Women’s Fiqh in Ramadan: Responding to the Myth of Incomplet

Dr. Heba Salah

Senior Researcher & Interpreter

With the arrival of Ramadan—the month of fasting and Qur'an—Muslim women worldwide reflect on their fast and its associated rewards. A common concern arises regarding the divine command to refrain from fasting and prayers during menstruation and postnatal bleeding. With advancements in medical treatment, many women question whether taking medications to delay menstruation allows them to attain the full reward of fasting the entire month. Others wonder whether missing some fasts due to menstruation diminishes their spiritual merit!

Such questions often cause disappointment for women eager to increase their acts of worship while balancing family responsibilities, including preparing Iftar and Suhoor meals. It is essential to remind every Muslim woman that Ramadan is a time of spiritual renewal, elevating the soul and bringing joy to both men and women alike.

Fasting: A Pillar of Islam for Both Men and Women

Fasting is a fundamental pillar of Islam, as Allah commands in the Qur’an:

"O you who have believed, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain Taqwa (consciousness of Allah)." (Quran 2:183)

This verse establishes fasting as a universal act of devotion, equally obligatory for men and women. However, Islamic law, rooted in divine wisdom, recognizes the physiological differences between the sexes, leading to specific jurisprudential rulings (fiqh) regarding women’s fasting.

Menstruation and the Exemption from Fasting

The question of reward for women who miss fasts during menstruation is not new; scholars have discussed it throughout Islamic history. The exemption from fasting during menstruation is based on the explicit guidance of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). He stated:

"Is it not true that when a woman menstruates, she does not pray or fast?" (Bukhari, Muslim)

This ruling is not a form of spiritual deficiency but an expression of divine mercy. It aligns with the Qur'anic allowance for those who are sick or traveling:

"Whoever is sick or traveling, let them make up the missed fast later." (Quran 2:185)

The Obligation to Break the Fast During Menstruation

Islamic law firmly establishes that a menstruating woman must break her fast during Ramadan. Fasting in this state is unsuitable due to the physical fatigue and discomfort that accompany menstruation. Therefore, refraining from fasting is not a shortcoming but a form of divine ease and mercy.

Some women attempt to observe partial fasting by consuming a minimal amount of food or drink before abstaining for the rest of the day. However, this contradicts the wisdom of Islamic law, which aims to alleviate hardship and protect a woman’s physical and mental well-being. Instead, she must break her fast naturally and without guilt, as she is required to make up the missed days later. This ruling is reinforced by the hadith of Lady Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), who said: "This used to happen to us during the time of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), and we were commanded to make up the fast but not the prayer." (Agreed upon)

Can Women Take Medication to Delay Menstruation?

Islamic law permits the use of medication to delay menstruation so that a woman can fast the entire month, provided that medical professionals confirm it does not cause immediate or long-term harm. If such medication is harmful, its use becomes prohibited, as Islam upholds the principle:

"Do not harm or reciprocate harm" (lā ḍarar wa lā ḍirār).

Moreover, preserving health is a fundamental objective of Islamic law.

Equal Reward for Devotion

While using such medication is permissible, greater reward lies in a Muslim woman’s submission to Allah’s decree—accepting menstruation and the obligation to break her fast. By making up the missed fasts later, she attains complete reward, as per the Qur'anic instruction:

"Whoever is sick or traveling, let them make up the missed fast later."

The notion of equal reward for equal devotion is emphasized in the Prophetic tradition. Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"When a woman observes her five prayers, fasts during Ramadan, preserves her chastity, and obeys her husband (in what pleases God), she may enter Paradise from any of the gates of Paradise she wishes." (Bukhari)

This hadith highlights that a woman’s spiritual efforts are fully acknowledged and rewarded, regardless of the natural challenges she faces.

Submission to Divine Wisdom and Spiritual Growth

A woman who refrains from fasting due to menstruation is still rewarded for her intention and obedience to divine commands. She does not lose out spiritually; rather, she gains additional rewards by complying with Islamic rulings. The fiqh of women’s fasting in Ramadan is not a limitation but an expression of divine wisdom. These rulings honor a woman’s natural condition while ensuring she remains fully engaged in acts of devotion.

Even on days when fasting is not required, Ramadan remains a time of spiritual growth through dhikr (remembrance of Allah), Du’aa (supplication), recitation of the Qur’an, and acts of charity. Islam values intention, effort, and sincerity above mere rituals, making every believer’s Ramadan experience equally meaningful.

Embracing the Blessings of Ramadan

The joy of welcoming Ramadan is shared by all Muslims, men and women alike. The unique rulings regarding women's fasting do not diminish their spirituality but rather affirm divine wisdom and mercy. Women should embrace these rulings with confidence, knowing that their devotion is fully recognized and rewarded by Allah. By observing Ramadan in accordance with Islamic teachings, they partake in its immense spiritual benefits, ensuring a fulfilling and rewarding experience.

Women’s Fiqh in Ramadan: Responding...

Women’s Fiqh in Ramadan: Responding to the Myth of Incomplete Fast

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