Q 15:
Is it obligatory to perform Istinja' (cleansing the private parts with water after urination or defecation) after a person (male or a female) breaks wind? Also, what should a lady do in case she sees three drops of blood during the time of her menstruation period while she is observing Sawm (Fast)?
Is it permissible for her to break her Sawm or should she continue her Sawm bearing in mind that this happens just before sunset?
A:
Breaking wind, whether by a man or a woman, invalidates Wudu' (ablution). A person who breaks wind is not required to perform Istinja'. Rather, it is obligatory on this person to perform Wudu', which is washing the face along with Madmadah (rinsing the mouth) and Istinshaq (sniffing water into the nose and then expelling it), washing the two arms up until the elbows, wiping the head along with the ears, and washing the feet along with the ankles. On the other hand, when a lady sees blood during the time of her menstruation period while she is observing Sawm then it stops, she should terminate the Sawm even if the blood is little. This lady should break her Sawm, make up the missed days later, and perform Ghusl (ritual bath following major ritual impurity) once the blood stops. (Part No. 10; Page No. 155) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.