Chapter on Menstruation and Post-Natal Bleeding

Menstruation (1) invalidates any ghusl (ritual bath) performed for it, as well as wudu (minor ablution), the prayer and its obligation, the performance of a fast, ṭawāf (circumambulation of the Kaʿba), iʿtikāf (spiritual retreat), and vaginal intercourse—except for the man who is overwhelmed by desire (2) under its specified conditions (3). In that case an expiation of one dinar or half a dinar is required, and he may take pleasure in his wife in any way short of vaginal intercourse.

When the bleeding stops, nothing becomes permissible before she performs ghusl except fasting and pronouncing divorce. She must make up the missed fasts, but not the prayers.

There is no menstruation before nine lunar years of age, after fifty, or during pregnancy. The minimum duration is one full day and night, the maximum fifteen days, and the common length is six or seven.

[Istiḥāda: irregular bleeding]

If a woman with a regular habit experiences irregular bleeding that exceeds the maximum days of menstruation, she sits for the number of days of her usual habit, if she knows it.

A yellowish or brownish discharge occurring within the days of her habit is counted as menstruation.

Whoever suffers from a continual state of minor impurity washes the affected area, binds it, and performs wudu for the time of every prayer.