‘A'isha told of Fatima daughter of Abu Hubaish coming to the Prophet and saying, “I am a woman whose blood keeps flowing, and I am never purified; Shall I therefore abandon prayer?” He replied, “No that is only a vein and is not menstruation; so when your menstruation comes on abandon prayer, and when it ends wash the blood from yourself and then pray.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)
Purification of the Woman with Istihadah
From the Book: Purification | Mishkat al-Masabih 557
Textual Analysis
This noble hadith addresses the condition of istihadah (chronic vaginal bleeding) which differs from haid (menstruation) in its legal rulings. Fatima bint Abi Hubaish approached the Prophet ﷺ seeking guidance regarding her perpetual bleeding, demonstrating the Companions' eagerness to understand religious obligations correctly.
Legal Distinctions
The Prophet ﷺ clearly distinguished between menstrual blood and istihadah, describing the latter as "only a vein" (dam 'irq). This establishes that istihadah does not carry the same prohibitions as menstruation. The woman in this state remains obligated to pray, fast, and maintain marital relations.
Practical Implementation
For women experiencing istihadah, they must estimate their habitual menstrual period based on previous cycles. During this estimated period, they observe all menstrual restrictions. Outside this period, they perform wudu for each prayer time due to the continuous bleeding. The command to "wash the blood from yourself" indicates physical purification before worship.
Spiritual Wisdom
This ruling demonstrates Islam's practicality in accommodating genuine hardships while maintaining worship obligations. It prevents unnecessary abandonment of prayers and shows divine mercy in legislation. The differentiation between natural menstruation and pathological bleeding reflects Islam's comprehensive approach to women's health matters.