For every Muslim woman, understanding the sacred guidelines concerning Menstruation and prayer in Islam is fundamental to practicing her faith correctly. This area of women's fiqh purity often generates questions, particularly for women navigating contemporary life in the West.
The Islamic approach to menstruation (Hayd) is characterized by ease and mercy, recognizing a woman’s physical state while maintaining her spiritual connection. Let's clarify the key Islamic ruling on ritual purity concerning Menstruation and prayer in Islam.
Is prayer (Salah) required during Menstruation in Islam?
No, prayer (Salah) is not required during Menstruation in Islam. This is a ruling rooted in divine mercy. The physical change a woman undergoes renders her in a state of minor ritual impurity (Hadath Asghar) and major ritual impurity (Hadath Akbar). The absence of prayer is not a punishment, but a dispensation and a recognized break from one of the daily obligations.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) clearly instructed women regarding Menstruation and prayer in Islam. When asked about the prohibition, Umm Atiyyah (R.A.) reported:
"We were forbidden from praying during menstruation." (Source: Sahih al-Bukhari 327)
This establishes the clear ruling on prayer during period: a woman must abstain from the five daily prayers.
Be informed about: Islamic Rulings for Women
What acts of worship are prohibited during Menstruation?
The state of major ritual impurity caused by menstruation prohibits several specific acts of worship, reinforcing the principle behind Menstruation and prayer in Islam:
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Performing Salah: As mentioned, can a woman pray while on her period? No.
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Fasting (Sawm): The fasting and menstruation Islam ruling prohibits fasting.
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Sexual Intercourse: Prohibited until the woman has completed her period and performed Ghusl.
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Touching the Mus-haf: She cannot directly touch the Arabic text of the Qur'an, though scholars differ slightly on the ruling on touching Mus-haf during period.
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Tawaf (Circumambulation): Prohibited around the Ka'bah during Hajj or Umrah.
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Entering the Mosque: According to the majority of scholars, a menstruating woman should not remain inside the prayer hall of the mosque, answering the question: can a menstruating woman enter a mosque?
Do I have to make up (Qada') missed prayers after Menstruation?
This ruling demonstrates the unique mercy of Islam towards women concerning Menstruation and prayer in Islam. No, a woman does not have to make up (Qada') missed prayers after Menstruation.
This ruling is based on the consensus of the scholars, stemming from the Hadith reported by Aisha (R.A.):
"When we were menstruating, we were ordered to make up the fasts, but we were not ordered to make up the prayers." (Source: Sahih Muslim 335)
This clarifies the difference between the obligation of the fasts and the non-obligation of the prayers, addressing the common question: do women make up missed prayers after period?
Can a woman read the Quran without touching it during Menstruation?
Yes. While the majority of scholars agree that a woman cannot touch the Mus-haf (the physical book of the Qur'an) while menstruating, she can read the Quran without touching it during Menstruation by using various means:
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Reading from memory.
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Reading from a tablet, phone, or computer screen, as these are not considered a Mus-haf.
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Using a barrier (such as a clean cloth or gloves) to turn the pages.
This allows her to maintain her spiritual connection and avoid neglecting the divine word.
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What is the ruling on fasting (Sawm) and Menstruation in Islam?
Unlike prayer, the ruling on fasting (Sawm) and Menstruation in Islam is that fasting is prohibited during the period, but the missed days must be made up later.
This answers the second part of the question: fasting and menstruation Islam. A woman must keep track of the number of days missed and observe the make up fasts after period before the next Ramadan.
What acts of worship can a Muslim woman still perform during Menstruation?
Despite the prohibition on Salah and Sawm, a Muslim woman can still engage in numerous acts of worship, fulfilling the purpose of what to say during period Islam:
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Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah): Saying SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar, and La ilaha illAllah.
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Du’a (Supplication): Making personal dua during menstruation for herself, her family, and the Muslim community.
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Listening to Qur'an Recitation: She can listen and reflect on the meanings.
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Giving Sadaqah (Charity): Highly encouraged.
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Seeking Knowledge: She can attend classes, read Islamic books, and study the Tafsir of the Qur'an.
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Istiġfār (Seeking Forgiveness): Constantly asking Allah for forgiveness.
This confirms that the state of Hayd is not a state of spiritual stagnation.
FAQs about Menstruation and prayer in Islam
Do I need to perform Wudu during my period to make Dhikr?
No, Wudu is not required to engage in Dhikr or Du'a during your period. However, it is always recommended to maintain purity and cleanliness as much as possible, as this is an aspect of what is Taharah in Islam.
Can I listen to the recitation of the Quran during Menstruation?
Yes, absolutely. Listening to the Qur'an is permissible and encouraged, providing a strong spiritual benefit even if she can you read Quran while menstruating only from memory or a device.
What is the shortest and longest duration of Menstruation in Islam?
The specific rulings can vary slightly between schools of thought (Hanafi fiqh menstruation and prayer is often cited for its detailed classifications), but typically:
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Minimum Duration: Most scholars hold that the minimum is one full day (24 hours).
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Maximum Duration: Most scholars agree that the maximum is fifteen days. If bleeding exceeds this, it is often classified as Istihādah (non-menstrual bleeding). This helps determine when can a woman start praying after period and requires performing Ghusl after period step by step.
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Enroll in Our Online Course on the Rulings of Purity (Taharah)
Understanding the detailed Islamic ruling on ritual purity and Menstruation and prayer in Islam is a Fard Ayn (individual obligation) for every Muslim woman.
Don't rely on confusing, fragmented information. Iman School, recognized as the best online Islamic school, offers a specialized course on Taharah (Purity) designed specifically for women in the West.
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Step-by-step guidance on Ghusl after period step by step.
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All permissible and prohibited acts of worship during menstruation.
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