5 Recommended Acts of Worship During Menstruation in Ramadan

Ramadan is a month filled with blessings and opportunities to earn great rewards. However, for women who are menstruating, certain acts of worship, such as fasting and prayer, cannot be performed. Nonetheless, there’s no need to worry, there are still plenty of ways to earn rewards and gain blessings during this sacred month. Allah provides every servant with opportunities to worship in various ways, including during menstruation. Here are five highly recommended acts of worship that women can engage in during Ramadan while menstruating.

1. Increase in Dhikr & Salawat

Although women cannot perform prayer or fast while menstruating, they can still draw closer to Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala by increasing their dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and prayers. Phrases such as "Subhanallah" (Glory be to Allah), "Alhamdulillah" (Praise be to Allah), "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest), and "La ilaha illallah" (There is no god but Allah) can be recited at any time. As narrated in a hadith from Abu Darda’ (RA), the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:

“Shall I not inform you of the best and most purifying action with your Lord, the highest reward for you, more beneficial than giving away gold and silver, and more beneficial than meeting your enemies in battle and striking their necks, who then strike yours in return?”

The companions replied, “Of course, O Messenger of Allah.”

He said, “It is the remembrance of Allah.” (Tirmidhi, Hadith 3377)

Additionally, regularly sending Salawat (blessings) upon Prophet Muhammad (SAW) helps to foster a closer connection to him. The Prophet (SAW) said:

“Whoever sends blessings upon me once, Allah will send blessings upon him ten times.” (Sahih Muslim)

2. Listening to & Reviewing the Qur’an

Women who are menstruating can still receive blessings from the Qur’an by listening to its recitation or reviewing their memorization. While touching the Qur’an is not permitted during menstruation, it is permissible to read or listen to the Qur’an through other media. This way, one can continue to engage with the Qur’an without any hindrances.

As reported by Abu Hurairah (RA), the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:

“Whenever a group of people gather in one of the houses of Allah (i.e., mosques) to recite the Qur’an and study it, peace will descend upon them, mercy will surround them, the angels will envelop them, and Allah will mention them to those in His presence (the angels).”
(Sahih Muslim)

InshaAllah, by listening to and reviewing the Qur’an, women can still earn rewards during Ramadan, draw closer to Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala, and experience inner peace.

3. Increasing Istighfar and Du’a (Supplication)

Seeking forgiveness from Allah (Istighfar) is an act of worship that can still be performed while menstruating. Not only does it cleanse one from sins, but it also brings tranquility to the heart. As narrated in a hadith by Muslim, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:

“Indeed, my heart becomes distracted, and I ask Allah for forgiveness a hundred times a day.” (Sahih Muslim No. 2702)

SubhanAllah, even the Prophet (SAW), the most revered of all, engaged in Istighfar daily. In addition to seeking forgiveness, making du’a (supplications) is another powerful way to connect with Allah. Women who are menstruating can pray for goodness in this world and the hereafter, asking for protection from all harm. Ramadan, a time of mercy and forgiveness, is especially auspicious for making du’a.

4. Feeding Those Who are Fasting

One of the most encouraged acts in Ramadan is to provide iftar (food for breaking the fast) to those who are fasting. Women who are menstruating can still contribute by preparing meals for their family, neighbors, or those in need. As narrated in a hadith:

“Whoever provides food for a fasting person, they will have a reward like that of the fasting person, without diminishing the reward of the fasting person in any way.” (Sunan Tirmidhi, No. 807; Ibn Majah, No. 1746)

By providing iftar, women can earn rewards in Ramadan without needing to fast themselves.

5. Giving Charity (Sadaqah)

Charity (Sadaqah) is an act of worship highly recommended in Islam and carries immense rewards for both the giver and the recipient. The beauty of charity is that it is not bound by time or specific conditions, so it can be performed at any time and in various forms. Even though women who are menstruating cannot fast or pray, they can still earn rewards through giving charity. During Ramadan, the reward for charity is even greater. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:

“Guard yourselves from the Hellfire, even if it is with half a date (given in charity). If you cannot find that, then with a good word.” (Sahih Bukhari, No. 1413; Sahih Muslim, No. 1016)

This hadith teaches that even small acts of charity can protect one from the Hellfire. If one is unable to give material charity, speaking kind words is also a form of charity. Consider utilizing platforms like Hijrah Amal on Muamalat DIN for easy and impactful charity contributions.

There’s Always a Path to Earn Allah’s Rewards

By engaging in the acts mentioned above, women can still seize the opportunity to earn rewards and blessings during Ramadan, even while menstruating. Ramadan is a month filled with mercy, and every act of worship, no matter how small, when performed sincerely, will be greatly rewarded by Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala.

Let us continue to make the most of this blessed month by worshipping in all ways possible, knowing that every small step taken with sincerity brings us closer to Allah, earns abundant rewards, and showers us with blessings.