Thus, her menstruation started at 5:50 PM and her fast is invalid. She must make it up after Ramadan finishes in a time when she is not menstruating.

For more details about the rulings of menstruation related to Ramadan, please refer to this article: Menstruation Rulings Related To Ramadan.

Jazak Allah khayran

Naielah Ackbarali

The Companion Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (Allah be pleased with him) relates that the Prophet ﷺ said:

“Menstruation is three days, four days, five days, six days, seven days, eight days, nine days, or ten days. If the bleeding exceeds ten days, then she is not menstruating.” (Darqutni)

Along with this hadith and other narrations related about menstruation, the scholars have deduced several conditions that help distinguish whether a woman’s vaginal bleeding can be ruled as menstruation or not.

In an effort to make this knowledge easier for women to learn, we’ve attempted to summarize some of these rulings. The following is a basic breakdown of the conditions according to the Hanafi maddhab.

Condition #1: The bleeding originates from the uterus.

Menstruation is blood that comes from the uterus.

The uterus is the medical term for the womb, which is the place where the baby grows during pregnancy. If a woman does not get pregnant after ovulation, her uterine lining will shed approximately two weeks later, and the blood which exits her body is known as menstruation.

A woman can automatically assume that her menstrual bleeding originates from the uterus. She is not obliged to double check with a doctor of where her blood is originally coming from, unless there are physical signs that may indicate otherwise, such as a vaginal infection, injury, or sickness.

Condition #2: The bleeding exits the vaginal hole.

Women have three exit points: the urethra, the vagina, and the anus.

Menstrual bleeding is the bleeding that exits through the vaginal hole. How it exits is of no consideration. For example, whether the blood comes out due to a natural flow or by being extracted with toilet paper, the rulings related to the blood exiting apply.

If blood exits from the anus or urethra, then that blood is not ruled as menstruation. This is important for women to know because urinary tract infections, anal fissures, and the like can cause bleeding too.

Condition #3: The woman can legally experience menstruation.

These stipulations relate to the state of the woman herself.

• She must be at least 9 lunar years old (approximately 8 solar years and 9 months).
• She must not be pregnant. Pregnant women cannot menstruate.
• She must not be within the potential timeframe of when post-natal bleeding can occur, which is forty days (960 hours) after childbirth.
• She must not be older than 55 lunar years (approximately 53 solar years and 4 months). However, exceptions may apply to women who experience bleeding after this age.

For more details, please refer to this article: Istihada – What Is It? With Examples.

Condition # 4: The menstrual minimum is met.

The menstrual minimum is three complete days and nights (i.e. 72 hours). Once bleeding reaches this timeframe, it is ruled as menstruation with certainty.

It is important to note that there is no condition for the bleeding to be constant for the entire duration of 72 hours. Rather, the consideration is the beginning and ending times – and not what happens within the duration of 72 hours.

Furthermore, any color of vaginal discharge seen within this time takes the ruling of menses, regardless of whether it is red, brown, fresh yellow, or the like.

If the menstrual minimum is not met, then the bleeding will not be ruled as menstruation.

For more details, please refer to our self-paced course: Your Period Questions.

Condition #5: The menstrual maximum is not exceeded.

The menstrual maximum is ten complete days and nights (i.e. 240 hours). Menstruation cannot be longer than this duration according to the Sacred Law.

It is important to note that there is no condition for menstrual bleeding to be constant. Rather, the consideration is the beginning and ending times – and not what happens within the duration of 240 hours.

Furthermore, any color of vaginal discharge seen within this time takes the ruling of menses, regardless of whether it is red, brown, fresh yellow, or the like.

If the bleeding does not exceed the menstrual maximum and condition #6 is met, then the entire duration will be ruled as menstruation.

If the bleeding exceeds the menstrual maximum, then the entire duration will not be ruled as menstruation. Rather, she will need to resort to her menstruation and purity habits for a solution.

For more details, please refer to our self-paced course: Your Period Questions.

Condition #6: The minimal duration of purity follows the menstruation.

Many women overlook this very important condition! Two menstruations cannot immediately follow each other. There must be a duration without bleeding that follows it.

The minimum amount of purity (tuhr) that must occur between two menstruations is 15 complete days (360 hours). This means that for at least 15 complete days after her menstruation finishes, a woman must be free from all colored vaginal discharge.

If the second bleeding occurs before this time frame, then it may not be ruled as menstruation. For example, a woman sees 5 days of blood, then 10 days of purity, and then 8 days of blood. The ten days of purity is not long enough to separate between the two bloods. Consequently, the second blood may not be ruled as menstruation.

How does she know which days are menstruation then? She will need to resort to her menstruation and purity habits for a solution. This is what will determine which days are menses and which days are non-menses.

Muslimah Coaching

Q: If I bled for nine days last month and this month I bled for five days, can I have relations with my husband after five days?

Question: I was hoping that perhaps you could help me understand why a menstruating women is not allowed to touch a Qur’an, or I suppose more so why a menstruating women is deemed “impure.” Somehow it has been bothering me that all women would be considered impure for so many days a month, such that they are too impure to touch Allah’s book. Even the verse that talks about nobody touching the Qur’an except the pure ones makes one feel so dirty to have no way at times of becoming part of the pure ones. I suppose it reminds me too much of the Hindu and Christian concept wherein a menstruating women is dirty. Is there wisdom that you have that would provide some comfort?

Answer: Bismi Llahir Rahmanir Rahimi

Thank you for your question. This is an important topic that needs to be addressed as many others may share similar sentiments.

It is understandable why these types of feelings may develop, especially if one is not familiar with Islam’s position on menstruation. Islam does not consider menstruation to be a punishment towards women, and it would be a grave error to compare this great religion to other faiths who do view menstruation in this horrible, derogatory manner. Islam’s perspective is that menstruation is normal and it is natural.

Additionally, a menstruating woman is not dirty, but rather from a legal perspective, she is ritually impure for the duration that she is menstruating. This has legal consequences and not spiritual consequences. As such, she is instructed by Allah to stop certain forms of worship, and every second that she obeys these commands, it is worship if done for Allah’s sake.

Furthermore, the Quran is revelation; it deserves to be exalted and Allah teaches us how to do so. The Quranic ayah of the ‘pure ones’ does not only refer to menstruating women, but to any person in a state of ritual impurity, whether minor or major, male or female.

Finally, women must work hard at establishing good habits of worship during their menstruation, as well as maintaining them when ritually pure. There are many acts of worship that a menstruating woman can perform that will gain her the pleasure of her Lord. These emotions of feeling ‘left out’ are an obvious result of not persisting to engage in habitual practices of devotion while menstruating. Most certainly, if one is in a constant state of remembering Allah, one will never feel far from Him.

Allah says in the Quran, “And when My servants question thee concerning Me, then surely I am nigh. I answer the prayer of the suppliant when he crieth unto Me. So let them hear My call and let them trust in Me, in order that they may be led aright.” [al-Baqara: 186]

Islam’s Perspective on Menstruation

There is nothing in Islam that says menstruating women are ‘dirty.’ Rather, menstruation is viewed as a natural process that normal, healthy women experience throughout their lifetime.

A Syrian scholar once wrote a letter to his young daughter clarifying the details of menstruation to her. He gently explained to her, “…it is a healthy blood. Indeed, menstruation has a natural, physical connection with a woman’s body to enable pregnancy. Allah is most exalted in His wisdom. He made menstruation a means for pregnancy….Verily, the uterus is preparing itself to welcome (the ability for) pregnancy with this blood and whenever pregnancy does not occur, this blood exits from the uterus to the vagina…”  [Fathi Ahmad Safi; Ahkam al-Hayd wa al-Nifas]

Medically-speaking it is impossible for a woman to become pregnant if she cannot menstruate, which is the case for young children and post-menopausal women. The blessing of being able to menstruate is quite clear for the one who reflects. The first time a girl sees menstrual blood in her life her body is signaling to her that she is growing into a young woman. She is now physically able to start conceiving. In fact, only by the occurrence of menstruation is a woman given the opportunity to begin and nurture a righteous family. For most women, Allah gives them this chance once a month for a series of years to attempt conception and enjoy the blessing of raising pious children. Surely, the wondrous joys experienced during parenthood would never be possible without first encountering menstruation.

Examples From the Prophet’s Life of How to Treat Menstruating Women

Furthermore, there are many examples in the Prophet’s life (Allah bless him and give him peace) instructing the believers of how to behave with menstruating women.  He (Allah bless him and give him peace) told the Companions (Allah be pleased with them) to interact with menstruating women in their usual manner, with the exception of engaging in sexual intercourse which is prohibited in Islam by consensus. These are a few examples from the Prophet’s life:

1) The Mother of the Believers Aisha (Allah be pleased with her) said, “We left with the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) for the pilgrimage. When we were in Sarif (a place close to Makkah) I began to menstruate. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) approached me and I was crying. He said, ‘Did you get your period?’ I said, ‘Yes’ He said, ‘Verily this is a matter Allah has written upon the girls of Prophet Adam (Allah bless him). Do all the actions of the pilgrimage except the tawaf.’ [Bukhari]

From this narration, it is quite clear that Allah did not will menstruation for specific individuals, but rather, He chose it to be for all women until the end of time. [Sharh ibn Batal] No healthy woman experiences life without menstrual blood. It’s normal and it’s natural.

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) also comforted Aisha (Allah be pleased with her) by telling her that it is a ‘matter’ Allah has written for women, which completely refutes the idea that menstruation is a curse, a punishment, or anything else demeaning. This is a clear distinction between Islam and other faiths.

2) The conservative Jews at the time of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) would not go near their menstruating wives. They did not eat with them, drink with them, or remain in the same house as them during their periods. The Companions (Allah be pleased with them) asked the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) about these mannerisms and how should they behave with their menstruating wives. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Do everything with her except for sexual intercourse.” [Muslim; ibn Hajar, Fath al-Bari]

In another incident, the Companions (Allah be pleased with them) asked the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) about what was permissible to do with a menstruating woman. He responded, “For you is what is above the izar (lower garment).” [Abu Dawud]

These narrations demonstrate that a husband must still act favorably and loving towards his wife regardless if she is menstruating. A man should not ignore his menstruating wife but continue to live with her as companions for the sake of Allah.

Additionally, the given responses indicate that it is permissible to touch her, and even to sexually stimulate her, as long as the husband does not directly touch the skin between her navel and knee. The Hanafis allow the husband to touch the area between her navel and her knee upon the condition that there is a barrier covering this specific place, like with the use of a sheet or trousers. [ibn Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar]

3) The Mother of the Believers Aisha (Allah be pleased with her) said, “The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) would recline on my lap while I was menstruating and he would read the Quran.” [Bukhari]

She also said in another narration, “I would drink while menstruating, then pass the vessel to the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace). He would place his mouth on the (same) place as my mouth and drink….” [Muslim]

These narrations prove that a menstruating woman is pure (tahira) and not filthy, aside from her being in a state of ritual impurity. [Mulla Ali al-Qari, Mirqat al-Mafatih]

4) The Mother of the Believers Umm Salama (Allah be pleased with her) said, “I was lying down with the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) under a black, wool cover (and) I started to menstruate. I left quietly to put on clothing worn for menstruation. He said, ‘Did you get your period?’ I said, ‘Yes.’ He called to me to lie down again with him under the cover.” [Bukhari]

Ibn Hajar notes that this narration illustrates the permissibility of sleeping next to a menstruating woman in her clothing and lying with her under the same cover. [ibn Hajar, Fath al-Bari] Women wore different clothing during menstruation in order to avoid affecting their everyday garments with filth, which is similar to what women do in today’s times. [ibid]

5) The Mother of the Believers Aisha (Allah be pleased with her) said, “The Messenger of God (Allah bless him and give him peace) said to me, ‘Get me the prayer mat from the prayer area.’ I replied, ‘I am menstruating.’ He said, ‘Verily, your menstruation is not in your hand.’ [Muslim]

The meaning of the phrase ‘not in your hand’ is that there was no filth present on her hand, like blood, that would defile the prayer area. [Nawawi, Sharh Muslim] This narration further indicates that a menstruating woman’s limbs are not filthy but pure. She is only ritually impure. [Mulla Ali al-Qari, Sharh Musnad Abi Hanifa; al-Namari, al-Istidhkar]

6) The Mother of the Believers Maymuna (Allah be pleased with her) related that she would be menstruating and not praying. She would lie next to the Prophet’s prayer area while he would be praying on a prayer mat. She said, “When he prostrated, some of his clothing would touch me.” [Bukhari]

Similar to the narrations previously mentioned, this hadith ascertains that a menstruating woman is not filthy. [Sharh ibn Batal] One can only imagine how close Maymuna (Allah be pleased with her) must have been to the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) in order for his clothes to touch her while in prayer.

Menstruating Women & Lifting Ritual Impurity

Legally speaking, ritual impurity is a state that prevents one from performing certain acts of worship until the state is lifted by either ablution (wudu), the purificatory bath (ghusl), or dry ablution (tayammum). [Shurunbulali, Maraqi al-Falah; Tahtawi; Hashiayyat al-Tahtawi] This criterion has legal consequences and not spiritual consequences.

There are two types of ritual impurity: minor and major. Minor ritual impurity is when one is in a state that necessitates ablution (wudu), whereas major ritual impurity is a state that necessitates the purificatory bath (ghusl). These are both ritual acts of cleanliness that were taught to us by Allah and his Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace).

Based on sound scholarship and clear evidences from the Quran and hadiths, a menstruating woman is of those who fall into the latter category. [Shurunbulali, Maraqi al-Falah] Thus, the only way a menstruating woman can lift her state of ritual impurity is by performing the purificatory bath. However, the purificatory bath is not valid until she stops menstruating within the possible days of menses or her bleeding reaches the menstrual maximum. [Tahtawi; Hashiyyat al-Tahtawi; Hartford, Birgivi’s Manual Interpreted]

Who Can Touch the Quran

Undeniably, the Quran is revelation. It deserves to be exalted. If Allah and His Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) teach the believers that the Quran cannot be touched unless one is in a specific ritual state, then a true servant of Allah only has one thing on their mind: obeying their Master.

Allah says in the Quran, “That (this) is indeed a noble Qur’an. In a Book kept hidden. Which none toucheth save the purified. A revelation from the Lord of the Worlds.” [al-Waqi’ah: 77-80]

There is a difference of opinion of what is meant by ‘save the purified.’ Some scholars declare that Allah is referring to the angels because they are free from all sins unlike humans. But most tafsir scholars agree that it is referring to someone who is free from ritual impurity. [ibn Abidin; Radd al-Muhtar]

There are other supporting evidences. For example, the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Only a pure person may touch the Quran.” [Abu Dawud; al-Bayhaqi] In another narration he said, “Do not touch the Quran unless you are a pure person.” [al-Tabarani] The phrase ‘pure person’ means someone who is ritually pure. [al-Munawi; Fayd al-Qadir]

Therefore, in terms of touching the Quran, the same ruling applies for a man and a woman in a state of minor or major ritual impurity. Namely, neither of them can touch the Quran without first removing this state. However, lifting the state of ritual impurity may be done quicker for some than for others. For example, a woman who merely needs to perform ablution will relieve this state quicker than a menstruating woman.

Yet, there is nothing wrong with her if she takes a longer time. Allah has willed menstruation for her, alhamduLlilah, and He appoints its number of days for each woman. Glory be to Allah, every second that the menstruating woman obeys His command, she is rewarded if she does so for His sake. The Most Generous is never cheap with His generosity.

Being of the Pure During Menstruation

Feeling ‘left out’ is an obvious result of not striving to continue with other forms of devotion while in this state. Indeed, there are many acts of worship that a menstruating woman can perform. Menstruation is not an excuse that justifies vacation time from worship.

Allah says in the Quran, “I created the jinn and humankind only that they might worship Me.” [al-Dhariyat: 56]

In the Hanafi madhhab, it is an overall recommendation that a menstruating woman make ablution (wudu) for each prayer time, sit in her usual place of worship, and make dhikr for the time it takes for her to normally pray so that she does not lose her habit of worship while in this state. [ibn Abidin, Manhal al-Waridin]

Thus, menstruation is a prime time to establish good habits and demonstrate the strength of one’s faith to one’s Creator. The following are a few suggestions.

A menstruating woman can:

1) Listen to the Quran, ponder about its meanings, and cry.

2) Buy a supplication book and make constant dhikr.

3) Send blessings on our beloved Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace).

4) Spend time with her family and loved ones for the sake of Allah.

5) Attend religious lectures and classes.

6) Read about the righteous and pray to be of them.

7) Supplicate for whatever she wishes.

8 ) Beg for forgiveness and the pardon of her sins.

9) Get involved in her local community and help others.

10) Reflect about her life and thank Allah for all her blessings.

Though these acts may seem simplistic, no one knows how Allah will weigh one’s works on the Day of Judgment. Surely, a deed that is done with an open heart and presence of mind for WHO one is worshipping is most deserving of reward.

May Allah make us of those who are constant in worship and obedience to Him.

Barak Allah fikum

Ustadha Naielah Ackbarali

Shawwal 29 1431

October 8 2010

Checked & Approved by Faraz Rabbani

Source

Keeping a record of your menstrual cycle is absolutely essential because many rulings depend on it. It is extremely important to keep a record of the exact time and date when bleeding begins and stops. In cases where habits become irregular and problems arise, it is keeping a record which saves a woman from unnecessary hardship of rulings such as having to perform a Ghusl for every Salaah.

A simple calendar can be quite sufficient though nowadays it is quite easy to keep a record with various apps which are easily available. Attached are different types of charts you can print out. 

Yearly Menstruation Record Chart.docx

Menstruation Recording Chart.docx

Misconceptions

In today’s technologically advanced world, we see non-authoritative sources spreading Islamic legal verdicts (fatwas) for the general public who are none the wiser. With one ‘ping,’ misinformation can spread like wildfire and potentially mislead thousands of people. Listed below are common misconceptions regarding menstruation, followed by what Islam actually says about the matter.

Misconception 1: It is not permissible to trim/cut hair or nails while menstruating.

Busted: Whilst it is somewhat disliked (makruh tanzihi) to cut hair or nails in a state of major ritual impurity due to wet dreams, intercourse, etc. (janabah), there is no dislike in doing so during menstruation (hayd) or post-natal bleeding (nifas).

Misconception 2: It is not permissible to use a comb used by a menstruating woman.

Busted: This claim has absolutely no basis in the Islamic law (Shari’ah) and is in fact contrary to a narration mentioned in Sahih al-Bukhari. It is narrated on the authority of Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her): “While in menses, I used to comb the hair of Allah’s Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace)” (Sahih Muslim 244/1)

Misconception 3: It is not permissible to sit on a prayer mat while menstruating.

Busted: It is actually recommended (mustahabb) for a woman to perform ablution (wudu) and sit on her prayer mat while menstruating. She should recite other forms of supplications (adhkar e.g. praises and glorifications) for the duration it usually takes her to offer ritual prayer (salat). This will ensure she remains in the habit of worship, even during the days salat is not due on her. (Manhal al-Waridin p.267)

Misconception 4: You cannot wear the same clothes worn in menstruation after attaining purity.

Busted: They can be worn as long as the clothes have not been soiled by physical impurity.

*See ‘Removing Impurity‘ for further detail.

Misconception 5: Clothes worn in hayd must be washed separately.

Busted: If clothes have been soiled by impurity while menstruating, they are the same as clothes soiled by any other impurity. They do not need to be washed separately. However, it may be advisable to wash any light-coloured garments as soon as possible so the stain does not set in.

*See ‘Removing Impurity‘ for further detail.

Misconception 6: It is not permissible to apply henna in menstruation.

Busted: It is permitted to apply henna, whether on the hands, feet, or hair at any time.

Misconception 7: It is not permissible to take a bath while menstruating.

Busted: Islam advises us to stay clean at all times, and during hayd and nifas, one should make an extra effort to remain clean due to the bleeding that occurs. The Quran mentions, “Allah loves those who keep themselves pure” (Surat al-Tawbah 9:108).

Misconception 8: You cannot use water to clean the private parts when menstruating; it will affect your fertility.

Busted: This claim is completely baseless within the Shari’ah. Menstruating women should take extra care of their cleanliness to prevent the buildup of bacteria, odour, or physical impurity. Allah’s Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Cleanliness is half of faith” (Sahih Muslim 203/1).

Misconception 9: It is not permissible to take a bath after menstruation until pubic hair is removed.

Busted: It is compulsory to remove pubic hair on a weekly basis. Removing it is not a prerequisite to performing ritual bath (ghusl).

*See ‘Basic Hygiene Etiquette‘ for further detail.

Misconception 10: You must offer the prostration of recital (sajda tilawah) for a verse of prostration (sajda) heard during menstruation.

Busted: If a menstruating woman hears a verse of sajda from someone else, it is not necessary for her to offer sajda tilawat, even after she attains purity.

Misconception 11: You cannot leave your newborn during nifas.

Busted: There is nothing mentioned in Shari’ah to prohibit a woman from leaving her newborn during nifas. 

Misconception 12: You cannot leave your house during nifas.

Busted: There is no specific ruling mentioned in Shari’ah that prohibits a woman from leaving her house during nifas. 

Misconception 13: You cannot tell your father you are menstruating.

Busted: In many cultures, it is considered inappropriate or immodest for a girl to tell her father she is menstruating. From a young age, girls are discouraged from discussing emotional and physical changes they may be going through. If a young girl needs help from her father to purchase sanitary pads, she should feel comfortable asking him. Fathers are there to care for their families; it’s their job. Menstruation is a completely normal part of everyday life. A father will understand that, and would never want his daughter to feel too embarrassed by something so natural as menstruation that it prevents her from asking him for help. There is no problem if there is shyness from either or both parties, but when she needs help, she should be able to ask.

Misconception 14: You cannot write Qur’anic verses while menstruating.

Busted: It is unlawful to write a Qur’anic verse while menstruating, unless the writer creates a barrier between her hand and the paper she is writing on. A menstruating woman should place a tissue or another piece of paper under her writing hand, so that her hand does not touch the paper on which the Qur’an is written.

Misconception 15: Menstruating women must keep their distance from other members of their household.

Busted: Islam is a religion of moderation and walking a balanced path; unlike many other faiths, it does not cast out menstruating women as unclean or unhygienic. Women are not expected to physically distance themselves from members of their household, including their spouse. There is no religious basis that prevents them from using the same utensils or sleeping in the same bed, although restrictions for intimacy remain.

Menstrual Matters Whitethread

Menstruation is a part of every woman’s life. For a young girl, it will mark her entrance into womanhood and the point at which she is responsible for her worship in accordance with Islamic laws (Shari’ah). For a woman, it will be a constant part of her life, through monthly cycles, pregnancies and even menopause. Given the way hayd (menstruation) and nifas (post-natal bleeding) are so intimately connected to a woman, it is imperative that she understands the rules that govern them. She must know when she is obligated to pray and fast and when she must abstain from certain acts of worship. 

The tutorials aim to help women gain clarity and understanding of how to differentiate between the differnt types of bloods they experience.

Index

1. Key Terms - it is very important to know the different types of blood women experience

2. Minimum & Maximum Frames - Shari'ah has stipulated the minimum and maximum limit to the bloods

3. Colours of blood - Women experience different colours of blood. This tutorial shows which colours can be considered

4. Habits - Habits are formed in the number of days a woman bleeds (in menstruation and post-natal bleeding)

5. Recording Cycles - This tutorial shows how imporatnt it is for women to record their cycles

6. Number & Place - It is not just about the number of days a woman bleeds. It is also at which place of the month she   bleeds

7. Early Blood - Women's habits fluctuate and some months she may beging bleeding earlier than expeceted. What does she do?

8. Post-natal Bleeding (Nifas) - Definition and rulings

9. Miscarriage - Rulings on how to determine the bleeding after a miscarriage

10. Menopause - Rulings

11. Attaining Ritual Purity - How and when to attain purity aftre bleeding

Asalaam Alekum,

I have a question about Salaat.
Since quite a while I’ve been praying all my prayers I try not miss any prayer. In the morning when I wake up and after performing my Fajr namaaz I read Surah Yaseen once. And then go back to sleep again.

But whenever I have my monthly periods its obvious I can’t perform my Salaat or read Quran then and then I feel so depressed and guilty about not doing my daily things. When I pray my Prayers I feel like I can Handle the whole world but when I can’t pray because of my monthly periods then I feel like a failure and like I have failed in every aspect of my life.

Nowadays when I have my periods at the end of the day before going to sleep I repeat 10 times third Kalma, 4 Times Surah Fatiha, 3 Times Surah Ikhlaas, 10 Times Darood Sharief. Like this at the end of the day I feel fine. But not fully relaxed and calm like the way I feel when I do my daily prayer.

Therefore I would like to know What I could do not to feel guilty and depressed.

Kinds Regards,

A Muslim Girl

Answer

Bismillaah-ir-Rahmaan-ir-Raheem.

Wa ‘Alaykumussalaam wa Rahmatullaahi wa Barakaatuh.

MashaAllaah. May Allaah bless you with steadfastness in whatever good you are doing, and may Allaah bless you with the ability to progress farther. Ameen.

* It is related in a Hadeeth that the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) has said, “During Haidh (menses), if a woman reads the following (or any other istighfaar) seventy times at the time of every Salaah, she will get the reward of reading one thousand Rakaats of Salaah, seventy of her sins will be forgiven, her status is raised in the eyes of Allaah Ta’aala; and for every letter of Istighfaar she receives a noor (light); and for every vein in her body, the reward of one Haj and Umrah is written:

سبحنك استغفر الله الذي لا اله الا هو الحي القيوم

Subhaanaka Astaghfirullaah-al-lathee laa ilaaha illa huw-al-Hayy ul-Qayoom

* During monthly menses it is Mustahab (desirable) for a woman to perform Wudhu (ablution) at the time of every Salaah and to sit in the place where she normally performs Salaah, and occupy herself in some form of Zikr, for the time that it normally takes her to complete Salaah. InshaAllaah, this will ensure that the habit of performing Salaah remains.

* It should be remembered that in this state of impurity she should try to remain clean and occupy herself with Zikr, Duaas, Salawaat (Durood Shareef), Istighfaar, etc. In this way she will be saved from Shaytaan who is very active during this period. Many booklets are available with Duaas and Wazaaif that women can pray during their menses. One can also pray Hizbul-A’zham or Munaajaat-e-Maqbool, Salaat and Salaam, 40 Rabbanaas etc.

And Allaah knows best.

Wassalaam.

————————————–
A. Z. Pandor

muftisays.com

 I received the following as a broadcasted message, and would just like to know what is its authenticity:

“Menstruation in Ramadan. It is related in a Hadith that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said if a woman reads (at her time of haidh – menstruation).

Subhanaka astaghfirullahal lathi la ilaha illa huwal hayyul qayyum

70 times at the time of every Salah or any other istighfar even if it be astagfirullah only, then she will get the reward of reading 1000 rak’ahs of Salah, 70 of her sins are forgiven, her status is raised in the eyes of Allah and for every letter of istighfar, she gets a nur and for every vein in the body, one hajj and umrah is written!”

(Majalisul Abrar)

Answer

I could not locate this in the popular Hadith books.

The reference that is quoted in your query is not of a reputable primary Hadith-source.

The promise of hugely inflated rewards for deeds that are relatively simple and easy is commonly found in fabricated Hadiths.

(Tadribur Rawi)

One should be cautious in sharing Hadiths like the above, especially since it cannot be traced to an authentic source.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best

Answered by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar

Hadithanswers

I spoke to Mufti Asadullah Shehbaz (HA) at Jamiatur-Rasheed (Karachi) and before I share his answer, I would like to hear from a Sister as to why this issue is so complex that it needs tables and Apps to track?

Menstrual Matters is a project of Whitethread, under the guidance of Mufti Abdur-Rahman Mangera, with the objective of educating women on menstruation and post-natal bleeding, as well as other related subjects.

VISIT THE WEBSITE

HERE

Dr Mufti Abdur-Rahman Mangera established Whitethread Institute with the express purpose of enhancing educational pathways for Muslim scholars. It now serves the important role of allowing scholars to synthesize between modern-day challenges and traditional texts. The Menstrual Matters Project is the latest initiative to emerge from Whitethread, with the objective of educating women on menstruation and post-natal bleeding, as well as other related subjects. Empowered with this knowledge, they will be able to execute their sacred devotions in accordance with the Shari‘ah. 

In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.

The discharge of blood after the birth of a child or after a miscarriage is known as Nifas.

The Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam has said “The time of Nifas is forty days unless Tuhr (purity) is attained before it.”   (Mustadrak Hakim)

There is a general consensus that there is no minimum limit of Nifas.  The total length of Nifas is from the delivery of the child till when the bleeding stops (up to the limit of forty days).  Only if the bleeding stops for 15 days at any time within this period does the Nifas end.  If the bleeding does not stop for 15 days then Nifas will continue irrespective of how short or random the bleeding is.   (Raddul Muhtar p.496 v.1)

1.  A woman who experiences post natal bleeding is not allowed to recite any verses from the Holy Quran.

Saaiduna Ibn Umar Radiallahu Anhu relates that the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam has said “A Haidh and a person in need of a bath must not recite anything from the Holy Quran.”   (Sunan Tirmizi p.34 v.1)

NOTE: A Haidh and Post Natal bleeding woman have the same ruling.

2.  Similarly, she is not allowed to perform tawaf.  Saaidah Aaisha Radiallahu Anha came to Makkah for Hajj and was a Haidh.  She complained to the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam that she was unable to perform the rituals of Hajj.  The Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam informed her “Do what the pilgrims do apart from tawaf, which should be done when you become purified.”   (Sahih Bukhari p.44 v.1)

3.  She is not allowed to enter the Mosque.

Saaidha Aaisha Radiallahu Anhu relates that the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam would be in Itikaf while she was in her room which was adjacent to the Masjid, he would stretch his head out of the Masjid for her to watch while she was a Haidh.   (Sahih Bukhari)

4.  She is not allowed to fast or pray.  However she should do qadha of the fasts on a later date.   (Raddul Muhtar p.485 v.1)

5.  She is not allowed to engage herself in sexual intercourse.   (Surah Baqarah v.222)

6.  She will be allowed to engage in foreplay (touching, kissing etc) with her husband.  The only restriction is that intercourse is not to be engaged.

Saaidah Aaisha Radiallahu Anhu reports if any of the wives of the Prophet of Allahu Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam became a Haidh, the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam would instruct her to trouser herself and he would then engage in foreplay.   (Sahih Muslim p.141 v.1)

Direct contact between the womans’ navel and the knees is impermissible.  Indirect contact such as stimulation through a barrier (i.e.clothing) is permissible. Similarly, direct contact above the navel and below the knees is permissible.   (Fatawa Hindiyyah p.39 v.1)

7. It will be permissible for a woman experiencing post natal bleeding to hold dua books with verses of the Quran in them.  It is permitted to recite duas from the Holy Quran with the intention of dua, though not with the intention of reciting the Holy Quran.   (Raddul Muhtar p.488 v.1)

Only Allah Knows Best

Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham

Q: Is it permissible to have relations with one's wife before she has ghusal in the case where her haidh has terminated before ten days?

Q:

A. There are 3 possible scenarios that may occur in such a case:

1.    A woman’s blood stops during the days of menstruation (3-10 days) prior to her habit with insufficient time to take a complete Ghusal before the time of Salaah expires. For e.g. a woman’s menstrual habit is 7 days and the blood stops on day 5 at 5 minutes before the expiry of the Esha time. In this case, the performance/Qadha of the Esha and Witr Salaah is not compulsory.

2.    A woman’s blood stops during the days of menstruation (3-10 days) at her habit with insufficient time to take a complete Ghusal before the time of Salaah expires. For e.g. a woman’s menstrual habit is 7 days and the blood stops on day 7 at 5 minutes before the expiry of the Esha time. In this case, the performance/Qadha of the Esha and Witr Salaah is not compulsory.

Ø  N.B. In the above two scenarios, the time for the Ghusal is considered part of the menstrual period. The time for Ghusal includes the time it takes to perform the minimal Ghusal, getting dressed, facing the direction of the Qiblah and saying <sup>`</sup>Allah<sup>'</sup> of `Allahu Akbar^' for the opening of the Salaah.  This is approximately 15 minutes in these modern times under normal circumstances.

3.    A woman’s blood stops during the days of menstruation (3-10 days) at the maximum (10 days) with insufficient time to take a Ghusal before the time of Salaah expires. For e.g. a woman’s menstrual habit is 7 days and the blood stops on day 10 at 5 minutes before the expiry of the Esha time. In this case, the performance/Qadha of the Esha and Witr Salaah is compulsory. (Dhukrul Mutaahhileen Wannisaa’)

Is it allowed to wait 24 hours after the last bleeding to determine if my haidh is over? (I have an irregular one)  Also,  if it was all clean during these 24 hours and then I took ghusul,  should I make qada for the salahs I missed during these 24 hours?

Answer:

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salāmu ‘alaykumwa-rahmatullāhiwa-barakātuh.

In principle, a woman will apply her honest discretion to determine whether her haidh has terminated or not. She will act according to her determination. She does not have to wait for 24 hours to make that determination. Once she has determined that her haidh has terminated, she will make ghusl and perform Salaah from that time onwards. If she did not perform salaah after making that determination, she will make qadha of her missed Salaah.

And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best

Checked and Approved by,

Mufti Ebrahim Desai.

ذخر المتاهلين و النساء (

19-11-1440| 22-07-2019

[1]

83)

البحر الرائق شرح كنز الدقائق ومنحة الخالق وتكملة الطوري (1/ 221)

[منحة الخالق]

لما في التتارخانية فجاءت تستفتي وهي لا تعلم موضع حيضها ولا موضع طهرها وتعلم عادتها في الحيض والطهر أو لا تعلم فإنها تتحرى إلخ وسنذكر عنها حكم ما إذا علمت في مسألة الصوم

المحيط البرهاني في الفقه النعماني (1/ 250)

وإذا كانت للمرأة أيام حيض وطهر معروفة، فاستحاضت فلم تهتم لرؤيتها حتى أتى عليها زمان ثم ندمت على ما فرطت، فجاءت تستفتي وهي موضع حيضها ولا موضع طهرها، وتعلم عادتها في الحيض والطهر أو لا تعلم، فإنها تتحرى عندنا

تبيين الحقائق شرح كنز الدقائق وحاشية الشلبي (1/ 62)

وكصاحبة العادة إذا استمر دمها وقد نسيت عدد أيام حيضها أولها وآخرها ودورها في كل شهر فإنها تتحرى وتمضي على أكبر رأيها

[1]الأصل للشيباني ط قطر (2/ 43) [1]

ولو أن امرأة لم تكن تحيض فيما مضى فأول ما رأت الدم رأته خمسة أيام، ثم انقطع، فإنها تنتظر إلى آخر الوقت أدنى مواقيت الصلاة منها، ثم تغتسل وتصلي ويأتيها زوجها, ولا بأس بذلك، وليس عليه أن ينتظر إلى آخر العشرة لأن هذه لم يكن لها أيام معروفة فقصرت عنها. إنما أحب لزوجها أن لا يطأها إذا كانت لها أيام معروفة فقصرت عنها. فكذلك لا أحب لها أن تزوج إن كان هذا آخر عدته

فتاوى التاتارخانية (1/259)

 ان كل زمان تيقنت بالحيض فيه تترك الصلاة و كل زمان يتردد فيه بين الحيض و الطهر لا تترك المكتوبات

الفقه الحنفي(1/142)

 فالاصل فيه انها متي تيقنت باالطهر في وقت صلت فيه

كتاب الفتاوى(2/100)

فتاوى عبادر الرحمن   (1/463)

http://idealwoman.org/2019/waiting-24-hours-to-determine-if-the-haidh-is-over/