What is the ruling on removing hair from the body during menstruation and postpartum bleeding, and is it true that not removing it for 40 days invalidates prayer? Should a mother prevent her adult daughter from removing hair that is considered among the Sunan al-Fitra, and what is the validity of the girl’s Hajj and prayer in this situation?

There is no objection to a woman removing hair during menstruation and post-natal bleeding (nifas). The statement that the prayer of one who has not removed hair, the removal of which is considered among the sunan al-fitra (practices of natural disposition), for forty days is invalid, is baseless. The wisdom behind removing this hair is cleanliness and preventing dirt and foul odors. Obedience to the mother is not due in refraining from removing this hair on the pretext of "defect" or "shame." Obedience to parents is obligatory in matters that do not involve disobedience (to Allah) and provided that they have a sound purpose, and that no harm results to the child from obeying them. If the parent's command stems from foolishness and irrationality, it should not be heeded.