Q 1: My wife observed Sawm (Fast) during the recommended six days in Shawwal. During these days, she noticed some vaginal bleeding, but not menstrual blood. This blood she notices resulted from taking contraceptive pills. Is her Sawm permissible in this case? Please advise us on this question.

A: If your wife experienced vaginal bleeding on days outside her regular menstrual period, which does not have the characteristics of menstrual blood, then most probably it was irregular bleeding that is caused by taking the contraceptive pills. This blood falls under the same ruling as Istihadah (abnormal vaginal bleeding outside the menstrual or post-partum period). In this case, a woman enjoys all rulings apply to Tahir (ritually pure) woman. For instance, she may offer Salah (Prayer), observe Sawm, and her husband may have sexual intercourse with her. But when she intends to offer Salah, she has to do Istinja' (cleansing the private parts from any blood traces) and make Wudu' (ablution). According to what was mentioned above, the Sawm of your wife during those six days in Shawwal is valid. However, if your wife had noticed that bleeding during the days of her menstrual period, then it is part of her menstruation and it is forbidden for her to observe Sawm or offer Salah in that time. Also, it is not permissible for you to have sexual intercourse with her until the bleeding stops completely (Part No. 9; Page No. 64) and she performs post-menstruation Ghusl (full ritual bath). Moreover, her Sawm in this case is invalid and does not count for the Sawm of six days in Shawwal, because it was menstrual bleeding.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and his Companions.