Title: Regarding Abnormal Menstruation Question: I would like to know if you have your menses more than the normal days do you have to pray after 10 days even if you are still bleeding? Answer: Before answering your specific question, I would first like to clarify the directive of the Shari`ah in this respect. The Shari`ah has neither introduced nor defined the word " Maheedh " (translated as: "Menstruation"). On the contrary, it was and is a word of common usage in the Arabic language. The directive of the Shari`ah is restricted to the fact that Menstruation is a kind of uncleanness, and therefore, during menstruation a woman should stay away from all such activities for which a person should be physically clean. This uncleanness and the directives that apply due to it shall hold as long as the woman has her menstruation. In most of the cases, the menstrual period of a woman is quite clear. Yet in some cases, a woman may suffer from the problem of irregular bleeding ( Istihaadha ), The directives of the Shari`ah regarding menstruation do not apply on irregular bleeding. Thus, a woman who suffers from irregular bleeding should return to her normal routine after her menstrual discharge stops. Sometimes, it may become difficult for a woman to distinguish between the menstrual and the other discharge. Because the normal average menstrual period lasts for about five days, Muslim jurists are of the opinion that if blood discharge continues even after ten days, it can then safely be assumed that it is not a menstrual discharge and therefore, the woman should now return to her normal routine. In my opinion, although the referred opinion of the Muslim jurists seems to be quite reasonable, yet with the contemporary development in the field of medicine and related sciences, it would seem more prudent to consult a medical practitioner in this respect. In the light of the above explanation, you may follow the opinion of the Muslim jurists and return to your normal routine if the blood discharge does not stop till then. On the other hand, you may consult a medical practitioner and ask him/her about your menstrual period. Once your menstrual period is determined (or assessed), you should subsequently, follow the directives of the Shari`ah during the determined period and after the expiry of that period offer your prayers according to the normal routine and ignore the blood discharge. 11 th August 1999