Q: Can the postpartum period continue for more than forty days? Should Salah (prayer) that was missed during menstruation or postpartum periods be made up?

A: All praise be to Allah Alone, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger, and his family and Companions. The bleeding that continues for more than forty days is not considered part of the postpartum period, rather it is Istihadah (abnormal vaginal bleeding outside the menstrual or post-partum period). A woman after the elapse of forty postpartum days has to take Ghusl (ritual bath) and then she can pray and fast Ramadan. Moreover, she has to place cotton pads etc. Over the vulva to prevent any leakage of blood, and to perform Wudu’ for each and every Salah (prayer). With regard to the Salah missed during menstruation or postpartum periods, she is not required to make up for them. However, she has to make up for the fasts she missed in Ramadan when she stopped fasting due to her menstruation or postpartum periods. If the bleeding she sees after the forty days is due to her menses, she should neither pray nor fast. (Part No. 5; Page No. 417) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.