During menstruation, women are exempt from fasting and from praying the five daily prayers. It can be difficult when we are unable to perform these acts of worship, and at times, it can feel as if we are missing out on the spirit of Ramadan.
However, there are many other forms of worship and good deeds which we should aim to increase during our periods.
We should recite more du’a and supplications, spend more time in dhikr and reflection, send salutations upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and help the poor and needy in our communities and across the globe.
With sincere intentions, we can still reap the blessings and rewards of the holy month during our periods.
Ramadan period rules
There are many rules around how to approach fasting and worship during our periods, which also vary depending on which school of thought (Madhab) you follow.
If you are unsure about which rules apply in your Madhab, please consult a local scholar.
It’s important for us to know the following general rules related to menstruation in Ramadan:
How to make up missed fasts
Record the number of fasts you have missed and make up for these fasts as soon as possible after the Holy month of Ramadan. If this is not possible, make sure to make up missed fasts before the next Ramadan.
Aim to make up missed fasts on Mondays and Thursdays, in order to earn the rewards of practicing the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as he would regularly fast these two days.
If you’re unable to make up your fasts due to permanent health issues, age, or other reasons, Islam offers alternatives in the form of paying Fidya.
What to do if your period starts during the day
If your period starts during the day, the fast is no longer valid and you need to make it up later.
What to do if your period starts during the night
If your period starts during the night, you should not fast the following day. Even if you have made the intention to fast, it is prohibited to do so. You must make up all the fasts that you miss during your period at a later date.
If your period starts during the night, you are not allowed to fast the following day.
What to do if your period ends during the day?
If your period ends anytime between Fajr and Maghrib, you must make it up later on.
In the Hanafi madhab you would also need to abstain from food and drink until Maghrib, whilst also making up the entire day. However, according to the majority, you would not need to abstain.
What to do if your period ends at night?
If your period ends at night, you must make ghusl. Once you have completed your ghusl and are now considered to be purified, make the intention to fast the next day and make du’a for ease and blessings for the fasts to come.
Tips for periods and fasting in Ramadan
Ramadan is a month of reflection and worship, as we aim to draw closer to Allah during the holy month. It is a month of blessings, and Allah has made it easy for his servants to gain spiritual rewards, forgiveness of sins and a purified heart.
Therefore, even when menstruating, we should aim to make the most of our time and increase our good deeds. It’s also a time for us to take care of our health, so that we can engage in more worship.
We’ve put together some tips to help you during your period in Ramadan.
Tip 1 – Increase permitted worship
While we are prohibited from fasting and praying salah during our periods, we should increase those acts of worship which are allowed.
Tip 2 – Think of the poor and needy
During our periods, as well as throughout the whole month of Ramadan, we should reflect on the condition of our Muslim brothers and sisters who are facing difficulties, and do our best to help them.
This includes making du’a for them and giving Sadaqah, as well as other charitable acts such as volunteering. We should also check in on our relatives and neighbours and aim to help them where we can, particularly the elderly and sick.
These include making sincere du’a and asking Allah for forgiveness, sending salutations upon the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and reciting dhikr.
Tip 3 – Increase your Islamic knowledge
Use this time to learn more about Islam. There are many resources available during Ramadan to help.
You could enrol on a short Islamic course, attend lectures or spend time reading useful books to help brush up on your knowledge.
Tip 4 – Spend time in reflection
Spend time reflecting on the past year. Think about what you are grateful for, what you are pleased with, as well as mistakes and sins you should seek forgiveness for.
Also spend time reflecting on why we are here and our ultimate purpose and destination, which is to please and know Allah.
Tip 5 – Take care of your health
It’s important to be kind to yourself, and to take care of your health during menstruation. There is wisdom behind us not being allowed to fast, and it’s important to rest and recuperate so that we have even more energy for worship.
Also make sure to eat plenty of healthy foods, and to stay hydrated.
While we may not be able to pray and fast during our periods, we can still use this time as an opportunity to gain the rewards of Ramadan, and to become close to Allah. May Allah accept our good deeds, Ameen! Find out more about Ramadan and its benefits here.