of a blood cycle you have and InshaAllah you will be able to perform your duties as per the laws of Islam, which is obligatory on all of us.

This book is written according to the rulings of Ayatullah Khomeini and Ayatullah Seestani. Although most of the Maraaji’ have similar views on these issues, it is important that sisters who follow other Maraaji’ should check with their own Marja`, because there may be minor differences in the rulings.

I would like to thank my teacher Khanum Ferozi (from Jum`iat al-Zahra), who is such a great teacher. I used to dislike the subject of Fiqh, but Khanum Ferozi taught us so well, that I started loving this subject so much I decided to write about it!

I would also like to thank my husband who encouraged and helped me a great deal.

My sincere thanks to Brother Shuja Ali Mirza for all the help and input.

I would like to dedicate this book to my late mother, Syeda Rabab Sultana Razavi and my late mother in law Tahera Begum Arastu.

Batool Arastu

Qum, Shawwal 15, 1426/ November 18, 2005