Can a Menstruating Woman Take a Shower (Ghusl)? A Complete Explanation
Can a Menstruating Woman Take a Shower (Ghusl)? ~ Hi all readers! In this article, I will explain one of the Islamic laws regarding menstruation. Specifically, this discussion focuses on Muslim women. The key question we will explore is: Can a menstruating woman take a shower (ghusl)? If you are a Muslim woman, or a Muslim man seeking knowledge about menstruation in Islam, I encourage you to read this article until the end.
There are four important points related to the question, Can a menstruating woman take a shower (ghusl)? which I will explain in this article. These are as follows:
Basic Explanation of a Menstruating Woman
The first important aspect of Can a menstruating woman take a shower (ghusl)? that I will discuss is the fundamental understanding of menstruation in Islam. This will help clarify the focus of this article.
Ghusl Dua for Females After Periods in English and Arabic
In general, menstruation is a natural condition for women. However, in Islamic jurisprudence, menstruation is considered one of the causes of major impurity (hadas besar). Due to this state of impurity, a Muslim woman is restricted from performing certain obligatory and recommended acts of worship.
Before answering the main question, Can a menstruating woman take a shower (ghusl)?, I will first explain the prohibitions and permissible acts for menstruating women. This will provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
Prohibitions for a Menstruating Woman
The second important aspect of Can a menstruating woman take a shower (ghusl)? is the list of prohibitions for menstruating women. Islamic jurisprudence outlines several prohibitions, which include:
Performing Wudu and Janabah Bath
According to the Shafi'i and Hanbali schools of thought, a menstruating woman is not required to perform ablution (wudu) or the ritual bath (ghusl janabah) because these acts are meant to purify one from minor and major impurity. Since menstruation is a continuous state of impurity, performing wudu or ghusl janabah during menstruation is unnecessary.
Performing Prayer (Salat)
A menstruating woman is not allowed to perform prayer (salat). This is based on the following hadith:
قَالَ رَسُوْلُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ : إِذَا أقْبَلَتِ الحَيْضَةُ، فَدَعِي الصَّلَاةَ، وإذَا أدْبَرَتْ، فَاغْسِلِي عَنْكِ الدَّمَ وصَلِّي
Allah's Messenger (Prophet Muhammad) صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "If menstruation begins, then do not pray. When it ends, clean the menstrual blood and pray."
Touching the Quran
A menstruating woman is not permitted to touch the Quran. This ruling is based on the following Quranic verse:
لَّا يَمَسُّهُ إِلَّا الْمُطَهَّرُونَ
"None shall touch it except those who are purified." (Al-Waqi'ah: 79)
Performing Tawaf
Tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba) is not allowed for menstruating women. This is evident in the hadith:
عَنْ عَائِشَةَ رَضِيَ اللهُ تَعَالَى عَنْهَا قَالَتْ ؛ لَمَّا جِئْنَا سَرِفْ حِضْتُ . فَقَالَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ : اِفْعَلِيْ مَا يَفْعَلُ الْحَاجُّ غَيْرَ أَنْ لَا تَطُوْفِيْ فِيْ الْبَيْتِ حَتَّى تَطْهُرِي . مُتَّفَقٌ عَلَيْهِ
From Aisha رضي الله عنها, she said, "When we arrived at Sarif, I was on my period. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم then said, 'Do what the pilgrims do, but do not perform Tawaf around the Kaaba until you become pure.'" (Narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Engaging in Sexual Intercourse
Having intercourse during menstruation is prohibited. This ruling is based on the Quranic verse:
وَيَسْأَلُونَكَ عَنِ الْمَحِيضِ قُلْ هُوَ أَذًى فَاعْتَزِلُوا النِّسَاءَ فِي الْمَحِيضِ وَلَا تَقْرَبُوهُنَّ حَتَّىٰ يَطْهُرْنَ ۖ فَإِذَا تَطَهَّرْنَ فَأْتُوهُنَّ مِنْ حَيْثُ أَمَرَكُمُ اللَّهُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ التَّوَّابِينَ وَيُحِبُّ الْمُتَطَهِّرِينَ
"They ask you about menstruation. Say, 'It is an impurity, so avoid intercourse with women during their menstruation. Do not approach them until they become pure. Once they are purified, you may approach them as Allah has commanded you.' Verily, Allah loves those who repent and purify themselves." (Al-Baqarah: 222)
Performing I'tikaf
A menstruating woman is not allowed to stay in the mosque for I'tikaf (spiritual retreat). This is based on the hadith:
عَنْ عَائِشَةَ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهَا قَالَتْ : قَالَ رَسُوْلُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ : إِنِّيْ لَا أُحِلُّ الْمَسْجِدَ لِحَائِضٍ وَلَا جُنُبٍ . رَوَاهُ أَبُوْ دَاوُدَ
From Aisha رضي الله عنها, she said, "The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said, 'I do not permit a menstruating woman or a person in a state of major impurity to stay in the mosque.'" (Narrated by Abu Dawud)
Fasting (Shaum)
A menstruating woman is not allowed to fast. This is based on the hadith:
عَنْ أَبِيْ سَعِيْدٍ الْخُدْرِيِّ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ : أَلَيْسَ إِذَا حَاضَتْ لَمْ تُصَلِّ وَلَمْ تَصُمْ
From Abu Sa'id al-Khudri رضي الله عنه, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "When a woman is menstruating, she does not pray or fast."
Divorce
A man is not allowed to divorce his wife while she is menstruating. This is based on the hadith:
عَنِ ابْنِ عُمَرَ، أنَّهُ طَلَّقَ امْرَأَتَهُ، وَهي حَائِضٌ في عَهْدِ رَسُوْلِ اللهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وسلَّمَ، فَسَأَلَ عُمَرُ بنُ الخَطَّابِ رَسُوْلَ اللهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ عَنْ ذَلِكَ، فَقَالَ لَهُ رَسُوْلُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ : مُرْهُ فَلْيُرَاجِعْهَا
From Ibn Umar, who stated that he divorced his wife while she was menstruating during the time of the Messenger of Allah (Prophet Muhammad) sallallahu alayhi wa sallam. Umar bin Khattab then inquired about this matter with the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam. The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam responded, "Order him to take her back..."
These are the eight prohibitions for menstruating women according to Islamic law, which must be understood by Muslims.
Things That Are Permissible for a Menstruating Woman
The third important point regarding "Can a menstruating woman take a shower (ghusl)?" is understanding the things that are permissible for her. If we study Islamic legal literature on menstruation, we find that some permissible actions include:
Reciting Dhikr
There are many types of Dhikr, such as Tasbih, Istighfar, Tahmid, and Salawat. A menstruating woman is allowed to recite Dhikr without any restrictions.
Reading the Quran Without Holding It
Another permissible act is reading the Quran without physically holding it. It is important to emphasize that she may read the Quran, but without directly touching the Mushaf.
There is a hadith that states menstruating women and those in a state of junub are not allowed to read the Quran:
قَالَ رَسُوْلُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ : لَا تَقْرَأُ الْحَائِضُ، وَلَا الْجُنُبُ شَيْئًا مِنَ الْقُرْآنِ
Allah's Messenger (Prophet Muhammad) sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said, "A menstruating woman and a person in a state of janabah should not recite anything from the Quran."
However, it is essential to note that this hadith does not have a strong basis as a legal ruling. Scholars classify it as weak (da'if).
Conclusion: Can a Menstruating Woman Take a Shower (Ghusl)?
Now, let's specifically address the question: "Can a menstruating woman take a shower (ghusl)?"
Generally, if we understand the prohibitions for a menstruating woman, we conclude that the reason janabah bath and wudu are not required is that they do not purify her during menstruation. Thus, performing them would not serve their intended purpose.
However, if a woman wishes to bathe for cleanliness and personal hygiene, she is permitted to do so. In other words, a menstruating woman may take a shower to cleanse her body, even though it does not serve as ritual purification.
That is a brief explanation of "Can a menstruating woman take a shower (ghusl)?" Do you understand? If you have any questions, feel free to ask!
I believe this article is sufficient for now. May it be beneficial. Ameen.
See you in the next article!
What I truly appreciate about this article is how you broke down the subject into clear and organized sections. The explanations about the prohibitions for menstruating women, such as praying, fasting, and performing tawaf, are incredibly enlightening. These points helped me understand not only the rulings but also the wisdom behind them. The references to the Quran and Hadith add credibility and depth to your discussion, making it easier for someone like me to grasp the religious basis for these rulings.
I also found the section about permissible actions during menstruation to be very comforting. The reminder that dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and other forms of worship can still be performed during this time is empowering and emphasizes that menstruation does not hinder one's spiritual connection to Allah. This clarity is crucial, especially for new Muslims who are still learning the balance between religious observance and natural human conditions.
Your writing style is simple and easy to follow, which makes the article accessible to a wide audience. This is especially important for people who are new to Islam or for those who might struggle with more technical or scholarly language. You managed to explain complex Islamic rulings in a way that feels approachable and non-intimidating.
I also appreciate how you emphasized the significance of ghusl after menstruation and the role it plays in achieving both physical and spiritual purity. This understanding helps me feel more confident in practicing my faith and adhering to its guidelines.
Overall, this article is not just informative but also uplifting. It reassures readers, especially new Muslims like me, that Islam is a religion of practicality and compassion. Thank you again for your effort in creating such a valuable resource. May Allah reward you abundantly for sharing this knowledge.