The Arabic includes the chain of narration (sanad) and the collector's commentary; the English translation shows the Prophet's words only.
أَخْبَرَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ سَلَمَةَ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا ابْنُ وَهْبٍ، عَنْ عَمْرِو بْنِ الْحَارِثِ، عَنِ ابْنِ شِهَابٍ، عَنْ عُرْوَةَ، وَعَمْرَةَ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ، أَنَّ أُمَّ حَبِيبَةَ، - خَتَنَةَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم وَتَحْتَ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنِ عَوْفٍ - اسْتُحِيضَتْ سَبْعَ سِنِينَ اسْتَفْتَتْ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فِي ذَلِكَ فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم
" إِنَّ هَذِهِ لَيْسَتْ بِالْحَيْضَةِ وَلَكِنْ هَذَا عِرْقٌ فَاغْتَسِلِي وَصَلِّي " .
'That is not menstruation, rather that is a vein, so perform Ghusl and pray.'"
Narrated by It was narrated from 'Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) that Umm Habibah, an in-law of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), who was married to 'Abdur-Rahman bin 'Awf, suffered Istihadah (non-menstrual vaginal bleeding) for seven years. She consulted the Prophet (ﷺ) about that and the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
Context
This hadith recounts the experience of Umm Habibah, who suffered from Istihadah for seven years. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ reassured her that this was not menstruation and provided guidance on how to continue praying. This highlights the Prophet's ﷺ role as a source of comfort and guidance in difficult situations.
Modern Application
This hadith encourages women facing health challenges to seek guidance and support. It promotes the idea that understanding one's body and health is essential, and seeking help is a sign of strength.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Purification (Wudu/Taharah) because it addresses the importance of cleanliness and the continuation of prayer despite health concerns.
And they ask you about menstruation. Say, "It is harm, so keep away from wives during menstruation. And do not approach them until they are pure. And when they have purified themselves, then come to them from where Allah has ordained for you. Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves."
O you who have believed, do not approach prayer while you are intoxicated until you know what you are saying or in a state of janabah, except those passing through [a place of prayer], until you have washed [your whole body]. And if you are ill or on a journey or one of you comes from the place of relieving himself or you have contacted women and find no water, then seek clean earth and wipe over your faces and your hands [with it]. Indeed, Allah is ever Pardoning and Forgiving.
O you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] prayer, wash your faces and your forearms to the elbows and wipe over your heads and wash your feet to the ankles. And if you are in a state of janabah, then purify yourselves. But if you are ill or on a journey or one of you comes from the place of relieving himself or you have contacted women and do not find water, then seek clean earth and wipe over your faces and hands with it. Allah does not intend to make difficulty for you, but He intends to purify you and complete His favor upon you that you may be grateful.
And those who no longer expect menstruation among your women - if you doubt, then their period is three months, and [also for] those who have not menstruated. And for those who are pregnant, their term is until they give birth. And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him of his matter ease.
And abide in your houses and do not display yourselves as [was] the display of the former times of ignorance. And establish prayer and give zakah and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah intends only to remove from you the impurity [of sin], O people of the [Prophet's] household, and to purify you with [extensive] purification.
This hadith is #206 from Sunan an-Nasa'i, in the Book of The Book of Purification. It is graded Sahih and narrated by It was narrated from 'Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) that Umm Habibah, an in-law of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), who was married to 'Abdur-Rahman bin 'Awf, suffered Istihadah (non-menstrual vaginal bleeding) for seven years. She consulted the Prophet (ﷺ) about that and the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:.