Regulations of Postpartum Bleeding
Postpartum bleeding, known as “nifas,” refers to the blood that a woman experiences following childbirth. This blood is a direct result of the delivery process, and during this period, the woman is referred to as “nifasa.” There are specific legal rulings associated with this condition affecting women across various aspects.
Duration of Postpartum Bleeding
A group of scholars suggests that the maximum duration of nifas is up to forty days. A woman may achieve purity before this period ends; however, if bleeding resumes after the forty days, she is considered pure since this subsequent blood is deemed as invalid bleeding, classified under “istihada” (abnormal bleeding) and is not considered nifas. Another school of thought posits that the maximum duration can extend to sixty days, with no specified minimum duration. If the bleeding stops before sixty days and the woman believes that nifas has concluded, she is regarded as pure. If the bleeding persists, she is classified as experiencing istihada. Although the majority of women do experience nifas for approximately forty days, variations in duration are common. A woman can confirm her purity by observing one of the following signs:
- The first sign: “nashaf,” which refers to the dryness of the area.
- The second sign: “the white discharge,” which is a clear, white fluid.
Thus, the verification of purity is based on the evidence of these signs rather than the expiration of a specified time frame, as legal rulings correlate directly with their causes. Moreover, any discoloration, such as yellowish or brownish fluid, does not affect her state of purity. As reported by Umm ‘Atiyah Al-Ansariyah (may Allah be pleased with her), she stated: “We did not consider yellow or brown discharges to hold any significance after having washed ourselves.”
Prohibitions for Women in Postpartum Recovery
It is essential to recognize that postpartum bleeding is a tangible condition, with legal rulings directly associated with its presence or absence. While nifas is ongoing, a woman is prohibited from performing prayers, fasting, and engaging in sexual relations. Once she confirms her purity, these restrictions no longer apply. Additionally, if the postpartum period exceeds sixty days, she falls under the rulings of istihada, unless the bleeding coincides with her menstrual cycle. The rulings for someone experiencing istihada permit her to pray, fast, and take precautions against further bleeding. Moreover, she must perform ablution for each prayer. The husband is not obliged to wait for the full forty days before engaging with his wife if she achieves purity earlier, as there is no scriptural evidence to prohibit this. The religious guidelines allow her to resume acts of worship, thus making marital relations permissible from this perspective.