Chapter on the Rulings of Menstruation and Post-Partum Bleeding

First: Menstruation and its rulings

Allah the Exalted says: “They ask you about menstruation. Say, ‘It is a harmful condition, so keep away from women during menstruation and do not approach them until they are pure. When they have purified themselves, then go in unto them as Allah has commanded you. Truly, Allah loves those who turn to Him often and loves those who purify themselves.’” (Qur’an 2:222)

Menstruation is a natural, innate blood that flows from the depth of the womb at specific times. Allah created it with a wise purpose: it serves as nourishment for the child in the mother’s womb, for the fetus is in need of sustenance; were it to share directly in the mother’s own food, her strength would be weakened. Thus, Allah designated this blood for the fetus. For that reason, a pregnant woman seldom menstruates. When she gives birth, Allah turns this blood into milk that flows from her breasts, so her child may be fed from it, and therefore a nursing mother rarely menstruates. If a woman is free from both pregnancy and breastfeeding, the blood has nowhere to go; it settles in a part of her womb and, in most cases, exits every month for six or seven days. It may be more or less than that, and the length of a woman’s cycle varies—becoming longer or shorter—according to the natural disposition with which Allah has fashioned her.