Enjoying Ramadan During Your Hayd (Periods)
In Ramadan, we often feel disheartened when our hayd approaches. We dread the days we're unable to fast and pray, especially if they fall in the last 10 days of Ramadan! During the holy month, we don’t want to feel left out when everyone else is reaping the rewards or disconnected from the spiritual elation of this time. We think, "But it's Ramadan!” “It only comes once a year!"
As we know, hayd is a natural occurrence for a woman, and we shouldn't see it as an inconvenience. A menstruating woman is not dirty; rather, she is only ritually impure for the duration of her hayd. This is a legal consequence and not a spiritual consequence. A female in hayd has been instructed by Allah to abstain from certain forms of worship as a mercy. Thus, every second that she obeys Allah's commands, it is a form of worship that she has performed for His sake.
Allah (swt) has given us alternate ways to worship Him and we should look to this as a means of gaining His pleasure. The feeling of being ‘left out’ is only a result if you are not engaging in habitual acts of devotion that is permitted during hayd. When you are in a state of remembering Allah, you will never feel far from Him. Allah says in the Quran,
And when My servants question thee concerning Me, then surely I am nigh. I answer the prayer of the suppliant when he crieth unto Me. So let them hear My call and let them trust in Me, in order that they may be led aright.” [al-Baqara: 186]
Ayisha (r.a) said,
“We left with the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) for the pilgrimage. When we were in Sarif (a place close to Makkah) I began to menstruate. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) approached me and I was crying. He said, ‘Did you get your period?’ I said, ‘Yes’ He said, ‘Verily this is a matter Allah has written upon the girls of Prophet Adam (Allah bless him). Do all the actions of the pilgrimage except the tawaf.’” [Bukhari]
No healthy woman experiences life without hayd. It’s a normal and natural part of life. The Prophet (saw) comforted Ayisha (r.a) by telling her that it is a ‘matter’ Allah has written for women, which completely refutes the idea that menstruation is a curse, a punishment, or anything else demeaning. Ayisha (r.a) also said,
“The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) would recline on my lap while I was menstruating and he would read the Quran.” [Bukhari]
“I would drink while menstruating, then pass the vessel to the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace). He would place his mouth on the (same) place as my mouth and drink….” [Muslim]
“The Messenger of God (Allah bless him and give him peace) said to me, ‘Get me the prayer mat from the prayer area.’ I replied, ‘I am menstruating.’ He said, ‘Verily, your menstruation is not in your hand.’” [Muslim]
How To Participate In Ramadan With Hayd?
*You can perform ablution (wudu) for each prayer time and sit in your usual place of worship.
*You can make dhikr for the time it takes to normally pray so that you do not lose the habit of worship while in hayd.
*You can listen to the Quran, ponder its meanings, and cry.
*You can send blessings on our beloved Prophet (saw).
*You can spend time with your family and loved ones for the sake of Allah.
*You can attend religious lectures and classes.
*You can read about the righteous and pray to be one of them.
*You can supplicate for whatever you wish for.
*You can beg for forgiveness and pardon for your sins.
*You can get involved in your local community and help others.
*You can attend masjid iftaars.
*You can reflect on your life and thank Allah for all your blessings.
*You can avoid backbiting or slander.
*You can speak with kindness and purpose.
*You can avoid listening or looking at that which is unlawful.
*You can avoid arguments and fights.
*You can avoid wasting time.
*You can seek beneficial knowledge.
*You can perform any acts of charity.
The People of Paradise will not regret anything except one thing alone: the hour that passed them by in which they made no remembrance of Allah. (1:392 no. 512)
Alhamdulilah there is no reason to feel left out since there are so many ways to feel the joys of Ramadan during hayd. So let's pray to Allah (swt) to grant us the strength to carry out these acts, so that we are able to make the most of our Ramadan—in and out of hayd.
You can listen to an interview I did a few years back about this topic
Salam, I’m Zakeeya!
I believe that making our homes a safe haven for our families, as well as being a wife and mother, brings us great blessings, contentment, and benefits to society as a whole. Since 2011, I've been dedicated to assisting Muslimas in finding tranquility in their roles, taking better care of themselves, and achieving inner peace. Our journey in this world is not an easy one, but I pray the tools and guidance I offer will help you face life's challenges with more gratitude and mindfulness. Join me as I share wifehood, motherhood, homemaking, and lifestyle solutions that make life more fulfilling for you as a woman! Read more about me here.
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