Why can’t Muslim woman pray on their period , in Islam menstruation is considered a natural and significant process in a woman’s life, yet it comes with specific religious guidelines.
One of the most notable restrictions is that Muslim women are excused from performing certain religious duties, including the daily prayers (Salah), during their menstrual periods. This practice, while sometimes misunderstood, has deep-rooted theological, spiritual, and practical reasons within Islamic jurisprudence.
Understanding the rationale behind this rule provides insight into the broader context of women’s health, spirituality, and religious obligations in Islam.
قال الله تعالى
“وَيَسْأَلُونَكَ عَنِ الْمَحِيضِ ۖ قُلْ هُوَ أَذًى فَاعْتَزِلُوا النِّسَاءَ فِي الْمَحِيضِ وَلَا تَقْرَبُوهُنَّ حَتَّىٰ يَطْهُرْنَ ۖ فَإِذَا تَطَهَّرْنَ فَأْتُوهُنَّ مِنْ حَيْثُ أَمَرَكُمُ اللَّهُ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ التَّوَّابِينَ وَيُحِبُّ الْمُتَطَهِّرِينَ”
(سورة البقرة، الآية 222)
Allah the Almighty says:
“They ask you concerning menstruation. Say: It is a harmful thing, so keep away from women during menstruation and do not approach them until they are clean. 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.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 222)
Why can’t Muslim women pray on their period?
This practice, while sometimes misunderstood, has deep-rooted theological, spiritual, and practical reasons within Islamic jurisprudence:
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Theological Reasons:
Menstruation is seen as a state of ritual impurity (hadath), and Islamic law mandates that those in a state of impurity should refrain from certain acts of worship.
This principle is derived from the Quran and Hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad) this important reason Why can’t Muslim women pray on their period.
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Spiritual Reasons:
The period of menstruation is viewed as a time for women to rest and recuperate.
It is believed that excusing women from prayers during this time acknowledges their physical condition and provides them with a break from their regular religious obligations this important reason Why can’t Muslim women pray on their period
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Practical Reasons:
The physical discomfort and health considerations associated with menstruation make it a practical necessity for women to abstain from certain activities, including prayers.
This period is a time for rest and self-care this important reason Why can’t Muslim woman pray on their period?.
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Hygiene Considerations:
Historically, maintaining the necessary level of cleanliness for prayer could be challenging during menstruation. Thus, the exemption also serves to maintain the sanctity and cleanliness required for the performance of Salah this important reason Why can’t Muslim women pray on their period
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Psychological Well-being:
This rule allows women to focus on their mental and physical well-being without the added pressure of maintaining their regular prayer routines, thus promoting overall health.
These some of answers and reasons why can’t muslim woman pray on their period or menstruation period this important reason Why can’t Muslim woman pray on their period?.
قال الله تعالى:
“وَلَا تَقْرَبُوهُنَّ حَتَّىٰ يَطْهُرْنَ ۖ فَإِذَا تَطَهَّرْنَ فَأْتُوهُنَّ مِنْ حَيْثُ أَمَرَكُمُ اللَّهُ”
(سورة البقرة، الآية 222)
وقال النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم:
“هذا شيء كتبه الله على بنات آدم.”
(صحيح البخاري)
Allah the Almighty says:
“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.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 222)
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“This is something that Allah has ordained for the daughters of Adam.”
(Sahih Bukhari)
Can a woman enter a mosque during periods?
he Holy Prophet’s teachings provide explicit guidance on the participation of menstruating women in mosque activities.
As you mentioned, the Prophet would permit his menstruating wives to perform tasks such as laying out mats in the mosque. However, he strictly forbade them from sitting in the mosque during their menstrual period, as evident in ahadith.
During Eid celebrations, the Prophet would encourage unmarried girls, young women observing purdah, and menstruating women to attend the Eid prayers.
He even instructed women without scarves to borrow from their sisters. However, he advised menstruating women to participate in the supplications outside the prayer room.
Similarly, during the Farewell Pilgrimage, Hazrat Aisha was menstruating and therefore not allowed to perform Umrah, which requires spending considerable time in the mosque.
After her menstruation ended, the Prophet sent her to perform Umrah separately.
In light of these clear guidelines, there is no justification for us to create new ways to fulfill our desires.
It is true that women in the past did not have access to modern hygiene products. However, this does not mean they were unable to maintain their hygiene.
Women have always found ways to adapt to their circumstances and take care of themselves.
Even with modern products, there are still limitations, such as heavy bleeding that can cause leakage and spoil clothes and you also can read above Why can’t Muslim woman pray on their period.
The timeless teachings of Islam will continue to guide us, just as they did during the Prophet’s time.
These principles are universally applicable and will be upheld in every era, regardless of any constraints or limitations.
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Read more: Is Allah Omnipresent?
The Symptoms Experienced by Women During Menstruation and Their Impact on Prayer
Common Physical Symptoms of Menstruation:
- Cramps (Dysmenorrhea):
Description: Menstrual cramps are common and are caused by the contraction of the uterus to expel its lining.
Impact: Severe cramps can cause significant discomfort and pain, making it difficult to stand, kneel, or bow during prayer.
- Fatigue:
Description: Many women experience tiredness and fatigue during their menstrual cycle due to hormonal changes and blood loss.
Impact: Fatigue can reduce energy levels and concentration, which can affect the physical and mental focus required for prayer.
- Headaches and Migraines:
Description: Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation can trigger headaches or migraines in some women.
Impact: These can be debilitating, making it challenging to engage in the focused and meditative aspects of prayer.
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- Back Pain:
Description: Lower back pain is another common symptom due to the contraction of the uterine muscles and referred pain.
Impact: Persistent back pain can make the physical postures of prayer, such as bowing and prostrating, uncomfortable or painful.
read more Why can’t Muslim woman pray on their period above.
- Bloating:
Description: Hormonal changes can lead to water retention and bloating, causing discomfort in the abdominal area.
Impact: This can make it difficult to comfortably perform the physical movements required during prayer.
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- Nausea:
Description: Some women may experience nausea or gastrointestinal disturbances during their menstrual period.
Impact: Nausea can make the idea of physical movement and standing for prayer feel overwhelming.
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How to spend Ramadan during periods?
Spending Ramadan during menstruation can be a unique experience for women, as they are exempt from fasting and performing certain religious duties such as prayers. However, there are still many ways to engage in worship and spiritual activities during this time, and you can read more about Why can’t Muslim woman pray on their period.
Here are some suggestions on how to spend Ramadan during periods:
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Engage in Dhikr and Du’a:
Use this time to engage in remembrance of Allah (dhikr) and supplication (du’a). You can recite Quranic verses, praises of Allah (tasbih), and prayers for yourself and others.
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Seek Knowledge:
Take advantage of this time to increase your knowledge about Islam.
You can read books, listen to lectures, or attend online courses on topics such as Islamic history, theology, or spirituality.
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Reflect and Self-Improvement:
Use this period for self-reflection and introspection. Identify areas for personal growth and set spiritual goals for yourself.
Work on developing positive habits and virtues.
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Charity and Good Deeds:
Engage in acts of charity and kindness towards others.
You can donate to charitable causes, volunteer your time, or offer assistance to those in need within your community.
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Attend Religious Gatherings:
While you may not be able to perform prayers in the mosque, you can still attend religious gatherings, lectures, and Islamic events to benefit from the community atmosphere and spiritual atmosphere.
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Support Others:
Offer support and encouragement to fellow sisters who may also be menstruating during Ramadan.
Share resources, provide emotional support, and create a supportive community for each other.
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Maintain Spiritual Connection:
Stay connected to your faith by maintaining a regular schedule of worship and spiritual activities.
Even though you are not fasting or praying, you can still maintain a strong connection to Allah through your actions and intentions.
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FAQS about Why can’t Muslim woman pray on their period
Can a woman touch the Quran during her period?
There are differing opinions among scholars regarding a woman’s ability to recite the Quran during menstruation.
One view, based on a hadith, prohibits women from reciting the Quran while in a state of impurity, including menstruation. However, many prominent scholars, such as Ibn Taymiyyah, Ibn Qayyim, Imam Malik, and Bukhari, argue that this hadith is weak and therefore cannot be used to establish a ruling. According to this opinion, women are permitted to recite the Quran from memory or from the Quranic text itself.
On the other hand, there is unanimous agreement among fiqh scholars that an impure person, including those who are sexually impure, menstruating, cannot touch the Quran.
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This is based on the Quranic verse “None shall touch it except the purified” (Waqiah: 79).
So, how can a menstruating woman access the Quran? There are several solutions: she can use a barrier, such as a glove or towel, to prevent direct contact with the Quran; read the Quran on a digital device, such as a tablet or phone, which is not considered the Quran itself; or read a book that contains tafseer or translation, which is permissible for an impure person to hold, even if it includes the Arabic text.
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What should a Muslim woman do while on her period?
During her period, a Muslim woman is excused from performing certain religious duties such as prayers (Salah) and fasting. However, she can still engage in other forms of worship and spiritual activities, such as supplication (du’a), remembrance of Allah (dhikr), seeking knowledge, and acts of charity.
It is also important for her to maintain her hygiene and cleanliness during this time.
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What does Allah say about women on their periods?
“وَلَا تَقْرَبُوهُنَّ حَتَّىٰ يَطْهُرْنَ ۖ فَإِذَا تَطَهَّرْنَ فَأْتُوهُنَّ مِنْ حَيْثُ أَمَرَكُمُ اللَّهُ”
سورة البقرة، الآية 222
“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.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 222)
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Can I drink on my period during Ramadan?
Yes, women who are menstruating during Ramadan are exempt from fasting.
They are not required to abstain from food or drink during the daylight hours of Ramadan.
It is important for them to focus on maintaining their health and well-being during this time, including staying hydrated by drinking water as needed.
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How to purify yourself after period Islam?
After the menstrual period ends, a woman can purify herself (perform ghusl) by taking a ritual bath.
The steps for performing ghusl include:
- Intention: Form the intention to perform ghusl for purification.
- Washing: Wash the entire body, including the head, three times, making sure water reaches every part of the body.
- Ensure that water reaches the roots of the hair and beneath the nails.
- Perform ablution (wudu) as usual after completing ghusl.
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