Answer
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
In this fatwa:
You do not need to shave pubic or armpit hair after menstruation to be purified. Only Ghusl is required, which means washing the entire body and making sure water reaches the scalp and all areas. Hair removal is Sunnah and part of Fitrah, but it does not have to coincide with menses.
Responding to your question, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and an Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states:
It is not obligatory to remove pubic or armpit hair after menstruation. Purification for prayer is achieved through Ghusl, which involves washing the entire body with the intention of Ghusl and ensuring that all traces of blood are removed.
Removing pubic and armpit hair is considered Sunnah and part of Fitrah (natural hygiene). The Prophet (peace be upon him) established a maximum of 40 days for leaving such hair; it can be removed at any time and does not need to coincide with menstruation.
During Ghusl, water must reach the scalp and hair roots. While using shampoo or soap is not required, they can be used for hygiene purposes; thoroughly pouring water with the intention of Ghusl is sufficient.
This practice is not considered a Bid`ah, unless someone regards hair removal after menstruation as a religious obligation. In practice, perform Ghusl properly after menstruation, maintain regular hair removal (within 40 days), and remember that the key is ensuring water reaches the roots.
See related Islamic rulings here →
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- Using a Razor to Shave Armpit Hair: Permissible?
- Using Hair Removing Lotions: Permissible?
Almighty Allah knows best.