Rulings Related to the Quran and a Woman in the State of Menstruation.

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question: Assalam alaykum

I have seen the answer about it being okay to recite Qur’an with the intention of Dhikr while being in menstruation. Can you please explain it more?

In particular, I am a Hanafi and have doubts about whether it is okay to read from a computer screen out loud surah baqara for protection from the unseen.

What about reading Surah Hadid and the one afterwards for faith, courage?

Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,

No, it is not permissible to recite verses or chapters of the Qur’an during your menstrual period which are not clearly known as those comprised of, or used as, supplication (du‘a), praise (thana’) or remembrance (dhikr), even if their recitation has other benefits.

The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “A menstruating lady and a person requiring a ritual bath should not recite anything of the Qur’an.” (Tirmidhi)

It is acceptable, however, for a menstruating lady to read the Qur’an, without actually reciting it with her lips and tongue, to look at it, to hear its recitation, and to read its translation and exegesis (tafsir). Playing an audio of the Qur’an and listening attentively is also very meritorious and a useful alternative when you’re unable to recite yourself, particularly if it enables you to contemplate and reflect deeply over the Qur’an, its miracle, meanings and beauty.

As for recitation of verses which are comprised of remembrance (dhikr), such as the throne verse (ayat al-kursi), and doing so with the intention of remembrance, it is permitted. Another example is the verse: “Allah is sufficient for me. There is no god worthy of worship except Him. In Him I put my trust. And He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne.” (Sura al-Tawba 9:129) Similarly, recitation of the Fatiha, or the last two chapters of the Qur’an (al-Falaq and al-Nas), would be permitted, whilst intending thereby supplication or protection from harm respectively, as these are clearly established in the sunna for such reasons.

The Duty to Abstain from Qur’anic Recitation and Alternatives

Nevertheless, not reciting is actually an act of worship for a menstruating lady during her menses because abstaining at this time is the command of the lawgiver, and she is duty-bound to act accordingly.

Consequently, her fulfilment of this command without objection is a means of tremendous reward with Allah Most High. This is because it is the kind of worship which is free from spiritual waywardness which can creep into other acts, such as showing off (riya’), being pleased with one’s works (‘ujb) and other detrimental sins of the heart.

Further, there are other remembrances (adhkar) and formulations of sending blessings (salawat) upon the Blessed Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) which can be used for healing and otherwise.

Please note that the same rulings would apply to a lady during her lochia (nifas). May Allah Most High protect you and your family, and all the believing men and women.

(Ibn ‘Abidin/Birgivi, Manhal al-Waridin ‘ala Dhukhr al-Muta’ahhilin (272-274); Ibn ‘Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar ‘ala al-Durr al-Mukhtar (1.116/195); Shurunbulali, Imdad al-Fattah (139))

Please also see this answer and this one.

And Allah Most High knows best.

[Ustadh] Tabraze Azam

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadh Tabraze Azam holds a BSc in Computer Science from the University of Leicester, where he also served as the President of the Islamic Society. He memorised the entire Qur’an in his hometown of Ipswich at the tender age of sixteen, and has since studied the Islamic Sciences in traditional settings in the UK, Jordan and Turkey. He is currently pursuing advanced studies in Jordan, where he is presently based with his family.