Undergoing abortion operation and observing Sawm while bleeding

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Q 1: I was three months pregnant and I had an abortion ten days before Ramadan. When Ramadan started, I was still bleeding as a result of the abortion, but I observed Sawm (Fast) on the assumption that the blood was only Istihadah (abnormal vaginal bleeding outside the menstrual or post-partum period). This is because the third month of pregnancy had not finished. What is the ruling on that?

A: Firstly: Abortion is not permissible except in case of a necessity that should be decided by a trustworthy medical committee that issues an authentic Fatwa. This is because protecting and maintaining pregnancy is an Islamically lawful necessity. Secondly: Your observance of Sawm after abortion during the period of bleeding is not valid if you were eighty-one days pregnant or more, because blood in this case is considered postpartum blood. Accordingly, you must compensate for the days on which you observed Sawm in Ramadan during the period of bleeding. But if you did not reach eighty-one days of pregnancy, your Sawm is considered valid.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.