Easy answers to the big questions

How do health conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, and hormonal conditions affect my Islamic obligations?

Praise be to Allah, I say to the Muslim woman who feels distressed due to these natural discharges: there is no cause for concern. In fact, the absence of such discharges is what might warrant concern and a visit to a physician. 

Many of us were never taught how to understand the natural rhythms of our bodies — whether at school or in the masājid. Yet, knowledge is a sacred trust; and in this case, it’s essential. Understanding the Islamic rulings around menstruation (ḥayḍ) and abnormal bleeding (istiḥāḍah) helps Muslim women navigate acts of worship like ṣalāh (prayer), ṣawm (fasting), Qur’ān recitation, and marital relations. By learning these rulings, women can stay spiritually connected, while honouring Islamic law, with confidence and clarity.

In this blog, we’ll explore the key rulings from the four major Sunni schools of thought — Ḥanafī, Mālikī, Shāfiʿī, and Ḥanbalī — to provide you a well-rounded understanding of this important topic.