Shariah rulings for those suffering from menorrhagia

Shariah rulings for those suffering from menorrhagia

 

A woman who has excessive menstrual blood flow, which is neither her regular menses nor postpartum bleeding, is called a Mustahaaza in the terminology of the Shariah.  There is a certain blood vessel in the womb of women.  When that blood vessel ruptures, there is abnormal excessive menstrual bleeding.  When a woman has this kind of abnormal menstrual bleeding, she should offer Salaat, fast and perform all other kinds of worship as she does in other days.  Sexual relations (between the husband and the wife) are also not prohibited in this condition.

 

It is narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Umme Salamah (May Allah be well pleased with her), she says that in the era of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), a lady was suffering from menorrhagia.  She asked the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) about it.  He replied that she should estimate for how many days and nights she would bleed (in her regular menses) before this abnormal bleeding.  Then every month, she should consider those days as her menses and not offer Salaat in those days.  When those days pass, she should take a bath.  Use cloth (or a sanitary napkin) and offer Salaat.

 

This has been related by Imam Malik, Imam Shafa’ee, Imam Ahmad, Abu Dawood, Ibn Majah, Daraqutni, Baihaqui and Daarimi.  Nasai has related a similar Hadith.  Imam Nawawi has said that the chain of narration of the Hadith of Abu Dawood is rigorously authenticated as per the criteria of Imam Muslim.  May Allah shower His Mercy on them.

 

It is narrated on the authority of Hisham bin ‘Urwah (May Allah be well pleased with him), who narrates on the authority of his father for a woman who suffers from menorrhagia, bathing only once is Compulsory and not repeatedly.  After that, she should make a fresh ablution (Wuzu) for every Salaat.  This is related by Imam Muhammad from Imam Malik in Muatta.

 

Tabarani has related a similar (Marfu’) Hadith on the authority of Hadhrat Saudah bint Zama’a (May Allah be well pleased with her).

 

To be continued…

[Excerpted from Noor Ul Masabeeh, Vol. 1]