What is the maximum duration of menstruation?
Chapter on Menstruation
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
The maximum duration of menstruation is fifteen days, which is the recognized view in the Madhhab of Abu Abdullah (Ahmad). This is supported by the statement of Ali, peace be upon him, that anything exceeding fifteen days is considered *istihada* (non-menstrual bleeding), and that the minimum for Hayd is a day and a night.
Supporting text
A second opinion attributed to Abu Abdullah suggests the maximum is seventeen days. Al-Shafi'i holds two differing opinions regarding both the minimum and maximum durations. Sa'id ibn Jubayr held the maximum to be thirteen days.