Discover the numerous acts of worship and spiritual practices that remain permissible for Muslim women during menstruation according to the Hanafi madhab.
Reviewed by Ustad Abas Arshad, Islamic scholar, on
Muslim women can perform numerous acts during menstruation including dhikr, dua, listening to Quran, studying Islamic knowledge, charity, and maintaining good character towards others.
Menstruation is a natural part of a woman's life, and while certain acts of worship are temporarily restricted during this time, Islam provides numerous permissible alternatives that allow women to maintain their spiritual connection with Allah. Understanding what acts are impermissible during menstruation helps us appreciate the wisdom behind the permissible alternatives.
In the Hanafi madhhab, scholars recognize the importance of maintaining spiritual habits even during menstruation. There is an overall recommendation that a menstruating woman should:
This practice ensures that she does not lose her habit of worship and maintains her spiritual routine despite the temporary restrictions.
A menstruating woman can engage in various forms of direct worship:
Supplication (Dua) She can supplicate for whatever she wishes, maintaining her personal connection with Allah through heartfelt prayers and requests.
Remembrance of Allah (Dhikr) Making dhikr remains fully permissible and is encouraged as a means of keeping the heart connected to Allah throughout the day.
Repentance (Tawba) Seeking forgiveness and making sincere repentance to Allah Most High is not only permissible but highly recommended.
Seeking Forgiveness (Istighfar) Begging for forgiveness (istighfar) and seeking pardon of sins (afu) are beautiful acts that can be performed continuously.
Salawat on the Prophet Sending prayers and blessings upon Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is a beloved act that brings immense reward.
Memorizing Prophetic Duas This is an excellent time to memorize authentic supplications from the Prophet, enriching one's repertoire of prayers.
While direct recitation may be restricted, a menstruating woman can:
Listen to the Quran Listening to Quranic recitation allows her to benefit from its guidance and spiritual healing.
Listen to Religious Lectures Attending or listening to Islamic lectures helps maintain connection with religious knowledge and community.
The pursuit of Islamic knowledge remains fully open:
Teaching and Studying She can both teach and study sacred knowledge, contributing to and benefiting from the Islamic educational community.
Reviewing Knowledge This is an excellent time for reviewing previously learned Islamic concepts and principles.
Reading Islamic Literature Reading hadith collections like Riyad as-Salihin or Imam al-Nawawi's forty hadith collection provides spiritual nourishment and knowledge.
Reading Sira and Stories Studying the biography of the Prophet and stories about the Companions (sahaba) or righteous people (salihin) offers inspiration and guidance.
Good Character Demonstrating excellent character towards her spouse, parents, children, and fellow Muslims is not only permissible but highly rewarded.
Forgiveness Forgiving those who have wronged her is a noble act that purifies the heart and brings one closer to Allah.
Charity Giving in charity, whether financial or otherwise, remains a powerful means of earning Allah's pleasure.
Service to Others Performing acts of service to others in the community is encouraged and brings great reward.
Gratitude Practicing gratitude for her blessings helps maintain a positive spiritual state and recognition of Allah's favors.
Patience and Contentment Practicing patience (sabr) and contentment with trials is a form of worship that strengthens one's relationship with Allah.
Reflection Reflecting about Allah Most High's great signs in creation and life deepens spiritual awareness and connection.
The source emphasizes a crucial point: "The feeling of being limited only increases when a woman focuses on what she cannot do while menstruating. However, if she focuses on what she can do in the circumstance that Allah Most High placed her in, her heart will be filled with contentment."
This wisdom highlights that there is nothing dreadful about the prohibitions related to menstruation. Rather, what matters is a person's attitude towards them. Understanding that menstruation is a blessing, not a punishment can completely transform one's experience during this time.
To make the most of this time, consider creating a daily routine that incorporates these permissible acts:
While this article focuses on the Hanafi madhab, it's worth noting that different Islamic schools of thought may have varying approaches to certain aspects of menstruation rulings. The core principle across all madhabs remains that Islam provides ample opportunities for spiritual growth during all states.
Menstruation does not create a barrier between a Muslim woman and her spiritual life. Instead, it redirects her worship toward the numerous permissible acts that can bring her closer to Allah. By focusing on what is possible rather than what is temporarily restricted, a menstruating woman can maintain and even strengthen her spiritual connection.
The wisdom of Islamic law becomes apparent when we see how it provides alternatives that cater to every aspect of spiritual development - from direct worship and remembrance to character building and service to others. This comprehensive approach ensures that no time in a Muslim woman's life need be spiritually barren.
Remember, these guidelines represent the Hanafi position on permissible acts during menstruation. For specific situations or detailed rulings, it's always recommended to consult with a qualified Islamic scholar who can provide personalized guidance based on your circumstances.
Can a menstruating woman make dhikr and dua?
Yes, making dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and dua (supplication) are fully permissible and encouraged during menstruation. These acts help maintain spiritual connection with Allah.
What does the Hanafi madhab recommend during prayer times while menstruating?
The Hanafi madhab recommends that a menstruating woman make wudu for each prayer time, sit in her usual place of worship, and make dhikr for the duration of her normal prayer to maintain her worship habit.
Can a menstruating woman study Islamic knowledge?
Yes, teaching, studying, and reviewing sacred Islamic knowledge are completely permissible during menstruation. This includes reading hadith collections, Islamic literature, and biographical works.
Is listening to the Quran allowed during menstruation?
Yes, listening to Quranic recitation is permissible during menstruation and allows women to benefit from its spiritual guidance and healing.
What attitude should a woman have toward menstruation restrictions?
According to Islamic guidance, focusing on what is permissible rather than restrictions leads to contentment. There is nothing dreadful about menstruation rulings - what matters is one's attitude toward them.
Menstruation provides opportunities for reflection, gratitude, and patience as forms of worship
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Islamic scholar
Ijazah in the Islamic sciences, with an unbroken chain of transmission, Trained in issuing fatwa in the Hanafi madhab, Jamia Al-Karam; Al-Azhar University
Co-founder of flowdays. He reviews the articles in the flowdays library.
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