Do's and Don'ts During Menstruation in Islam
Assalamu'alaikum, dear readers! Are you looking for a detailed explanation of "Do's and Don'ts During Menstruation in Islam"? If your answer is “Yes,” congratulations! You are reading the right article. Why? Because in this article, I will explain everything you need to know about this topic. As Muslims, it is essential for us to understand these guidelines. That is why I wrote this article—so make sure to read it until the end!
Specifically, there are three key aspects of "Do's and Don'ts During Menstruation in Islam" that I will cover in this article:
Do's During Menstruation in Islam
The first important aspect I will discuss is the "Do's During Menstruation in Islam." Understanding these aspects is crucial for every Muslim woman.
Ghusl Dua for Females After Periods in English and Arabic
If we explore Islamic legal literature on "Do's During Menstruation in Islam," we will find the following key points:
Engaging in Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah)
Reciting Dhikr is permissible for Muslim women during menstruation. There are various forms of Dhikr, including Tasbih, Istighfar, Tahmid, and Salawat. Menstruating women can engage in these acts of worship without restriction.
Reading the Quran Without Physically Touching It
Reading the Quran without directly touching the mushaf (physical copy) is allowed during menstruation. However, it is important to note that some scholars hold differing opinions on this matter.
There is a hadith that states:
قَالَ رَسُوْلُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ : لَا تَقْرَأُ الْحَائِضُ، وَلَا الْجُنُبُ شَيْئًا مِنَ الْقُرْآنِ
The Messenger of Allah (Prophet Muhammad) sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: "Menstruating women and those in a state of major ritual impurity (junub) are not allowed to recite anything from the Quran."
However, scholars have debated the authenticity of this hadith, with many concluding that it is weak (da’if) and therefore not a strong basis for prohibition.
Don'ts During Menstruation in Islam
The second key aspect of this discussion is the "Don'ts During Menstruation in Islam." Understanding these restrictions is vital for ensuring proper adherence to Islamic teachings.
Performing Wudu or Ghusl (Janabah Bath) for Purification
Menstruating women are not required to perform wudu or ghusl for purification until their period ends. According to Shafi'i and Hanbali scholars, purification through wudu or ghusl is ineffective during menstruation because ritual impurity (hadas) continues until the period ceases.
Performing Salat (Prayer)
Muslim women are not obligated to perform salat during menstruation. This is based on the hadith:
قَالَ رَسُوْلُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ : إِذَا أقْبَلَتِ الحَيْضَةُ، فَدَعِي الصَّلَاةَ، وإذَا أدْبَرَتْ، فَاغْسِلِي عَنْكِ الدَّمَ وصَلِّي
The Messenger of Allah (Prophet Muhammad) sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: "When menstruation begins, stop praying. When it ends, cleanse yourself from the menstrual blood and pray."
Touching the Quran
Menstruating women are prohibited from touching the Quran directly. The Quran states:
لَّا يَمَسُّهُ إِلَّا الْمُطَهَّرُونَ
"No one may touch it except those who are purified." (Al-Waqi'ah: 79)
Performing Tawaf
A menstruating woman is not allowed to perform Tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba) until she becomes pure. This is supported by the hadith:
عَنْ عَائِشَةَ رَضِيَ اللهُ تَعَالَى عَنْهَا قَالَتْ ؛ لَمَّا جِئْنَا سَرِفْ حِضْتُ . فَقَالَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ : اِفْعَلِيْ مَا يَفْعَلُ الْحَاجُّ غَيْرَ أَنْ لَا تَطُوْفِيْ فِيْ الْبَيْتِ حَتَّى تَطْهُرِي . مُتَّفَقٌ عَلَيْهِ
Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said: "When we arrived at Sarif, I was menstruating. The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: 'Do everything that a pilgrim does, except Tawaf in the House (Kaaba) until you become pure.'"
Engaging in Sexual Intercourse
It is prohibited for a husband and wife to engage in sexual intercourse during menstruation. This is clearly stated in the Quran:
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
"They ask you about menstruation. Say, 'Menstruation is harmful, so keep away from women during menstruation. Do not approach them until they become pure. When they have purified themselves, then approach them as Allah has commanded you. Indeed, Allah loves those who repent and those who purify themselves." (Al-Baqarah: 222)
Performing I'tikaf (Seclusion in the Mosque)
Women who are menstruating are not allowed to stay in the mosque for I'tikaf. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
عَنْ عَائِشَةَ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهَا قَالَتْ : قَالَ رَسُوْلُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ : إِنِّيْ لَا أُحِلُّ الْمَسْجِدَ لِحَائِضٍ وَلَا جُنُبٍ . رَوَاهُ أَبُوْ دَاوُدَ
Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said: "The Messenger of Allah (Prophet Muhammad) sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: 'I do not allow menstruating women and those in a state of janabah (major impurity) to stay in the mosque.'"
Fasting (Sawm)
Menstruating women are not required to fast. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
عَنْ أَبِيْ سَعِيْدٍ الْخُدْرِيِّ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ : أَلَيْسَ إِذَا حَاضَتْ لَمْ تُصَلِّ وَلَمْ تَصُمْ
"Is it not true that when a woman menstruates, she does not pray or fast?"
Conclusion
Understanding the do's and don'ts during menstruation in Islam is essential for every Muslim woman. By adhering to these guidelines, we ensure that our worship remains pure and in accordance with Islamic teachings. May Allah grant us all proper understanding and guide us in practicing our faith correctly. Ameen.
It's been quite overwhelming at times, trying to understand the specifics of Islamic practices, especially regarding menstruation, as it can be a sensitive subject. However, this article has clarified many things for me in a way that is easy to understand and follow. The explanation about what Muslim women can do during menstruation, such as reading Dhikr and reading the Quran without holding it, was particularly helpful. I never knew that certain practices like Dhikr are encouraged even during menstruation, and this insight has made me feel more spiritually connected despite this natural process.
The section on the things that are prohibited during menstruation, like performing wudu, prayer, and having sexual relations, was also very informative. I had heard about some of these prohibitions but wasn't entirely sure of the reasoning behind them. Reading the relevant hadiths and the explanations provided in this article gave me a deeper understanding of why these actions are restricted, which makes it easier for me to follow these guidelines in my own life.
What I also really appreciated was the answer to the question about whether it is permissible to cut nails during menstruation. I had heard different opinions about this, but after reading your explanation and the hadith you included, I feel confident that I understand the correct approach now.
Overall, I'm very grateful to you for taking the time to write this article. It's clear, well-structured, and provides a thorough understanding of what's allowed and not allowed during menstruation according to Islamic teachings. Your explanations not only helped me understand the rules better but also made me feel more at ease as I learn and grow in my faith. I am confident that this article will be a helpful resource for many other new Muslims like me who might have the same questions and concerns.
Once again, thank you for sharing your knowledge and making it so accessible. May Allah bless you for your efforts!