Purification of Pregnant Women
Pregnancy is a beautiful and transformative journey in a woman’s life, but it also raises questions about prayer, fasting, and purity. The Prayer and Purification of Pregnant Women will explore the intricate details of how pregnant women should approach their religious practices during this special time.
Understanding Pregnancy and Menstrual Blood
Question: Irregular Bleeding and Prayer During Pregnancy
A woman, over fifty years old, experiences irregular bleeding that varies in intensity and frequency. Sometimes it occurs monthly, while at other times, it spans two or three months. Is this blood considered menstrual, and can she perform obligatory and voluntary prayers during this time?
Answer: Irregular and unpredictable bleeding, often associated with age, indicates that it is not menstrual blood. In Islamic jurisprudence, when a woman reaches the age of fifty or her monthly cycle becomes irregular, menstruation and pregnancy cease. This ruling aligns with the teachings of Hazrat Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her.
The blood in question falls under the category of Istihaza, which does not hinder a woman from offering prayers and fasting. It also does not restrict marital relations between spouses. Scholars concur with this stance. However, the woman needs to perform ablution before each prayer and make efforts to manage the bleeding using cotton or similar means, as advised by Prophet Muhammad for mustahadah (women experiencing irregular bleeding) women.
Guidelines for Pregnant Women
Question: Post-Birth Purification and Religious Obligations
When pregnant women become pure before the completion of forty days after giving birth, what are their obligations regarding prayer and fasting? If menstruation resumes after performing Ghusl (ritual purification), should they break their fast?
Answer: Pregnant women who achieve purity before the forty-day post-birth period must immediately resume their obligatory prayers and fasting during Ramadan. Furthermore, they become lawful for their husbands. However, if bleeding resumes within forty days, they should temporarily suspend their prayers and fasting. According to the majority of scholars, marital relations were also prohibited during this time.
These women are subject to the rulings that apply to Nifas (post-birth) women until they either complete the forty days or attain purity before that period’s conclusion. Once they achieve purity, they can perform Ghusl and resume their regular prayers and fasting. They also become lawful for their husbands.
Should bleeding persist beyond forty days. It is considered irregular and does not prevent these women from engaging in prayer and fasting. They will be lawful for their husbands, akin to mustahadah women. During this time, they should perform ablution and use items like cotton to minimize blood flow. Following the guidance of Prophet Muhammad.
However, if menstruation occurs during pregnancy, these women must refrain from prayer and fasting until their menstruation concludes. Marital relations will also be prohibited during this time.
May this knowledge provide clarity for pregnant women navigating their religious duties during this special phase of their lives?
More Fact: Menstruation and Prayer