dawn. Then complete the fast until nightfall.” [2:187] If intercourse is permissible until the rise of dawn, it necessarily follows that one may begin the day in a state of major ritual impurity.

The sunnah is what Aishah reported: that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, would begin the morning in Ramadan in a state of major ritual impurity due to intercourse, not a wet dream, and would then fast. (1)

The author did not previously mention the prohibition of divorce, but it is understood from his statement here, “Nothing other than fasting and divorce becomes permissible,” that it is prohibited.

The evidence that divorce is permissible after the bleeding has ceased is his statement, peace and blessings be upon him: “Command him to take her back, then let him divorce her while she is pure or pregnant.” (2) A woman becomes pure when the bleeding ceases.

If it is asked: Is intercourse permissible?

The answer is no. The evidence for this is the saying of Allah, Exalted is He: “Do not approach them until they are purified; then, when they have purified themselves, go to them as Allah has commanded you.” [2:222]

If it is asked: If a woman is in a state of major ritual impurity, intercourse with her is permissible before ghusl; should the same not apply to this woman as well?

The answer is that this is an analogy in opposition to an explicit text, and therefore it is not valid.

If it is asked: Does “they have purified themselves” mean that they have washed away the traces of blood?