Fatwa ID: 05173
Answered by: Alimah Fatima Begum
Question
My period date was 20th October but it started on 26th October like spots off and on. No free bleeding. My usual period time is 6 days/month. For how long should I wait for ghusl if there is no proper blood flow? I want to travel to Masjid e Nabawi on the 4th of November. Is it permissible?
In the name of Allah the most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
Answer
A continuous flow of blood is not necessary. If blood flowed for a while in the beginning, then stopped, and flowed again on the second or third day, then according to Shariat it is regarded as one continuous menstrual flow.’
(Al Hadiyato Lin Nisa, Page 5)
It is unlawful to enter a mosque except in the case of an emergency, such as the fear of an animal attacking, extreme cold, or extreme thirst. In this case, it is recommended that she first make dry ablution (tayammum) before entering the mosque.’ (Birgivis Manual Interpreted- Complete Fiqh of Menstruation & Related Issues. Page 25)
During haidh (menstruation) she must not, under any circumstance, enter Masjid e Nabawi (S.A.W) even for the purpose of conveying Salat o Salaam. She may however offer Salat o Salaam from that portion towards Baab e Jibrail which has been made for Janaza Salaat (funeral prayer) as it is separate from the Masjid. She is allowed to read Durood and Salaam during haidh (menstruation). (Janaaza namaaz is now performed in the Masjid. The section mentioned above is on the left side, just before entering the Masjid from the Baab e Jibrail). (Al Hadiyato Lin Nisa Page 20)
With regards to your question, the bleeding not being continuous will still classify as haidh- menstruation.
If the bleeding ends within 10 days then all the days of bleeding with being classified as haidh.
If it continues for more than 10 days, then 6 days (which is your usual habit) will be haidh and the rest will be classed as ‘istihadha’ (pure bleeding). And since prayers etc are compulsory during istihadha you will have to perform a ritual bath after the tenth day and start praying salah etc, performing wudhu for every salah once its time has started. You will also have to make up for the prayers which you have missed from after the sixth day until the end of the tenth day.
Bearing all this in mind, we can then answer your last question. The 4th of November is the tenth day. If bleeding has finished by then, it means you are pure and you are free to enter the masjid and partake in ziyaarah, etc.
However, if you are still bleeding on this day (which could either be haidh or istihadha) then there are two options. You should not go into the masjid on this day, but rather convey the Salat and Salaam from the portion towards Baab e Jibrail as mentioned above.
If you are staying in Madinah for more than this one day, after performing your ritual bath on the 4thof November you can go to the masjid and perform ziyaarah.
Only Allah knows best.
Answered by Alimah Fatima Begum
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
