Menstruation, according to Islamic law, leads to ritual impurity. This means that one cannot pray, fast or touch the Arabic letters of the Qur’an. Women are not being singled out here as men also become ritually impure through others means that are particular to them.  

From a Sharia point of view, there are different types of blood. These include the loss of virginity, injuries to the vaginal area or post-natal bleeding. Menstruation in Islam has its own rulings which are different than other categories. Menstruation in Islam is known as hayd (pronounced hayz in Persian and Urdu). 

The most popular opinion in Islamic law states that women are generally considered pubescent at the completion of the age of 9 in lunar years. Menstruation in Islamic law has three signs: 

1.  warmth of the blood 
2.  the blood is dark red or black in color 
3.  there is pressure or slight burning in the discharge 

If these three signs are found in a female at the age of 9 lunar years or more, then she will be considered to be in a state of hayd. 

To learn more, please tune into the full version of this lesson.