What is the ruling on previous fasts when not fully washing the hair during ghusl from menstruation due to ignorance of the ruling?
The fast of a menstruating woman is valid once she becomes pure from menstruation, even if she has not yet performed ghusl (ritual bath). As for prayer, circumambulation (Tawaf), reciting the Quran, and touching the Mushaf (copy of the Quran), these are not permissible until after ghusl, as it removes the state of ritual impurity (hadath). Similarly, a husband's enjoyment of his wife is not permissible until after ghusl, due to Allah's saying: (And when they have purified themselves, then come to them). The ghusl for a menstruating woman includes washing the entire head and body. If someone was ignorant of the ruling regarding washing the head, they are not obligated to repeat previous prayers because ignorance is like inability. However, one must learn what is necessary for the validity of their worship.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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