Can You Fast and Perform Namaaz During Periods or Post-natal bleeding?
Query:
What is the ruling regarding the Fast and Namaaz of woman who is in her menstural cycle or post-natal bleeding?
Answer:
What is Menstruation & post-natal bleeding?
Menstruation is the blood which is released naturally from the front private part of a mature woman on the condition that it is not because of an illness or the birth of a child. The period of menstruation is a minimum of three days and a maximum of ten. If the blood is released for more or less than these days, then it is due to an illness and is referred to as Istihaazah. Blood which is released after the birth of a child is called post-natal bleeding. There is no set number of days when the blood may stop but it is possible to last up to a maximum of forty days. Blood which is released after forty days is classed as Istihaazah.
The Ruling
It is Haraam to keep a fast and to perform Salaah in the state of menstruation or post-natal bleeding. Salaah is forgiven during this period and is not required to be made up. However, it is Fard to make up the fasts on other days. It is also forbidden to recite the Qur'an, whether it be looking inside or by memory. Similarly, it is forbidden to touch any part of the Quran whether it's cover or its commentary with the hand of the tip of one's finger or with any other part of the body. However, it is permissible to touch the casing in which it is wrapped.
References:
Anwar e Shariat, Faqih e Millat, al-Imam Mufti Jalal-ud-din Ahmad Amjadi
[ English Translation ]
Muhammad Khalid Hussain,
verified by Mawlana Kalim Qadri, U. K.