What are the different opinions regarding the duration a beginner (Mubtadi'ah) should refrain from prayer in the first month?
Chapter on Menstruation
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
The jurists established four narrations regarding the duration the beginner should refrain from prayer in the first month: the minimum duration of menstruation, the majority duration, the maximum duration, and the duration typical for the women in her family. The view held by Al-Qadi is that there is only one narration recognized in the school of thought regarding this matter, and that the discussion of these varied durations is only relevant if the bleeding is continuous, leading her to become a woman with continuous irregular bleeding (Mustahada) in the fourth month.
Supporting text
It is reported from Ahmad that the initial bleeding should lead her to refrain for six or seven days, which aligns with the duration most women experience menstruation, based on the Hadith of Hamnah. This suggests the initial period should be treated according to the general duration of women's cycles. Another narration states that if the bleeding is continuous, she may refrain for six or seven days until her true cycle is established, or she may choose the precautionary measure of refraining for only one day initially.