What menstruation means for prayer, fasting, the Qur’an, the mosque, Hajj and marital relations, and where scholars differ.
AI-generated English narration.
Hayd (menstruation) is a natural part of women’s lives. Islam gives clear guidance on how it affects worship, and it does so with ease: what is dropped is dropped, and everything else in life carries on.
What the sources say
- Asked about menstruation, the Qur’an says to keep away from wives during it and not to approach them until they are pure (2:222). Anas reported that when this was revealed, the Prophet ﷺ said: “Do everything except intercourse” (Sahih Muslim 302).
- Aisha reported that when she got her period on the way to Hajj, the Prophet ﷺ told her it is what Allah has ordained for all the daughters of Adam, and to do what the pilgrims do except the tawaf around the Ka‘bah until she is clean (Sahih al-Bukhari 305).
- Aisha reported that the Prophet ﷺ used to recite the Qur’an with his head in her lap while she was menstruating (Sahih al-Bukhari 7549).
- Aisha said that women in the Prophet’s time were ordered to complete the fasts but not the prayers (Sahih Muslim 335).
- Umm Atiyyah said they did not count brown or yellow fluid after purification as anything (Sunan Abi Dawud 307, graded sahih by al-Albani and others).
In practice
- Prayer: not prayed during the period, and not made up.
- Fasting: not observed, and the missed days of Ramadan are made up later (see the lesson on excuses from fasting).
- After it ends: take a ghusl (see the Ghusl lesson) and start praying again.
- Remembrance: dhikr and du’a remain open to her.
- Hajj and Umrah: she performs the rites except the tawaf, as in the report above.
Key points
- Menstruation (hayd) is a natural state that the Prophet ﷺ described as something Allah has ordained for the daughters of Adam.
- A menstruating woman does not pray or fast. She does not make up the missed prayers, but she does make up the missed fasts.
- When the bleeding ends she takes a ghusl and resumes prayer and fasting.
- Daily life and closeness continue; only intercourse is prohibited, and she may remember Allah and make du’a.
- Scholars differ on reciting and touching the Qur’an, staying in the mosque, and the minimum and maximum length of a period.
Qur’an
“And they ask you about menstruation. Say, "It is harm, so keep away from wives during menstruation. And do not approach them until they are pure. And when they have purified themselves, then come to them from where Allah has ordained for you. Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves."”
Surah Al-Baqarah (2) — 2:222
Hadith
Narrated `Aisha:We set out with the Prophet (ﷺ) for Hajj and when we reached Sarif I got my menses. When the Prophet (ﷺ) came to me, I was weeping. He asked, "Why are you weeping?" I said, "I wish if I had not performed Hajj this year." He asked, "May be that you got your menses?" I replied, "Yes." He then said, "This is the thing which Allah has ordained for all the daughters of Adam. So do what all the pilgrims do except that you do not perform the Tawaf round the Ka`ba till you are clean."
Sahih al-Bukhari, no. 305 .
Narrated `Aisha:The Prophet (ﷺ) used to recite the Qur'an with his head in my lap while I used to be in my periods (having menses)
Sahih al-Bukhari, no. 7549 .
Mu'adha said:I asked 'A'isha: What is the reason that a menstruating woman completes the fasts (that she abandons during her monthly course). but she does not complete the prayers? She (Hadrat 'A'isha) said: Are you a Haruriya? I said: I am not a Haruriya, but I simply want to inquire. She said: We passed through this (period of menstruation), and we were ordered to complete the fasts, but were not ordered to complete the prayers.
Sahih Muslim, no. 335 .
Umm 'Atiyyah who took an oath of allegiance to the Prophet (ﷺ) said:We would not take into consideration brown and yellow (fluid) after purification.
Sunan Abi Dawud, no. 307 .
Hadith text and grading above are shown as supplied by their source. HikmahBridge does not grade Hadith itself. See Sources & Methodology.
Scholarly notes
The Qur’an: most scholars of the Hanafi, Shafi‘i and Hanbali schools do not permit a menstruating woman to recite the Qur’an (with exceptions for supplications drawn from it, and for teaching or study in some views); the Maliki school is more lenient. Touching the mushaf directly is also restricted by many scholars; contemporary scholars often treat phone and tablet apps more leniently. The mosque: the majority do not allow staying in the mosque during a period, and some allow passing through; some scholars are more lenient. Length: the schools give different limits. The Shafi‘i and Hanbali schools give a minimum of a day and a night and a maximum of fifteen days; the Maliki school sets no fixed minimum and a maximum of fifteen days; the Hanafi school gives three to ten days. Follow your school or a trusted teacher.
FAQ
Can I fast if my bleeding stopped before dawn but I have not yet taken ghusl?
Scholars generally hold that the fast is valid once the bleeding has stopped before dawn, even if ghusl is done later, while prayer requires the ghusl. Ask your teacher about your school.
Can I take medication to delay my period for Ramadan or Hajj?
Some scholars permit it when a doctor confirms it is safe for the person. Ask a doctor about your health and a knowledgeable teacher about the ruling.
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