One of the most debated topics among scholars is whether women can read the Quran during menstruation. Some scholars permit it, while others prohibit it. This article will present both views with their evidence and references, allowing a better understanding of the discussion.
View 1: It is NOT Permissible to Read the Quran During Menstruation
Many scholars, including the Hanafi and Hanbali schools of thought, believe that a woman in menstruation cannot recite the Quran. They base their opinion on the following evidences:
1. Hadith: The Prohibition for the Menstruating and the Junub (Impure) Person
Narration from Abdullah ibn Umar (RA):
لَا تَقْرَأُ الْحَائِضُ وَلَا الْجُنُبُ شَيْئًا مِنَ الْقُرْآنِ
Transliteration:
La taqra’ul haaidu wa la al-junubu shay’an minal-Quran.
Translation:
“A menstruating woman and a person in the state of major impurity (junub) should not recite anything from the Quran.”
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 131, Sunan Ibn Majah, 595 – Classified as Weak by Scholars)
Argument:
- Even though this hadith is weak, some scholars still consider it as supportive evidence.
- They argue that if a junub (someone who needs ghusl) cannot recite the Quran, then the same applies to menstruating women.
- This is a da’if hadith, because it was reported by Isma’il ibn ‘Ayyash from the Hijazis, and his reports from them are da’if as is well known to those who are conversant with the study of hadith.
2. The Analogy with a Person in Janabah (Major Impurity)
Evidence from the Hadith of Ali (RA):
“The Prophet (ﷺ) used to teach us the Quran except when he was in a state of major impurity (janabah).”
( Sunan Abu Dawood, 229– Da’if Hadith, Sunan Ibn Majah, 594 – Hasan Hadith)
Argument:
- If a person in janabah cannot recite the Quran, then the same rule should apply to a menstruating woman.
- A person in janabah can perform ghusl immediately, but a menstruating woman must wait several days, making this rule more difficult for her.
3. Consensus of Some Scholars (Ijma)
- Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Ahmad, and some scholars of the Maliki school agree that a menstruating woman should not recite the Quran verbally.
- However, she can read it in her heart without moving her lips.
View 2: It IS Permissible to Read the Quran During Menstruation
Some scholars, including Imam Malik and modern scholars like Ibn Taymiyyah and Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen, allow women to recite the Quran during menstruation, arguing that there is no strong authentic evidence prohibiting it.
1. No Strong Prohibition in the Quran or Sahih Hadith
- The Quran does not prohibit menstruating women from reciting it.
- There is no authentic hadith clearly stating that a menstruating woman cannot read the Quran.
2. Hadith: The Prophet Did Not Prohibit Aisha (RA) from Reciting the Quran During Hajj
Narration from Aisha (RA):
Aisha (RA) said:
قَدِمْنَا مَكَّةَ فَقُلْنَا: لَيْتَنَا لَمْ نُحْرِمْ، فَقَالَ النَّبِيُّ ﷺ: “افْعَلِي مَا يَفْعَلُ الْحَاجُّ غَيْرَ أَنْ لَا تَطُوفِي بِالْبَيْتِ حَتَّى تَطْهُرِي”
Translation:
“We arrived in Makkah, and I was in my menstrual period. The Prophet ﷺ said: ‘Do everything that a pilgrim does, except do not perform Tawaf around the Kaaba until you are pure.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 1650, Sahih Muslim, 1211)
Argument:
- The Prophet did not prohibit her from reading the Quran.
- He only stopped her from Tawaf, which requires physical purity.
- This shows that reciting the Quran does not require complete purity.
3. Necessity for Memorization and Learning
- Many women memorize the Quran and need to revise their memorization daily.
- If they are forbidden from reciting for 7-10 days, they may forget parts of their memorization.
- Since there is no clear authentic evidence prohibiting recitation, women should be allowed to recite for learning purposes.
Imam Ibn Taymiyyah (RA) said:
“There is no authentic evidence preventing a menstruating woman from reciting the Quran.”
(Majmoo’ al-Fatawa, 26/191)
Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen (RA) said:
“It is permissible for a menstruating woman to recite the Quran, whether she is a teacher or a student.”
(Fatawa Ibn Uthaymeen, 4/273)
4. Reading from a Mobile or Without Touching the Mushaf
- Some scholars permit reading from a digital Quran or a printed translation, as they do not have the same ruling as a Mushaf.
- Women can also wear gloves or use a cloth if they need to hold a physical Quran.
Conclusion: Which Opinion is Stronger?
- The first opinion (prohibition) is based on weak hadith but has been the traditional view in Hanafi and Hanbali fiqh.
- The second opinion (permissibility) has no strong evidence against it and is followed by Maliki scholars, Ibn Taymiyyah, and Ibn Uthaymeen.
Allah knows best. May He grant us understanding and ease in our worship! Ameen.
