Tahara - ISLAM MY RELIGION

1.TAHARA (PURIFICATION)

– One of the essential conditions for the validity of prayer is purification

A.Purification of the body from hadath (a state of ritual impurity.) – a person who is in a state of hadith whether minor or major cannot offer a valid prayer until they purify from the hadith.

Minor Hadath: Includes anything that nullifies the wuḍū’ (ablution), and requires one to make wuḍū’, such as passing wind, urinating, or anything else that breaks wuḍū’.
Major Hadath: Refers to states that require ghusl (a full ritual bath), such as janābah (major impurity due to sexual activity or ejaculation), menstruation, or postnatal bleeding.

Narrated AbulMalih: The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Allah does not accept charity from goods acquired by embezzlement as He does not accept prayer without purification.” – Source: Sunan Abi Dawud 59

B.Purification of the Body from Physical Impurities (Najāsah). In addition to ritual purity, the body must also be free from najāsah (physical impurities) for prayer to be valid. This includes substances like urine, faeces, blood, or any other impure materials.

Abu Bakrah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) passed by two graves and he said, “Verily, they are both being punished, but not for a sin difficult to avoid. As for one, he is punished for the habit of soiling himself with urine. As for the other, he is punished for the habit of backbiting.” – Source: Sunan Ibn Mājah 349

The prophet (peace be upon him) said to Fatima Bint Abi Uwash (May Allah be pleased with her): “If you get your period, you leave your prayers and when its finishes you wash away the blood and pray.” – Source: Sahih Bukhari

C.Purification of the clothes from impurities. It is not enough for the body alone to be free from impurities; the clothes worn during prayer must also be clean from najāsah (impurities). Purity of clothing is a key requirement for the validity of prayer.

“And Purify your garments.” – Qur’an: Surah Al-Muddaththir 74:4

It’s been narrated that Abu Huraira (May Allah be pleased with him) said that Khawla the daughter of Yasser come to Rasulullah (peace be upon him‎) and said: “Ya Rasulullah I do not have any clothes except one and I wear it during my period what should I do?” He said, “when you are purified (finished your period ) wash it and then pray with it.” She then said, “what if the blood does not come off?” He said, “it’s enough for you to wash the blood out, the stains will not harm you.” – Source: Abu Dawud 365

Narrated Asma’ bint Abi Bakr: A woman asked Allah’s Apostle, “O Allah’s Apostle! What should we do, if the blood of menses falls on our clothes?” Allah’s Apostle replied, “If the blood of menses falls on the garment of anyone of you, she must take hold of the blood spot, rub it, and wash it with water and then pray in (with it).” – Source: Sahih Bukhari V1, Book 6, No.304

D.The purification of the area of prayer from any impurification. In addition to purifying the body and clothes, the area where the prayer will be performed must also be free from any impurities. By “the area,” it refers to the space where the person prays, which extends from the place where the feet are positioned to the area of prostration, including any space the body may touch during prayer.

Comparison of Menstruation Rules in the Four Madhahib

1. Scenarios of Overlapping States

Additional Detailed Rulings on Menstruation

1. Scenarios of Overlapping States

– **Istihada Overlapping with Menstruation or Postpartum Bleeding (Nifas):**
– If irregular bleeding occurs during the habitual menstrual period, it is treated as menstruation.
– If bleeding occurs outside the normal period, it is treated as istihada.
– Postpartum bleeding (nifas) may overlap with menstruation if it extends beyond the maximum limit of nifas (40 days in most madhahib).
– **Distinguishing Habitual Patterns:**
– In cases of uncertainty, a woman reverts to her most recent habitual cycle.
– For women who do not have a clear pattern, the rulings differ by madhhab, with some relying on the dominant color or physical signs of the blood.

2.Determination of Habitual Cycles

– **Changes in Cycle Length or Pattern:**
– A change in the duration or timing of the cycle requires observing the new pattern for consistency over multiple cycles.
– If irregularity persists, women are instructed to consult their previous habitual pattern or follow the default maximum and minimum limits.
– **Undistinguishable Bleeding:**
– If a woman cannot distinguish between istihada and menstruation, she follows the usual duration of menstruation (6-7 days) or her personal habitual length.

3. Special Cases

– **Pregnancy and Menstruation:**
– In the majority of madhahib, bleeding during pregnancy is considered istihada, not menstruation.
– Some exceptions exist in rare circumstances, such as early pregnancy.
– **Post-Menopausal Bleeding:**
– Bleeding that occurs after menopause is not considered menstruation in any madhhab.
– Menopause age varies (usually around 50 years) but depends on individual health and circumstances.

4. Practical Concerns

– **Hygiene and Purity:**
– Women are encouraged to use barriers like pads or clean cloths to prevent blood from contaminating clothing or prayer spaces.
– Washing and maintaining cleanliness is emphasized, especially before performing ghusl.
– **Managing Heavy Flow:**
– In cases of heavy flow or prolonged bleeding, women may follow istihada rulings and perform purification (wudu) for each prayer time.

5. Post-Menstrual Purity Rituals

– **Conditions for Ghusl:**
– Intention (niyyah) is essential before performing ghusl.
– Water must reach all parts of the body, including under the nails and hair roots.
– **Timing of Ghusl:**
– Ghusl must be performed immediately after bleeding stops to resume acts of worship such as salah and fasting.
– **Checking for Purity:**
– Women can confirm purity by observing a white discharge or dryness from the vaginal area.

Ruling For Different Mathahab For Wadhu

Wudu Pillars Across the Four Madhhabs:

Pillars of Wudu	Hanafi	Maliki	Shafi’i	Hanbali
Intention (Niyyah)	Sunnah (not obligatory): Wudu is valid without it but highly recommended for spiritual reward.	Fard: Without intention, wudu is invalid.	Fard: Intention must accompany the start of wudu.	Fard: Wudu is invalid without the intention.
Washing the Face	Fard: Includes the area from ear to ear and hairline to chin.	Fard: The entire face must be washed.	Fard: The specified boundaries of the face must be washed.	Fard: The same requirement as the other madhhabs.
Washing the Hands (to Elbows)	Fard: Includes elbows.	Fard: Must wash up to and including the elbows.	Fard: Same requirement as Hanafi and Maliki.	Fard: Same as the other madhhabs.
Wiping the Head	Fard: Wiping at least one-fourth of the head suffices.	Fard: The entire head must be wiped.	Fard: Wiping a minimum of three hairs is sufficient.	Fard: The entire head must be wiped.
Washing the Feet (to Ankles)	Fard: Includes the ankles.	Fard: The entire foot, including heels, must be washed.	Fard: Same requirement as Hanafi and Maliki.	Fard: Same as the other madhhabs.
Order (Tartib)	Not Fard: Actions of wudu can be performed out of order.	Fard: Must follow the sequence prescribed in the Qur’an.	Fard: Breaking the sequence invalidates wudu.	Fard: Same requirement as Maliki and Shafi’i.
Continuity (Muwalat)	Not Fard: One can pause and resume later without invalidating wudu.	Fard: Wudu must be completed without significant pauses.	Sunnah: Continuity is recommended but not obligatory.	Fard: Washing must proceed without delay.

Detailed Explanation of Key Differences:

Intention (Niyyah):
– Hanafi: Considered sunnah (not obligatory), meaning wudu is valid without it but is highly recommended for spiritual reward.
– Maliki, Shafi’i, Hanbali: Intention is a fard (obligatory) pillar; performing wudu without a conscious intention renders it invalid.
Washing the Face:
– All schools agree this is a fard act, with slight variations in specifying the boundaries of the face.
Washing the Hands (to Elbows):
– Washing the hands and forearms up to and including the elbows is a fard pillar in all four madhhabs.
Wiping the Head (Masah):
– Hanafi: Wiping at least one-fourth of the head suffices.
– Maliki: Wiping the entire head is mandatory.
– Shafi’i: Wiping even a small part (e.g., three hairs) suffices.
– Hanbali: Wiping the entire head is required.
Washing the Feet (to Ankles):
– All madhhabs agree this is a fard act, requiring washing the feet and ankles thoroughly.
Order (Tartib):
– Hanafi: Sequence is not obligatory; flexibility is allowed.
– Maliki, Shafi’i, Hanbali: Order must follow the sequence in the Qur’an (5:6).
Continuity (Muwalat):
– Hanafi: Gaps between washing are permitted.
– Maliki, Hanbali: Continuity is obligatory; wudu must be done without interruptions.
– Shafi’i: Continuity is sunnah; while recommended, it is not obligatory.

Sunnah Acts of Wudu Across the Four Madhhabs

Sunnah Acts of Wudu	Hanafi	Maliki	Shafi’i	Hanbali
Reciting Bismillah	Sunnah: Recommended at the beginning of wudu.	Sunnah: Recommended at the beginning of wudu.	Sunnah: Highly emphasized at the start of wudu.	Sunnah: Recitation at the start of wudu is recommended.
Washing Hands (before starting)	Sunnah: Washing hands three times before wudu begins.	Sunnah: Performed before rinsing the mouth.	Sunnah: Washing hands three times is highly recommended.	Sunnah: Emphasized at the beginning.
Rinsing the Mouth (Madmadah)	Sunnah: Strongly recommended in wudu.	Sunnah: Performed before rinsing the nose.	Sunnah: Highly recommended to ensure cleanliness.	Sunnah: Included in the process of wudu.
Rinsing the Nose (Istinshaq)	Sunnah: Strongly recommended in wudu.	Sunnah: Performed after rinsing the mouth.	Sunnah: Highly recommended to ensure cleanliness.	Sunnah: Included in the process of wudu.
Repeating Each Act Three Times	Sunnah: Recommended to perform each act three times.	Sunnah: Highly recommended for thorough cleansing.	Sunnah: Emphasized for each action.	Sunnah: Performing each action thrice is preferred.
Wiping the Ears	Sunnah: Done along with wiping the head.	Sunnah: Emphasized after wiping the head.	Sunnah: Included as part of head wiping.	Sunnah: Highly recommended along with head wiping.
Maintaining Order (Tartib)	Sunnah: Recommended but not obligatory.	Sunnah: Following order is emphasized.	Sunnah: Performing in sequence is highly preferred.	Sunnah: Order is recommended for completion.
Using Minimal Water	Sunnah: Avoid wasting water.	Sunnah: Moderation is emphasized.	Sunnah: Avoid extravagance in water usage.	Sunnah: Recommended to use water sparingly.

Makruh Acts of Wudu Across the Four Madhhabs

Makruh Acts of Wudu	Hanafi	Maliki	Shafi’i	Hanbali
Using Excess Water	Makruh: Wasting water during wudu is disliked.	Makruh: Extravagance in water use is disliked.	Makruh: Overusing water is discouraged.	Makruh: Excessive use of water is discouraged.
Neglecting Sunnah Acts	Makruh: Omitting sunnah acts without reason.	Makruh: Not performing sunnah actions is discouraged.	Makruh: Avoiding emphasized sunnah acts is disliked.	Makruh: Neglecting sunnah acts of wudu is discouraged.
Splashing Water Carelessly	Makruh: Causing water to splash unnecessarily.	Makruh: Carelessness with water is discouraged.	Makruh: Splattering water without care is disliked.	Makruh: Carelessness during wudu is discouraged.
Speaking During Wudu	Makruh: Speaking unnecessarily during wudu.	Makruh: Unnecessary talk during wudu is discouraged.	Makruh: Talking without need is disliked.	Makruh: Speaking without necessity during wudu is disliked.
Performing Wudu in a Dirty Place	Makruh: Performing wudu in an unclean area.	Makruh: Disliked to perform wudu in dirty surroundings.	Makruh: Avoid doing wudu in unclean areas.	Makruh: Performing wudu in a filthy place is discouraged.
Using Someone Else’s Water Without Permission	Makruh: Disliked to use water that isn’t yours without consent.	Makruh: Avoid using someone else’s water without permission.	Makruh: Discouraged unless permitted by the owner.	Makruh: Using others’ water without consent is disliked.
Repeating Wudu Without Reason	Makruh: Unnecessarily repeating wudu is disliked.	Makruh: Doing wudu without a valid reason is discouraged.	Makruh: Repeating wudu for no reason is disliked.	Makruh: Wasting water by unnecessary repetition is disliked.

Comparison of Acts That Break Wudu Across the Four Madhhabs

The madhhabs differ significantly on whether this act invalidates wudu, depending on conditions like direct contact and accompanying desire. The table also compares other acts that nullify wudu, reflecting the unique jurisprudential approaches of each madhhab.

Acts That Break Wudu	Hanafi	Maliki	Shafi’i	Hanbali
Anything Exiting from the Private Parts	Breaks wudu: Includes urine, feces, or wind.	Breaks wudu: Any discharge from private parts.	Breaks wudu: Includes anything exiting the private parts.	Breaks wudu: Any discharge from private parts nullifies it.
Deep Sleep	Breaks wudu: Deep sleep where awareness is lost.	Breaks wudu: If one loses full consciousness.	Breaks wudu: Any deep sleep invalidates wudu.	Breaks wudu: Sleep that removes awareness breaks wudu.
Touching Private Parts	Does not break wudu.	Breaks wudu: Touching one’s own private parts directly.	Breaks wudu: Touching private parts without barrier.	Breaks wudu: Touching private parts nullifies wudu.
Loss of Consciousness	Breaks wudu: Includes fainting or intoxication.	Breaks wudu: Any loss of consciousness invalidates it.	Breaks wudu: Fainting or unconsciousness breaks wudu.	Breaks wudu: Loss of consciousness nullifies wudu.
Vomiting	Breaks wudu: If it is a mouthful or more.	Does not break wudu unless it leads to impurity.	Does not break wudu.	Does not break wudu unless mixed with impurity.
Bleeding	Breaks wudu: If blood flows from the wound.	Does not break wudu unless impurity spreads.	Does not break wudu unless mixed with impurity.	Does not break wudu unless it spreads impurity.
Laughing During Salah	Breaks wudu: Laughing audibly during salah.	Does not break wudu.	Does not break wudu.	Does not break wudu.
Eating Camel Meat	Does not break wudu.	Does not break wudu.	Does not break wudu.	Breaks wudu: Eating camel meat invalidates wudu.
Touching Between Male and Female	Does not break wudu.	Does not break wudu unless accompanied by desire.	Breaks wudu: Any skin-to-skin contact breaks wudu.	Does not break wudu unless accompanied by desire.

Comprehensive Guide to Nifas (Postnatal Bleeding) According to the Four Madhahib

This document provides a comprehensive comparison of the rulings and practices related to Nifas (postnatal bleeding) according to the four major Islamic schools of thought (madhahib). It includes durations, prohibited acts, rulings for unique scenarios (e.g., miscarriage, stillbirth), and additional guidance for worship and hygiene.

Detailed Rulings on Nifas

1. **Definition:** Nifas refers to the postnatal bleeding that occurs after childbirth, miscarriage, or stillbirth.
2. **Durations:**
   – Maximum duration is 40 days for Shafi’i, Hanafi, and Hanbali; 60 days for Maliki.
   – There is no minimum duration; any bleeding post-delivery is Nifas.
3. **Prohibited Acts During Nifas:**
   – Salah (prayer) and fasting.
   – Performing Tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba).
   – Intercourse or direct sexual contact.
   – Touching or reciting the Qur’an without a barrier.
4. **Miscarriage or Stillbirth:**
   – For Shafi’i, Hanafi, and Hanbali, bleeding is considered Nifas only if the fetus was formed (120+ days). For Maliki, any post-miscarriage bleeding is treated as Nifas.
5. **When Bleeding Stops Early:**
   – Perform Ghusl and resume acts of worship.
6. **If Bleeding Exceeds Maximum Duration:**
   – Bleeding is treated as Istihada (irregular bleeding). Women must perform Wudu for each Salah.
7. **When There Is No Bleeding After Delivery:**
   – Perform Ghusl immediately, as no Nifas is present.
8. **Spiritual and Hygienic Recommendations:**
   – Maintain cleanliness.
   – Regularly perform Wudu for spiritual connection and supplications.

Detailed Comparison of Ghusl Sequence According to the Four Madhahib

This document provides a detailed comparison of the sequence and rulings for performing Ghusl (ritual purification) according to the four major Islamic schools of thought (madhahib). It includes obligatory (fard) acts, Sunnah practices, and specific details for each madhhab.

Detailed Steps of Ghusl

1. **Intention (Niyyah):** Formulate the intention in your heart to purify yourself for Allah.
2. **Say Bismillah:** Begin by saying “Bismillah” (optional but Sunnah).
3. **Wash Hands:** Wash both hands three times.
4. **Perform Istinja:** Clean the private parts thoroughly to remove all impurities (*najasa*).
5. **Remove Physical Impurities:** Clean any other visible impurities on the body.
6. **Perform Wudu:** Perform a complete Wudu, including rinsing the mouth (*madmadah*) and nose (*istinshaq*), unless you delay washing the feet until the end.
7. **Wash the Head:** Pour water over the head three times, ensuring it reaches the scalp and roots of the hair.
8. **Wash the Right Side, Then the Left:** Wash the entire body, starting with the right side, followed by the left.
9. **Ensure Water Reaches Hidden Areas:** Pay attention to hidden areas such as armpits, between fingers/toes, navel, and under nails.
10. **Wash Feet (if not done during Wudu):** Wash feet if delayed until the end of Ghusl.

Aspect	Shafi’i	Hanafi	Maliki	Hanbali
Minimum Duration	1 day and 1 night (24 hours).	3 full days and nights (72 hours).	No minimum duration; any blood seen from the uterus is menstruation.	1 day and 1 night (24 hours).
Maximum Duration	15 days and nights.	10 days and nights.	15 days and nights.	15 days and nights.
Usual Duration	6-7 days (varies individually).	6-7 days (varies individually).	6-7 days (varies individually).	6-7 days (varies individually).
Minimum Age for Hayd	9 lunar years (approx. 8 years, 9 months).	9 lunar years (approx. 8 years, 9 months).	No specific minimum, but typically considered puberty age.	9 lunar years (approx. 8 years, 9 months).
Colors of Menstrual Blood	Black, dark red, red, brown, yellow (if connected to the menstrual cycle).	Black, dark red, red, brown, yellow.	Black, red, brown, yellow.	Black, red, brown, yellow, grayish.
White Discharge	Indicates purity (after bleeding stops).	Indicates purity (after bleeding stops).	Indicates purity (after bleeding stops).	Indicates purity (after bleeding stops).
Irregular Bleeding	Treated as istihada if less than 24 hours or more than 15 days.	Treated as istihada if less than 72 hours or more than 10 days.	Treated as istihada if more than 15 days or deviates from usual pattern.	Treated as istihada if less than 24 hours or more than 15 days.
Touching the Qur’an	Prohibited without a barrier.	Prohibited without a barrier.	Prohibited without a barrier.	Prohibited without a barrier.
Reciting Qur’an	Prohibited unless for du’a or teaching purposes.	Prohibited unless for du’a or teaching purposes.	Permitted silently or for study.	Prohibited unless for du’a or teaching purposes.
Fasting	Invalid during menstruation; must make up missed fasts.	Invalid during menstruation; must make up missed fasts.	Invalid during menstruation; must make up missed fasts.	Invalid during menstruation; must make up missed fasts.
Salah (Prayer)	Prohibited; missed prayers do not need to be made up.	Prohibited; missed prayers do not need to be made up.	Prohibited; missed prayers do not need to be made up.	Prohibited; missed prayers do not need to be made up.
Sexual Intercourse	Prohibited until menstruation ends and ghusl is performed.	Prohibited until menstruation ends and ghusl is performed.	Prohibited until menstruation ends and ghusl is performed.	Prohibited until menstruation ends and ghusl is performed.
Entering Masjid	Prohibited unless passing through without staying.	Prohibited unless passing through without staying.	Permitted if necessary and no risk of impurity.	Prohibited unless passing through without staying.
Tawaf (Circumambulation)	Prohibited until menstruation ends and ghusl is performed.	Prohibited until menstruation ends and ghusl is performed.	Prohibited until menstruation ends and ghusl is performed.	Prohibited until menstruation ends and ghusl is performed.