What is the requirement for a woman experiencing continuous non-menstrual bleeding (*Mustahadah*) regarding purification?
Chapter on Menstruation
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
There is a scholarly disagreement regarding the obligation of ritual bathing (*ghusl*) for a woman experiencing continuous non-menstrual bleeding (*Mustahadah*). Some scholars state that she must perform *ghusl* for every prayer. This view is narrated from Ali, Ibn Umar, Ibn Abbas, and Ibn Zubayr, and is one of the two opinions attributed to Al-Shafi'i for the confused menstruator (*Mutahayyirah*). This is supported by the narration that Umm Habibah was instructed by the Prophet (peace be upon him) to perform *ghusl* for every prayer, and another report that a woman continuously losing blood was ordered to perform *ghusl* at the time of every prayer.
Supporting text
Some scholars hold that she should perform one *ghusl* per day, narrated from Aisha, Ibn Umar, Anas, and Sa'id ibn al-Musayyib, meaning from noon to noon. Malik suggested the narration concerning Ibn al-Musayyib intended 'from purity to purity' rather than 'from noon to noon.' Another view suggests combining prayers, performing one *ghusl* for the two afternoon prayers and one for Fajr, as instructed to Sahlah bint Suhayl; this is the opinion of 'Ata and Al-Nakha'i. The majority holds that she performs one *ghusl* upon the cessation of her menses, and subsequently, she must perform *wudu* (ablution) for each prayer, which suffices. This is the view of Urwah and Al-Shafi'i and the People of Judgment (*Ashab al-Ra'y*).