Maximizing Worship: Guidance for Menstruating Women in Ramadan

Although we all know that it’s the inward that matters, sometimes the outward helps us get there. But losing certain acts of worship in Ramadan doesn’t mean we have to lose out. Here is a handy resource list for menstruating women to get the best out of Ramadan.

The Prophet, Allah bless him and give him peace, said about menstruation, “Verily this is a matter Allah has written upon the girls of Prophet Adam [peace be upon him].” [Bukhari] Those who claim that menstruation is like a punishment because one cannot perform acts of worship are severely mistaken. On the contrary, there are many forms of worship that a woman can do while menstruating, aside from what is legally prohibited.

Allah says in the Qur’an, “He who obeys Allah and His messenger, and fears Allah, and keeps duty [unto Him]: such indeed are the victorious.” [Qur’an 24:52] Allah Most High has commanded menstruating women and women in a state of lochia (post-natal bleeding) to refrain from the ritual prayer and ritual fasting. Thus, if a menstruating woman fulfills this command intending to submit to Allah’s order, she is worshiping Allah the entire time that she refrains from the ritual prayer and ritual fasting.

It has been said, “Her praying while pure is worship (ibada), and her refraining from prayer while menstruating is worship. All of it is worship.” Therefore, there’s nothing dreadful or awful about menstruation or lochia (post-natal bleeding); instead, it is a person’s attitude towards it that matters.

Suggested Acts of Worship

1. Listen to the Qur’an
2. Make remembrance (Dhikr) of Allah. See Selected Supplications.
3. Send blessings on the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace). See Selected Prophetic Prayers for Spiritual, Physical, and Emotional Wellbeing by Chaplain Ibrahim Long.
4. Give generously in charity. See: How Much Should I Give To Charity?
5. Be kind to others, including spouses and family members. See Prophetic Guidance: On Forbearance, Patience, and Kindness.
6. Make Dua for the Umma. See: Remembering the Umma in Prayers.
7. Make much repentance. See Chapter on Repentance-Imam Nawawi.
8. Feed fasting people. See: Feed the People – Shaykh Faid Mohammed Said.
9.  Carry out any righteous deed. See Easy Good Deeds by Mufti Taqi Usmani.
10. Gain Islamic knowledge. See Nine On-Demand Courses for Ramadan.
11. Babysit to help mothers worship. See: Making the Prophet Real for Children.