Jamiatul Ulama KZN Council of Muslim Theologians
Nasihah (Advice): The mercy of Allah exceeds the mercy of one’s own mother
Umar ibn al-Khattab Radiyallahu anhu reported: “Some prisoners of war were brought to Rasulullah Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, and a nursing woman was among them. Whenever she found a child among the prisoners, she would take it to her chest and nurse it. Rasulullah Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said to us, “Do you think this woman would throw her child into the fire?” We said, “No, not if she was able to stop it.” Rasulullah Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said, “Allah is more merciful to His servants than this mother is to her child.” [Sahih Bukhari]
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Question and Answer:
- Q. I’d like to know more about Nifaas and the rulings on what and what not to do in the period after birth. Can you have your ghusl bath if you stop bleeding before 40 Days?
Is it permissible to clip the nails, remove unwanted hair and leave the house during Nifaas?
(Question published as received)
- Bleeding after birth is known as Nifaas (Post-natal Bleeding). The same laws that apply to a woman experiencing Haydh (monthly period) also apply to a woman experiencing Nifaas.
The maximum limit for Nifaas is forty days. There is no minimum period for Nifaas. It is not necessary to see continuous bleeding during the period of Nifaas.
Each time the bleeding stops and you feel reasonably sure that you will not bleed again, you will make Ghusl and perform Salaah and fast as well (in Ramadaan). If the bleeding starts again within the 40-day period, the Nifaas will be considered to have extended and all the previous days will be regarded as Nifaas.
The number of days you bleed in total must be noted as this will be regarded as your habit of Nifaas for future pregnancies.
It is permissible for a woman to get rid of unwanted hair and clip her nails during Nifaas.
It is also permissible to leave the house during Nifaas. A woman is not obliged to remain indoors for a 40-day period during the post-natal bleeding period. This is not an Islamic stipulation. [Manhalul Waarideen pgs. 178 & 208, Fataawa DUZ 1:760]
And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Moosa Salie
Mufti Taahir Hansa
(The answer hereby given is specifically based on the question asked and should be read together with the question asked. Islamic rulings on this Q&A newsletter are answered in accordance to the Hanafi Fiqh unless otherwise stated.)
Fatwa Department
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Council of Muslim Theologians
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