Are My Prayers Valid If I Didn’t Know Ghusl Was Required After Menses?

Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Question

I didn’t know I had to do ghusl after menses, so for about 5 years, I had just been praying without performing any ghusl after my period.

Does this render all my prayers from the last five years invalid? If so, do I have to make them up?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Merciful and Compassionate.

I hope you’re doing well, insha’Allah.

If you prayed for years after your menses without knowing you needed ghusl, you do not need to make up all those prayers.

In the Hanafi school, any shower that naturally wets the whole body counts as a valid ghusl, even without intending ghusl. [Quduri, Mukhtasar; Ibn al-Humam/Marghinani, Fath al-Qadir Sharh al-Hidaya]

This means most of your past prayers were most likely valid.

You only need to make up the small number of prayers you performed right after menstruation when:

• You had not showered at all, and
• You went straight to wudu and prayed.

Use your reasoned judgment to estimate how many such prayers there may be, make up what you can without hardship, and seek Allah’s forgiveness.

Allah says:

“He is the One who accepts repentance from His servants.” [Quran, 42:25]

May Allah grant you clarity, ease, and confidence in your worship.

And Allah is the giver of success and facilitation.
[Shaykh] Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani is a recognized specialist scholar in the Islamic sciences, having studied under leading scholars from around the world. He is the Founder and Executive Director of SeekersGuidance.

Shaykh Faraz stands as a distinguished figure in Islamic scholarship. His journey in seeking knowledge is marked by dedication and depth. He spent ten years studying under some of the most revered scholars of our times. His initial studies took place in Damascus. He then continued in Amman, Jordan.

In Damascus, he was privileged to learn from the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas. Shaykh Adib al-Kallas was renowned as the foremost theologian of his time. Shaykh Faraz also studied under Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi in Damascus. Shaykh Hassan is recognized as one of the leading Hanafi jurists of our era.

Upon completing his studies, Shaykh Faraz returned to Canada in 2007. His return marked a new chapter in his service to the community. He founded SeekersGuidance. The organization reflects his commitment to spreading Islamic knowledge. It aims to be reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible. This mission addresses both online and on-the-ground needs.

Shaykh Faraz is also an accomplished author. His notable work includes “Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School,” which was published by White Thread Press in 2004 and is a significant contribution to Islamic literature.

His influence extends beyond his immediate community. Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been recognized as one of the 500 most influential Muslims. This recognition comes from the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center. It underscores his impact on the global Islamic discourse.

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani’s life and work embody a profound commitment to Islamic scholarship. His teachings continue to enlighten and guide seekers of knowledge worldwide.