When Can a Woman in Nifās Pray, Fast, and Perform Hajj? Islamic Ruling Explained Source:
This article is derived from the book 500 Questions & Answers for Women, a compilation of Fatawa by the Scholars of the Haramain. Translated by Hafiz Abdullah Saleem.
❖ Question:
I request a fatwa regarding my situation: Does a woman in postnatal bleeding (nifās) begin offering prayers only after forty full days, or as soon as she sees signs of purity (ṭuhr)?
❖ Answer:
When a nifās woman sees clear signs of purity (ṭuhr)—such as the cessation of bleeding and appearance of white discharge—then:
✔ She is considered ritually pure
✔ She must begin offering prayers
✔ She is required to fast (if in Ramadan)
✔ She is also permitted to perform Hajj or ʿUmrah, if applicable
This ruling applies even if forty days have not yet completed.
It is not necessary for her to wait until day 40.Once purity is observed, all acts of worship become obligatory again.
(Fatwa by: Saudi Permanent Committee for Islamic Research and Ifta)❖ Summary:
✔ A woman in nifās does not wait for 40 days to begin worship.
✔ If she becomes pure before 40 days, she must:
- Offer prayer
- Observe fasting
- May proceed with Hajj or ʿUmrah
✘ Delaying worship after observing purity is not permissible.
