Menstruation

~ Question ~

My period is late this month, I usually always get my period on the 11th. It is usually always on time however I think that stress from university and life has delayed it. I found some blood in my discharge today during Asr, so I naturally did not pray. I have not seen blood since Asr, however, I did not pray Maghrib because this is the usual time of my period. Is this a sin because I saw nothing when I inserted cotton. Was I supposed to pray Maghrib?

~ Answer ~

The Islamic rules regarding menstruation are:

1. If a woman has a monthly routine then she must stick the routine and any blood seen after that is due to disturbance in her normal routine. For example, if her cycle lasts for 7 days and she sees blood after the 7 days then she can take perform ‘Ghusl’ and can pray even if she sees the blood. A woman can pray after cleaning herself but she needs to make Wudu before every prayer. 
2. If woman does not have a continous routine then her period cycle will last for 10 days and then she can pray after the 10 days even if she sees blood but she needs to make Wudu before every prayer. 

Allah knows best

Imam Amjad Aziz Al-Azhari