Islam is a complete way of life, it provides guidance to every aspect of ones life, even something as simple as puberty and details pertaining to it has been taught to us.

A period, or menstruation (Haidh) is a type of blood that is discharged from the womb of a woman every month, this is also known as menses. Females have regular periods during their reproductive age.

menstruation is neither “the curse” on females nor a result of the so‑called original sin of Eve. Rather it is a very normal biological process that ensures the perpetuation of the human race.

Periods will start when all the parts that make up a girl’s reproductive system are mature and working together.

A girl’s periods can begin from 8 to 16 years of age, but Generally they start when a girl is about 12.
A girl is considered baaligha (mature) if any of the following occurs:

1) A wet dream

2) Pregnancy without Haidh occurring

3) Monthly period after the age of 9

 
When an individual reaches the age of puberty Salah, Fasting and other aspects of Islam become compulsory. For this reason it is vital to learn the masaail (rules) so one can discharge his duties in a correct manner. If one neglects a compulsory act after puberty, they become sinful.
Haidh is is mentioned in the Quraan, when Allah states:

“They ask you about menstruation. (O Muhammad), tell them that menstruation is a discomfort for the women,” (it is a period when they pass through physical and emotional tension.) (2:222)

 
A women can have discharge of blood for four reasons:
1) Menstruation

2)loss of virginity

3)post natal bleeding

4) Internal injury

Islamicly a woman`s Haidh does not start before the age of nine, so if someone sees blood prior to this age it will be considered as Istihadha (Flowing of blood out of the normal time scales).

 
The minimum period of Haidh is three days and three nights and the maximum period is ten days and ten nights.[2]

 
Blood that flows for less than three days or more than ten days is called Istihadha[2] (Flowing of blood out of the normal time scales).

The minimum period of purity between two periods is fifteen days. There is no maximum period.

Menstruation is the flow of blood; and blood, according to the shari’ah, is a najis (unclean) substance and so menstruation is also considered najis. But the impurity of menstruation in no way prevents a woman from living a normal life with her family and friends.

In the state of menses it is not permissible for a woman to:

1)Touch or recite the Qurān.[1]

2)To fast[2]

3)Enter in the Masjid.[2]

4)Perform Tawaaf around the Kabah.[2]

5)Offer Salah.[2]

6)Sexual relations

When Haidh is finished one will not have to make up for the missed Salaah, but will have to make up for the missed fasts.[2]

 
If one begins to bleed while offering salaah, then that salaah will also be excused, she must discontinue that salaah immediately.

 
If during the month of Ramadhaan ones Haidh stops during the day, then it will not be proper for her to eat and drink until sunset. It will be Wajib (necessary) on her to behave like a fasting person. However this day will not be counted as a fast, she will still need to make Qadha of it.

When a woman becomes pure from menstruation, it is Wajib (necessary) for her to perform Ghusl. Apart from sexual intercourse, all the acts forbidden to her will remain so until she performs Ghusl (bath).[2]
There are many Masail (rules) regarding Haidh which inshallah we will cover in another post.

1-الفتاوى الهندية 1/38 دار الفكر
2-مراقي الفلاح باب الحيض والنفاس و الاستحاضة