it [i.e., the blood], whether in a small or large amount. Al-Hasan said: A large amount and a small amount are the same. A similar view is narrated from Sulayman al-Taymi (4), because it is an impurity, so it resembles urine. Our position is what was narrated from Aisha, who said: One of us would have a garment in which she would menstruate and in which she would be in a state of janaba (ritual impurity), then she would see a drop of blood on it, so she would scrape it (5) with her saliva. In another version: None of us had but one garment in which she would menstruate; if anything of her blood touched it, she would moisten it with her saliva, then scrape it with her fingernail. Recorded by Abu Dawud (6). This indicates that it is excused, because saliva does not purify it, and her fingernail becomes impure by it, and this is a report of a constant practice. Such a thing would not be hidden from the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), nor would it occur except by his command. Moreover, it is the opinion of the Companions we have named, and there is no one who opposed them in their era, so it constitutes consensus. As for what was narrated from Ibn Umar, the opposite has been narrated from him. Al-Athram narrated with his chain of transmission from Nafi' that Ibn Umar used to prostrate, extending his hands and placing them on the ground while they were dripping with blood from chaps (7) on his hands. He also squeezed a pimple, and some blood and pus came out, so he wiped it with his hand and prayed without performing ablution. His avoiding it in some situations does not contradict what we have narrated from him, for a person may act with caution regarding some things whose permissibility is narrated. Furthermore, because it is difficult to avoid, it is excused, like the residue of cleaning oneself after excretion (istinja).

Section: The apparent position of Ahmad's school is that a 'small amount' is that which is not considered excessive (fahush) in the heart [i.e., perception]. This is the opinion of Ibn Abbas, who said: If it is excessive, he must repeat it. This is also narrated from Sa'id ibn al-Musayyib. It was narrated from Ahmad that he was asked about a 'large amount', and he said: A span by a span. In another place, he said: The size of the palm is excessive. The apparent position of his school is that it is what is considered excessive in the heart of the one upon whom the blood is. And he said (9):