Should I fast if my menses end during the day?

As detailed in the question “Should I continue fasting in Ramadan if my period comes during the day before Maghreb?”, the scholars unanimously agree that it is Haram for menstruating women to fast, whether the fast is obligatory or voluntary, and any fast she undertakes during menstruation is invalid.

It is clear, therefore, that fasting is not valid on the day a woman becomes pure from menstruation if she still had her period after Fajr, and she must make up that day after Ramadan.

However, scholars have differed on whether she should abstain from eating and drinking for the remainder of that day. There are two scholarly opinions:

• The Shaafa’is and Maalikis hold that she does not need to refrain from eating and drinking. Additionally the Maalikis consider that it is not recommended for her to abstain.
• The Hanafis and Hanbalis saw a different opinion, they argued that she should refrain from eating and drinking, out of respect for the sanctity of Ramadan.