Can I mix between different legal schools to determine my menstrual period?
Question
Assalamu aleikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,
Respected mufti,
If I wish to follow the Shafi’i ruling on identifying and determining my period, must I also follow rulings for other legal questions from the same school? On the other hand, can I continue to follow the Maliki school on all other legal questions i.e. rulings for non-menstrual spotting, ablution, bathing etc.? I normally do not mix between schools but with regard to this issue, I really feel a need to do so.
Jazakum Allahu khayran.
Answer
The Shafi'is generally maintain that any pre-menstrual discharge is not part of the menstrual cycle until evident blood can be seen. Menstruation continues until the cessation of menstrual flow and the dark yellowish discharge that follows or after the passage of 15 days from the beginning of menstruation, whichever occurs first.
As for following rulings from the Maliki school of jurisprudence among other schools of law, it is deemed permissible.