Question:
Please explain the ruling for fasting regarding a woman whose menstrual cycle (of less than ten days) ends before the Fajr time sets in such that she does not have sufficient time to perform Ghusl. Will she have to fast that day? I found the following two books to be contradicting.
Birgivis Manual – “PRECEPT 8: The time it takes to take a purificatory bath (ghusl) is considered part of the menstrual or lochial period if it ends prior to the maximum.
11.16 This is particularly important in Ramadan. If the menstrual or lochial period ends prior to the maximum before Fajr (Dawn) and the bath (ghusl) enters the time of Fajr, then she must imitate the fasting person this day, and then make up this fast-day.”
Tuhfatul Banaat (p. 43) – “If you become pure before Sehri (fast begins) time ends, but you do not have enough time to make ghusl, then make niyyah for fasting and have a ghusl after sehri ends. This fast will be valid.”
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-Salāmu ‘Alaykum Wa-Rahmatullāhi Wa-Barakātuh.
With regards to the ending of Haidh prior to Subhus Sādiq during the month of Ramadān, there are a few scenarios here:[1]
1. If it ends at its maximum of ten days, then it will be necessary on the woman to fast that day, whether she has sufficient time to perform Ghusl or not.
2. If it ends before its maximum of ten days, then:
a. If the woman has sufficient time to perform Ghusl, then it will be necessary on her to fast that day, whether she has performed the Ghusl or not.
b. If the woman does not have sufficient time to perform Ghusl, then it will be necessary for her to refrain from all the Mahdūrāt (prohibited acts) of Sawm during that day. However, this will not be regarded as that day’s fast; rather, she will have to make up for it at a later time.
The Mas’alah mentioned in Tuhfatul Banaat will only apply to the woman whose Haidh ended at its maximum.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best.
Sibghatallah ibn Numan Ahmed
Student – Darul Iftaa
Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Muhammad Zakariyya Desai.
