Can I Recite Qur’an During Menstruation?

Question: Is it permissible to recite Qur’an during menstruation?

Answer:

Wa alaykum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

Dear questioner,

Thank you for your important question.

In the Shafi’i school, it is permissible to recite the Qur’an while menstruating if one recites with the intention of protection or as a supplication (dhikr/dua). [Mughni al-Muhtaj, al-Khatib al-Shirbini]

However, some scholars hold that this is only permissible for words and phrases that are found both inside and outside of the Qur’an, such as certain formulas of supplications like the supplication for starting getting into a vehicle. As for verses that are purely Qur’anic, one could not recite such words while menstruating. This is the position of Zarkashi, one of the greatest late Shafi’i scholars. [al-Iqna’, al-Khatib al-Shirbini] Following such a position would be more precautious.

It is narrated that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) would recite the Qur’an in whatever state he was is except for major ritual impurity (janaba). The authenticity of this hadith has been debated, but at least Tirmidhi and Ibn Hibban considered it to be sound. If it is forbidden to recite Qur’an in major ritual impurity, then it would also be forbidden to recite it during menstruation.

There is also a weak hadith that says, “Let no menstruating woman or anyone is major ritual impurity recite anything of the Qur’an.” (Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi) Even though it is weak, it supports the same concept, and this is the position of the majority of scholars. (Al-Majmu’, Nawawi)

I pray this helps.

[Ustadh] Farid Dingle

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadh Farid Dingle has completed extensive years of study in the sciences of the Arabic language and the various Islamic Sciences. During his studies, he also earned a CIFE Certificate in Islamic Finance. Over the years he has developed a masterful ability to craft lessons that help non-Arabic speakers gain a deep understanding of the language. He currently teaches courses in the Arabic Language.