When Can I Start Praying After a Miscarriage?

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question: As salam Alaykum,

I had a miscarriage about 10 days ago and I was 10 weeks pregnant. I had the curettage done as well. The OB/GYN indicated that the bleeding will last for about 3-4 days but has not stopped yet.
Can I start praying now or should I wait until the bleeding has completely stopped?

Answer: Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah,

I pray that this message finds you well, insha’Allah.

May Allah Most High grant you steadfastness and a tremendous reward.

If the miscarried foetus had discernible features, such as fingers, then the blood which exited thereafter would be considered post-natal (nifas).

There is some detail to it, but in general, when the blood stops, you need to perform the ritual bath (ghusl) and pray.

[`Ala’ al-Din `Abidin, al-Hadiyya al-`Ala’iyya]

Please also see: Does a Woman Have to Pray After a Miscarriage of 11 Weeks If She Bleeds for a Couple of Weeks? and: What is the Proper Procedure After an Early Miscarriage? and: Fiqh of Miscarried Fetus and: What is the Legal Status of the Blood from a Woman Who Had a Miscarriage? and: What Should Be Done After a Late Miscarriage Practically and Emotionally?

And Allah alone knows best.

wassalam,
Tabraze Azam

Checked & Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani