Menstruation (Haidh)

This refers to the periodical discharge of blood by women in their state of health and is easily distinguishable to women from post-childbirth bleeding.

Post- Childbirth Bleeding

Such bleeding usually occurs to women after childbirth and may continue without fixed duration, although in some cases, there may not occur bleeding at all. 

However, on the strength of the teachings of the Prophet Salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam , a woman experiencing post- childbirth bleeding has the maximum confinement period of about forty (40) days after which, she is required to make Ghusl and commence her Islamic duties.

If  however, the blood does not cease after 40 days, most scholars are of the opinion that the women should continue with her regular Islamic duties.

Acts Forbidden To Women Experiencing Menstruation And Post- Childbirth Bleeding

1. All acts mentioned herein before, as forbidden to persons requiring ghusl are also prohibited to women experiencing menstruation and post childbirth bleeding.

2.  A women cannot engage in sexual intercourse.

The companions of the Prophet Salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam , asked him about this and "Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala" revealed the following Qur'anic verse:

"They ask thee concerning women's courses. Say: They are a hurt and a pollution: so keep away from women in their courses, and do not approach them until they are clean..." ( Quran 2:222)

However, all scholars are of the opinion that a husband may touch any part of his wife's body above the navel and /or below the knees.

This fact, is based on the confirmation of the Prophet's wives, that when the Prophet Salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam wished to be with them during their periods, they would put something over the private parts.