There are certain restrictions that women must abide by during their periods and puerperium, and reciting the Holy Quran is among them. However, during your menstrual cycle, you can recite certain verses and chapters with the intention of supplication and dhikr.
Ayat-ul Kursi, al-Fatiha, and al-Ikhlas are some examples of verses that you can recite with the purpose of supplication and dhikr. These verses hold immense spiritual significance and can help you connect with Allah during periods.
Throughout this discussion, we will explore evidence prohibiting a woman from reading the Quran during her menses. Also, we will discuss what a woman can recite during her period and puerperium and what restrictions the Holy Quran imposes.
What Can a Woman Recite During Her Periods?
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Although you cannot recite or touch the Holy Quran regularly during menstruation using computers or mobile devices, you can read it on such devices for reference. Note that menstruation is a natural biological process that women experience, and it doesn’t diminish their spiritual connection with Allah.
During this time, women may feel detached from their usual acts of worship, but alternative practices can help them maintain a strong connection to Allah. Women can read the following verses from the Quran during their periods:
ٱللَّهُ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ٱلْحَىُّ ٱلْقَيُّومُ ۚ لَا تَأْخُذُهُۥ سِنَةٌۭ وَلَا نَوْمٌۭ ۚ لَّهُۥ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَمَا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ ۗ مَن ذَا ٱلَّذِى يَشْفَعُ عِندَهُۥٓ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِهِۦ ۚ يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ ۖ وَلَا يُحِيطُونَ بِشَىْءٍۢ مِّنْ عِلْمِهِۦٓ إِلَّا بِمَا شَآءَ ۚ وَسِعَ كُرْسِيُّهُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ ۖ وَلَا يَـُٔودُهُۥ حِفْظُهُمَا ۚ وَهُوَ ٱلْعَلِىُّ ٱلْعَظِيمُ
Meaning: Allah! There is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except Him, the Ever-Living, All-Sustaining. Neither drowsiness nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who could possibly intercede with Him without His permission? He ˹fully˺ knows what is ahead of them and what is behind them, but no one can grasp any of His knowledge—except what He wills ˹to reveal˺. His Seat encompasses the heavens and the earth, and the preservation of both does not tire Him. For He is the Most High, the Greatest. [Surah Al-Baqarah: 255]
Also women can engage in reading surahs such as al-Fatiha and al-Ikhlas at any time, including during their periods.
Quran Recitation and Menstruation: Explaining the Prohibition
The main argument supporting this prohibition is based on some hadith. These hadiths state that women should refrain from touching the Quran or reciting it during their menstrual cycle. The following are some pieces of evidence:
1. Ibn Umar narrated that,
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “The menstruating woman does not recite – nor the Junub – anything from the Qur’an.” [He said:] There is narration on this topic from Ali. [Jami` at-Tirmidhi 131]
2. Ali (RAA) narrated,
“Allah’s Messenger would recite the Qur’an in all conditions, as long as he was not Junub.” [Jami` at-Tirmidhi 146]
3. ‘Urwah b. al-Zubair said,
Fatimah daughter of Abu Hubaish narrated to me that she asked Asma’ (daughter of Abu Bakr), or Asma’ narrated to me that Fatimah daughter of Abu Hubaish asked her to question the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). He advised her to refrain (from prayer) equal to the period she refrained previously. She then should wash herself. [Sunan Abi Dawud, 281/1]
4. It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said,
“The Messenger of Allah said: ‘No one who is sexually impure and no woman who is menstruating should recite Qur’an.'” [Sunan Ibn Majah 595]
What Can I Do to Keep a Connection With Allah During Menstruation?
During menstruation, maintain your connection with Allah. Although you may not be able to touch the Quran, there are still ways to engage in worship.
1. Listen to the Quran.
Although you won’t be able to recite the full Quran during menstruation, you can still benefit from its beautiful verses by listening to recitations. Numerous online platforms and mobile applications offer recitations of the Quran by renowned reciters.
2. Make Much Remembrance (Dhikr) of Allah
To maintain a strong connection with Allah during menstruation, you need to engage in much remembrance (Dhikr) of Him. Dhikr is a powerful resource that can help you stay connected and focused on your relationship with Allah, even during this time.
You can recite various forms of Dhikr, such as saying ‘SubhanAllah’ (Glory be to Allah), ‘Alhamdulillah’ (All praise be to Allah), ‘Allahu Akbar’ (Allah is the greatest), and ‘La ilaha illallah’ (There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah).
3. Send Blessings to the Prophet
If you want to stay connected to Allah during menstruation, send blessings on the Prophet (peace be upon him). This act of sending blessings, known as Salawat, holds immense spiritual benefits. It’s a means of showing love and respect towards the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and seeking his intercession.
You can read, ‘Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammadin, kama sallaita ‘ala Ibrahim wa ‘ala ali Ibrahim, innaka Hamidun Majid’.
4. Make Dua for Muslim Ummah
During menstruation, one way to maintain a connection with Allah is by making dua for the Muslim Ummah. It’s a powerful act of worship that allows you to show your concern and love for your fellow Muslims.
You can pray for their well-being, guidance, and protection. Ask Allah to grant them strength, unity, and success. Dua can be made at any time and in any place, so take advantage of this opportunity to supplicate for the Muslim Ummah during your menstrual cycle.
5. Make Much Repentance
One way to continue your connection with Allah during menstruation is by focusing on making much repentance. Repentance is a powerful tool that allows you to seek forgiveness and cleanse your heart and soul. It’s a means of returning to Allah and seeking His Mercy and guidance.
During your period, you may feel disconnected from acts of worship such as prayer and recitation, but repentance is a practice that can be done at any time. Take this opportunity to reflect on your actions, seek forgiveness for shortcomings, and sincerely intend to improve.
Stay Connected with Allah During Periods: Alternate Spiritual Practices for Women
So, during your periods, it seems like you can’t touch and recite the Quran. But there are still plenty of other ways to stay connected with Allah.
Women should not feel disheartened or limited in their spiritual practices during menstruation or puerperium. Islam provides various avenues through which women can still engage in spiritual practices and remain connected with their faith.
While women should avoid regularly reciting the Quran without ablution, they can still recite certain passages with the intention of supplications and dhikr.
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