Post-partum bleeding continued beyond forty days

Reference: Fataawa Ramadhaan – Volume 1, Page 357, Fatwa No.312
Fataawa Ibn ‘Uthaymeen – Volume 1, Page 499

Question: I am a young married woman and Allaah has blessed me with twin boys. I completed my [legislated] forty days post-birth (post partum) period on the seventh day of Ramadhaan, yet, my post partum bleeding continued beyond this time; However, the colour of my post partum blood had changed to how it was prior to the forty days (post-partum period), so what is the ruling regarding my [obligation to perform the] salaah and fasting?

Response: [Regarding] the post child birth woman, should her post-partum bleeding continue beyond [the legislated] forty days (post-partum period) without changing colour, [then we have two scenarios]:

  1. If the continuous bleeding occurs at the same time as her [monthly] period prior to child birth, then she is not required to perform her salaah nor fast;
  2. If the continuous bleeding occurs outside of the time of her [monthly] period prior to child birth, then the scholars have differed in opinion regarding this.

Amongst them are those who state that she should have the ritual bath of purification and then pray and fast – even if the blood continues to flow, because in this case she is like the menstruating woman.

Whilst amongst them are those who state that she should refrain from praying and fasting until she completes sixty days, because there are amongst the women those whose post-partum bleeding continues upto sixty days. [In this case] it is said: Whilst some women’s post-partum bleeding continues for upto sixty days, then based upon this, she is [not required to pray nor fast, rather] required to wait until she completes sixty days, thereafter, she is considered to be upon her regular menstruating cycle.

He is a graduate of the Islaamic University of Madeenah, having graduated from the Institute of Arabic Language, and later the Faculty of Sharee'ah in 2004. He currently resides in Birmingham, UK.

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