Can Menstruating Women Go to the Masjid for Islamic Courses?

Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Question

Can menstruating women go to the masjid for Islamic courses?

Answer

No, it is impermissible for a menstruating lady to enter a masjid, even if it for a class. This applies to any area directly above and below what has been designated as a masjid.

However, if there is a part of the building which was excluded from being classed as a mosque when it was constructed or when the endowment was made then, such as toilets built directly beneath a prayer hall, then she can enter that area. (Ibn ‘Abidin; Radd al Muhtar)

Can a Menstruating Woman Teach or Attend Classes in the Masjid?

This may seen counter-intuitive as it is a good deed which she intends to do. However, it’s best to look at it as a test of submission to Allah. He has commanded us to do some things and not do others. Merely accepting this and refraining from entering the mosque is an act of worship worthy of reward. This applies to someone in janaba too.

Interestingly, it has only been permissible for two individuals to be in a mosque whilst in a state of janaba: the Messenger of Allah, Allah bless him and give him peace, and ‘Ali b. Abi Talib. (Tahtawi; Hashiya Marawi al Falah)

[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History, he moved to Damascus in 2007, where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital. He was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.