What is the ruling on the Ghusl (ritual bath) for menstruation (Hayd)?
Chapter on Ghusl from Janabah (Major Impurity)
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
The ritual bath (Ghusl) for menstruation is considered the same as the Ghusl for sexual defilement (Janabah), with the exception regarding the loosening of the hair (naqd al-sha'r). It is recommended that the woman performing the ghusl use water mixed with sidr (lote tree leaves). Furthermore, she should take a piece of scented material (fursah mumsikah) and use it to follow the course of the blood flow and the area of her private parts reached by the water, in order to eliminate the odor and smell of the blood. If she cannot find musk (misk), she should use other perfume, and if she finds neither, water alone is sufficient purification.
Supporting text
The procedure is supported by the narration of Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) detailing the query of Asma' regarding the purification from menses. The Prophet (peace be upon him) instructed them to use sidr and water for purification, and then use a scented piece of material to purify, which Asma' questioned. Aisha explained that this material is used to follow the trace of the blood.