First, let’s be clear: Islam doesn’t view menstruation as a curse or a punishment. This is a crucial distinction from some other cultural or religious interpretations.
The idea that a woman during menstruation is somehow “dirty” in herself – like her soul is dirty – is a misconception, and we will clarify that in a moment.
In Islam, everything in nature, including our bodies and its functions, are signs (Ayat) of Allah. Biological processes like menstruation are part of the natural order created by Allah.
So, what exactly is the Islamic perspective on menstruation?
Why Do Women Have Periods According to Islam?
Islam recognizes menstruation (Hayd in Arabic) as a natural and intrinsic part of a woman’s life, related to her health and reproductive system. In Islam, menstruation is a sign of a woman, good health and her ability to procreate.
What is The Islamic Perspective on Menstruation?
In Islam, menstruation is not viewed as a curse or impurity in a derogatory sense, but rather as a state of ritual impurity that necessitates certain adjustments in religious practices.
This perspective stems from the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah, which provide guidance on how to approach menstruation with understanding and respect.
Quran and Sunnah treat menstruation as a natural physiological state, with specific rulings and considerations, just like any other bodily function.
The Quran touches upon menstruation in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:222):
“And they ask you about menstruation. Say, “It is harm, so keep away from wives during menstruation. And do not approach them until they are pure. And when they have purified themselves, then come to them from where Allah has ordained for you. Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves.”
This verse basically says that if a woman is on her period, she shouldn’t have sex with her husband.
The “harm” ( adhā أَذًى) here is understood to refer to the potential discomfort and health considerations associated with intercourse during menstruation, not that the woman herself is harmful.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) further elaborated on the practical implications of menstruation. In numerous Hadith, he clarified which acts of worship are exempted or modified for menstruating women, demonstrating compassion and understanding for the natural cycles women experience.
Islamic scholars, drawing upon this verse and Prophetic traditions, expanded on the rulings related to menstruation, not to demean women, but to provide clarity and ease in religious observance during this time.
What Are the Islamic Rulings and Observances Related to Menstruation?
Islamic rulings, derived from the Quran and Sunnah, provide clear guidelines for women during menstruation, primarily focused on easing their religious obligations during this time.
These are not restrictions imposed as punishment, but rather concessions granted out of mercy and consideration for the woman’s physical and spiritual state.
Can a Woman Pray While She’s On Her Period?
No, a menstruating woman is not permitted to perform the obligatory or voluntary prayers. This is based on numerous hadiths, including one where the Prophet (PBUH) said to Fatimah bint Abi Hubaysh (who was experiencing istihadah):
“…when your real menses begins give up your prayers and when it has finished wash off the blood (take a bath) and offer your prayers”.
A menstruating woman does not need to make up the missed prayers later. This is a significant point of mercy and ease. The reasoning is that prayer is a frequent obligation, and making up all missed prayers would be an excessive burden.
Can a Woman Fast While She’s On Her Period?
No, a menstruating woman is not permitted to fast during Ramadan or any other voluntary fasts. This is also based on hadith. Aisha (the Prophet’s wife) reported:
“We used to menstruate at the time of the Messenger of Allah then we would become pure. He told us to make up the fast, but he did not tell us to make up the prayers.”
A menstruating woman must make up the missed days of fasting later, after Ramadan. This is because fasting is an annual obligation, and making up the missed days is feasible.
Can a Menstruating Woman Touch the Quran (Mus’haf)?
No. The majority of scholars agree that a menstruating woman should not directly touch the Mus’haf (the physical copy of the Quran). This is based on the general principle of maintaining the sanctity of the Quran and being in a state of purity when interacting with it.
Touching the Mushaf with a Barrier (like gloves): There is a difference of opinion among scholars regarding touching the Mushaf with a barrier, such as gloves or a sleeve.
- Shafi’i and Maliki Schools: These schools of thought consider it forbidden to touch the Mushaf even with a barrier.
- Hanbali and Hanafi Schools: These schools of thought permit touching the Mushaf with a barrier, especially if the barrier is separate from the Mushaf, like a a sleeve that is not attached to it. The reasoning is that with a barrier, the touch is actually of the barrier, not directly of the Mushaf itself. The Hanafi school differentiates between a detached and attached barrier, allowing detached barriers like a separate cover.
Can a Menstruating Woman Read the Quran?
Yes. Reading the Quran without touching the Mushaf directly is generally considered permissible for a menstruating woman. This could include:
- Reading Quran from memory.
- Reading the translation of the meanings of Quran.
- Reading from a digital version of the Mushaf on a phone or tablet (though opinions may vary on digital Mushafs, the principle is generally about direct physical contact with the Arabic script in a physical Mushaf).
Can a Menstruating Woman Listen to the Quran?
All scholars agree that it is permissible for a menstruating woman to listen to Quran recitation.
Can a Menstruating Woman Perform Tawaf?
A menstruating woman is not permitted to perform Tawaf around the Kaaba during Hajj or Umrah. The Prophet (PBUH) said to Aisha when she menstruated during Hajj:
“You should perform all that a pilgrim would do, except circumambulation until you are pure (i.e. performed Ghusl)”.
[Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim and it is part of a long Hadith].
Can a Menstruating Woman Stay in the Masjid (Mosque)?
No. The majority of scholars hold that a menstruating woman should not stay inside the prayer area of the mosque. This is based on the principle of maintaining the sanctity of the mosque.
However, most scholars permit passing through the mosque if necessary, provided there is no risk of blood dripping.
If Allah Created Us to Worship Him, Why Can’t Women Pray or Fast During Menstruation?
If Allah created us, men and women, to worship Him, why did Allah give women a period of menstruation, in which they do not pray, fast and do not hold a Mushaf?
The question assumes that worship (‘ibadah) is limited to formal acts like prayer and fast, which are temporarily restricted during menstruation. However, this is a narrow understanding of worship in Islam.
However, the concept of worship, as defined by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, is “a collective term encompassing everything that Allah loves and is pleased with, from sayings and actions, both inward and outward.” This includes:
- Formal acts of worship (prayer, fasting, Zakat, Hajj).
- Honesty, fulfilling trusts, kindness to parents, maintaining family ties.
- Fulfilling contracts, enjoining good and forbidding evil.
- Striving against disbelievers and hypocrites, charity to neighbors, orphans, the poor, travelers, and even animals.
- Supplication (dua), remembrance of Allah (dhikr), and Quran recitation.
- Gratitude for blessings, patience in trials, contentment with Allah’s decree.
- And much more.
It’s just some acts of worship require a state of ritual purity, which menstruation temporarily affects. This is not about women being inherently “unclean” but about observing the specific conditions for certain acts of worship.
Menstruation Itself Can Be a Form of Worship
In this light, even menstruation, with its associated discomfort, can be a form of worship for a believing woman when she:
- Accepts it as Allah’s decree: Recognizing that Allah is All-Wise and All-Knowing in His creation.
- Observes the rulings: Abstaining from prayer and fasting during menstruation is itself an act of worship, as she submits to Allah’s commands.
- Seeks reward: A woman can seek reward from Allah for the difficulties she experiences during menstruation, viewing it as an expiation of sins or a means of raising her spiritual station.
Wisdom in Easing Burdens
The wisdom behind these rulings is often understood in terms of ease, mercy, and recognition of the natural biological processes that Allah has created..
Islam recognizes that menstruation can be physically and emotionally challenging. Hence, women are excused from certain religious obligations, such as prayer and fasting, during their periods.
This exemption isn’t a punishment or a sign of inferiority; rather, it’s a recognition of their natural state and a dispensation granted out of compassion.
The exemptions from prayer and fasting are seen as a mercy and ease from Allah for women during a time of physical discomfort and hormonal changes.
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