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Is the discharge of two drops of blood followed by its cessation for a day or more considered menstruation, and is ghusl (purificatory bath) and prayer obligatory during the period of cessation?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

The minimum duration of menstruation, according to the majority of scholars, is one day and one night. Gusl (ritual bath) is only required if the total blood flow reaches this duration and then stops, and purity is observed. If the blood returns, the woman is considered menstruating again as long as it occurs within a time frame suitable for menstruation. If the duration of bleeding exceeds one day and one night, the prayers missed during the interceding period of purity must be made up. However, if the bleeding does not exceed one day and one night, it is considered istihadah (non-menstrual vaginal bleeding), and ghusl is not required; instead, one must perform istinja (cleansing), wudu (ablution), and pray. The Malikis and Ibn Taymiyyah hold the view that there is no minimum limit for menstruation; thus, any drops seen are considered menstruation, and ghusl becomes obligatory when they cease.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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