A woman typically spends almost ten years of her life in menses (ḥayḍ) or in postpartum bleeding (nifās). Many woman also suffer from abnormal uterine bleeding (istiḥāḍah). It is critical, then, that every Muslim woman knows well the Islāmic regulations that pertain to her during such times. Namely:

• when ḥayḍ, nifās, or istiḥāḍah start and end,
• how ḥayḍ, nifās, and istiḥāḍah affect her worship,
• how to purify herself after ḥayḍ and nifās, and during istiḥāḍah,
• and how ḥayḍ, nifās, and istiḥāḍah affect her marital relationship.

We also clarify the baselessness of “do’s” and “don’ts” which exist in many cultures due to ignorance and tradition. Likewise, we discuss the three prohibitions that have been conventionally imposed on women during their menses: reciting the Qur’ān, touching a muṣ-ḥaf, and entering a masjid. We refute these prohibitions with clear evidence from the Qur’ān and Sunnah.

We present this book to the Muslim woman, hoping that it will serve as a guide and reference, answer any questions, and remove all doubts. Thus, leading to more complete and fulfilling worship.