Menstrual Cycle Regulations and Fasting
Scholars unanimously agree that it is impermissible for women to fast during their menstrual periods, whether it be obligatory fasting during Ramadan or voluntary fasting. If a woman chooses to fast during this time, her fast is invalid. There are several opinions among scholars regarding the reasoning behind this prohibition. One viewpoint is that it is a matter of religious observance with no direct relation to cleanliness, as a person in a state of major ritual impurity (janabah) can still fast. Another perspective suggests that fasting during menstruation could harm a woman’s body, as she experiences both the pain of menstruation and the strain of fasting.
The Status of Fasting When Purifying from Menstruation During the Day
If a woman becomes free from her menstrual bleeding during the day of Ramadan, the obligation to continue fasting is subject to differing opinions:
- First Opinion: The woman must refrain from eating and drinking if she becomes pure during the day, and she is required to make up that day later. This view is held by the Hanafi school as well as a narration from Imam Ahmad. They argue that if she becomes purified before dawn, her obligation to fast still stands. Therefore, if her purity occurs after dawn, she must refrain from eating and drink until the day ends as a form of obligation and must later make up that day’s fast.
- Second Opinion: It is not necessary for the woman to refrain once she has become pure during Ramadan. This view is supported by the Maliki and Shafi’i schools, along with another narration from Imam Ahmad. Their argument rests on the allowance for her to break the fast at the beginning of the day, allowing her to continue to do so until the end, as if her condition had persisted. Moreover, scholars have collectively agreed that the woman must make up the day she missed, so it stands that she was not fasting—therefore, her refraining holds no meaning, and she does not disobey Allah by not fasting.
For additional information, refer to the article: When is Fasting Required After Menstruation?.
Ruling on Taking Medications to Delay Menstruation During Ramadan
Women may take medications to delay their menstrual period, provided that these do not cause any harm. If the medication poses a risk, its use becomes a prohibited act, which a physician should determine. If the drug is taken and menstruation is delayed, the woman’s fast remains valid, as there is no correlation between taking the medication and the validity of her fast. However, it is preferable for women to allow their bodies to function naturally as created by Allah.
For further insights, consult the article: Ruling on Taking Birth Control Pills During Ramadan.
Is Ghusl Required to Validate Fasting After Menstruation?
The majority of jurists maintain that a woman’s fast is valid if she becomes pure from menstruation before dawn, even if she has not yet performed ghusl (ritual washing). Their evidence is based on the Quranic verse that states: “And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread…” This implies that a man may engage with his wife until dawn, which allows for ghusl to take place afterward, thus validating his fast.
The Ruling on the Fast of a Woman Experiencing Istihadah
Istihadah refers to the continuous bleeding that a woman experiences after her normal menstruation period has ended. The blood during istihadah is considered to be from a wound or abnormal bleeding. If a woman has a regular menstrual cycle, characterized by a fixed number of days, she should purify herself and fast following her menstrual period, even if she continues to experience istihadah. This abnormal bleeding could be due to illness or exertion, and it does not impede her from performing acts of worship; thus, she is treated as though she were in a state of purity. This is evidenced by a narration from Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) in which she relayed a conversation with Fatimah bint Abi Hubaysh concerning her condition.
For further information about istihadah, you may reference the article: What is Istihadah?.
What Results from Breaking the Fast Due to Menstrual Cycle
Women who break their fast during Ramadan due to menstruation are obligated to make up the days they missed. This is supported by the narration of Mu’adhah, who asked Aisha about the reason behind women having to make up their fasts while not having to make up their prayers. She explained that the practice was established: “We would experience this and were commanded to make up our fasts but not our prayers.” Furthermore, scholars have reached a consensus on this issue.
Those who have not made up their fasts by the next Ramadan due to an acceptable excuse, such as illness, do not incur any judgment for delaying their make-up fasts. However, if one delays without justification, the majority of scholars view this as a sinful neglect, and such individuals are obligated to provide compensation for each day missed along with their fast. This ruling is supported by several evidences, including the notion that fasting is a recurring act of worship similar to obligatory prayers, necessitating prompt attention to any missed obligations.
For further details about fasting regulations for women, please refer to the following articles: