A menstruating woman being in the presence of a dying person
Fatwa No: 20106

Question

Is it permissible for a menstruating woman to be in the presence of her dying mother?

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and messenger.

 

Some scholars choose the opinion that the dying person must be kept away from a menstruating, post- partum bleeding woman, musical instruments and similar things detested by the Angels, may Allaah exalt their mention.

In his book, Al-Mughni, Ibn Qudaamah said: “It is disliked for a person who is in a state of major impurity and a post-partum bleeding woman to close the eyes of a deceased person or touch him. ‘Alqamah, the disciple of Ibn Mas‘ood disliked it as well as Ash-Shaaf‘i, Al-Hasan, Ibn Seereen, ‘Ataa’ and Maalik disliked that a menstruating woman or person in a state of major impurity washes the deceased. Ibn Abu Zayd Al-Qayrawaani said: “It is recommended to keep a dying person away from a menstruating woman or person in a state of major impurity. This is applicable when there are people who can teach him the testimony, close his eyes and manage his affairs. If not, a menstruating woman may be present with the dying person because of the need for her presence.

Thus, it is clear to the questioner to not attend her mother’s death if there are others besides her. Otherwise, she can.

Allaah Knows best.

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