Can I Have a Complete Menstrual Period Whilst Only Seeing Spotting?

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question: As salam alaykum,

I had a baby recently, delivering on the 9th of the month. I had lochia during the first month, on the second month of the 9th I had some slight spotting that lasted about 9 days. On the 9th of the third month I had spotting the first day. On the 9th of the fourth month I got red spotting and continued to have spotting periodically every few hours.By the 7th day of my spotting on this month, the color of the discharge when I wipe was even colored and a very light brown like it might be on the 5th of my normal period. Should I treat this as a period and not pray?

Answer: Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah,

I pray that this message finds you well, insha’Allah.

Yes, you can have a complete menstrual period whilst only seeing spotting, as opposed to your “normal” cycle or flowing blood.

In order to determine what has happened, you need to think back to the first time you saw such spotting, and record the dates, continuing this process until you reach your most recent “cycle.”

Thereafter, I’d advise consulting a specialist in the fiqh of menstruation who can assist you in determining what you should do from now on.

Consider also getting hold of: Coming of Age, by Ustadha Hedaya Hartford.

And Allah alone knows best.

wassalam,

Tabraze Azam

Checked & Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani