What is the ruling regarding the duration of post-partum bleeding (Nifas) when a woman gives birth to twins?
Chapter on Menstruation
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
The primary opinion, stated as correct by the companions of Ahmad, is that the entire duration of the post-partum bleeding is attributed to the first twin, both its beginning and its end. This view is held by Malik and Abu Hanifa. According to this ruling, once the established period for Nifas concludes after the birth of the first child, any subsequent bleeding is not considered Nifas, as the initial bleeding after the first birth constituted Nifas, making its conclusion also part of that same period, similar to a single birth. The evidence for considering the initial flow as Nifas is derived from its direct relation to the delivery of the first child, making the subsequent flow also tied to that initial event.
Supporting text
There are differing views regarding the Nifas duration when twins are born. One secondary narration suggests that the beginning of the Nifas period is attributed to the first twin, while its end is attributed to the second twin. This view, held by Al-Qadi in 'Kitab Ar-Riwayatein,' posits that the Nifas period cannot end before the delivery of the second child, just as the waiting period (Iddah) does not conclude before the delivery of the last child in a multiple birth, thus potentially extending the Nifas duration beyond forty days for women delivering twins. A third view, held by Zufar and recorded by Al-Qadi Abu Al-Husayn and Abu Al-Khattab in 'Al-Hidayah,' states that the entire Nifas duration is attributed only to the second twin, meaning any bleeding observed before the second delivery is not considered Nifas because the relevant duration is tied entirely to the subsequent birth, analogous to the Iddah period.