Feeling Close to Allah During Periods (Menstruation) Part 2
Based on the Teachings of the Qur’an and the Ahlul Bayt (A.S.)
Introduction
Many Muslim women feel a spiritual gap during the days of Ḥayḍ (menstruation) because they cannot perform certain acts of worship such as Ṣalāh (prayer) or fasting. However, Islam—through the mercy of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and the teachings of the Ahlul Bayt (عليهم السلام)—teaches that a woman’s connection with Allah never ends.
These days are not a punishment but a natural, blessed state designed by Allah. It is a time for rest, reflection, and spiritual renewal. The heart of a believer remains pure and capable of worship even when certain rituals are paused.
1. The Wisdom Behind Ḥayḍ
Menstruation is part of Allah’s perfect design for women. It is neither impurity nor a cause of shame. Allah reminds us in the Qur’an:
“صُنْعَ اللَّهِ الَّذِي أَتْقَنَ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ”
“This is the handiwork of Allah, Who has perfected everything.”
(Surah An-Naml, 27:88)
Imam Ja‘far al-Ṣādiq (عليه السلام) beautifully said:
“Allah has made ḥayḍ a mercy for women; it cleanses their bodies and refreshes their health.”
(Wasā’il al-Shī‘ah, vol. 2, p. 588)
So, these days should not be viewed as a break from spirituality, but as a different form of closeness to Allah through other means of worship.
2. Engage in Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah)
When Ṣalāh is not performed, the heart can still remain alive through Dhikr. Remembrance of Allah keeps the soul illuminated and peaceful.
Allah (SWT) says:
“فَاذْكُرُونِي أَذْكُرْكُمْ”
“Remember Me, and I will remember you.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:152)
During ḥayḍ, repeat short and powerful dhikr phrases like:
- سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ (Glory be to Allah)
- الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ (All praise is for Allah)
- اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ (Allah is the Greatest)
- اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَآلِ مُحَمَّدٍ (O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad)
Imam Ali (عليه السلام) said:
“Dhikr of Allah is the key to guidance and the light of hearts.”
(Nahjul Balāghah, Saying 227)
By remembering Allah in your heart and on your tongue, you remain spiritually connected even without formal prayer.
3. Recite and Reflect on Duas
The Ahlul Bayt (A.S.) have given us beautiful supplications that fill the heart with peace and love. Reciting duas does not require ritual purity, so you can freely recite or listen to them during ḥayḍ.
A few recommended duas include:
- Dua Makarim al-Akhlaq (for noble character)
- Dua of Tawbah (repentance and forgiveness)
- Dua of Shukr (gratitude for Allah’s blessings)
Imam al-Baqir (عليه السلام) said:
“When a believer raises his hands and whispers to Allah, He says: ‘I am near, I listen, and I answer.’”
(Al-Kāfī, vol. 2, p. 473)
You can read from your phone or listen to recitations online — what matters is the sincerity of your heart.
4. Listening to the Qur’an and Reading Tafsir
While women in ḥayḍ avoid touching the Arabic text of the Qur’an, they can still listen to its recitation and read translations or tafsir (explanations).
Allah (SWT) reminds us:
“أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ”
“Surely, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find peace.”
(Surah Ar-Ra’d, 13:28)
You can play Qur’an recitations at home, read Tafsir al-Mīzān by Allama Tabatabai, or reflect on verses that speak to your current emotions. The Qur’an is not only for recitation—it is a guide for reflection and healing.
5. Sending Salawat and Reading Ziyarat
One of the most powerful ways to feel close to Allah during ḥayḍ is to send Salawat upon the Prophet (ﷺ) and his family (Ahlul Bayt).
“إِنَّ اللَّهَ وَمَلَائِكَتَهُ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ…”
“Indeed, Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet. O believers, send blessings upon him and salute him with peace.”
(Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:56)
You can also read Ziyarat e Ashura, Ziyarat e Warith, or Ziyarat e Jami’a Kabeera to strengthen your connection with the Imams (A.S.).
Imam al-Sadiq (عليه السلام) said:
“Whoever sends Salawat upon Muhammad and his family, Allah forgives his sins and raises his rank.”
(Wasā’il al-Shī‘ah, vol. 7, p. 201)
Each Salawat draws you spiritually nearer to Allah.
6. Seek Knowledge and Reflect
During ḥayḍ, women can use their time to gain Islamic knowledge and reflect on their spiritual journey. Watch lectures, read Islamic books, or study the lives of the Ahlul Bayt (A.S.).
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim man and woman.”
(Al-Kāfī, vol. 1, p. 30)
Learning more about faith, morals, or Qur’anic teachings is a form of worship that strengthens your relationship with Allah.
7. Show Gratitude and Patience
Sometimes, women feel emotionally down or disconnected during menstruation. But it is important to remember that Allah values patience and gratitude more than actions alone.
Allah says:
“لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا”
“Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:286)
Your spiritual worth remains the same. By accepting Allah’s decree with gratitude, you earn reward even without physical acts of worship.
Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin (عليه السلام) said:
“When Allah tests a believer and she remains patient, Allah writes for her the reward of those who are closest to Him.”
(Al-Kāfī, vol. 2, p. 62)
So, whisper Alhamdulillah even in discomfort — your gratitude is a form of worship.
8. Practice Charity and Kindness
Acts of kindness are among the best ways to draw near to Allah. Give charity, help a family member, or comfort someone in need.
The Qur’an says:
“مَّن ذَا الَّذِي يُقْرِضُ اللَّهَ قَرْضًا حَسَنًا…”
“Who is it that will lend to Allah a good loan, so He may multiply it for him many times over?”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:245)
Imam al-Sadiq (عليه السلام) said:
“The most beloved act to Allah is to bring happiness to the heart of a believer.”
(Al-Kāfī, vol. 2, p. 188)
Every good deed—no matter how small—becomes a means of closeness to Allah.
9. Maintain Spiritual Cleanliness
Even though you are not in ritual purity, maintaining spiritual cleanliness and a positive environment helps keep your soul calm.
Imam Ali (عليه السلام) said:
“Cleanliness is half of faith.”
(Ghurar al-Hikam, Hadith 9348)
Stay organized, wear clean clothes, use fragrance, and keep your surroundings tidy. You can also repeat Astaghfirullah — seeking forgiveness does not require wudu.
“وَمَن يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ”
“And who forgives sins except Allah?”
(Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:135)
10. Speak to Allah from Your Heart
Even without formal prayer, you can talk to Allah anytime. Sit quietly, express your thoughts, hopes, and feelings. Allah listens to every whisper of the heart.
Imam Ali (عليه السلام) said:
“When you are alone, know that He is with you.”
(Nahjul Balāghah, Saying 184)
Your tears, your silence, and your sincerity are forms of worship. You do not need a prayer mat to speak to your Lord—only a sincere heart.
LAWS OF A WOMAN IN MENSTRUATION
Ḥayḍ is blood that is usually discharged from the uterus of women every month for a few days. A woman in menstruation is called a ‘ḥāʾiḍ’.
Most of the time, the blood of ḥayḍ is thick and warm, its colour is black or red, and it comes out with a little pressure and a burning sensation.
The bleeding that women above the age of sixty experience is not ruled to be ḥayḍ; however, a woman can experience ḥayḍ between the age of fifty and sixty, although the recommended precaution is that women who are not Qurayshi (sayyidah)[1] and who experience bleeding which would previously have been ruled to be ḥayḍ [i.e. had they experienced it before the age of fifty, it would have been ruled to be ḥayḍ], should refrain from doing the things that are unlawful for a ḥāʾiḍ to do and perform the duties of a mustaḥāḍah.
Bleeding that a girl experiences before the age of nine is not ḥayḍ.
It is possible for a pregnant woman and a breastfeeding woman to menstruate. The ruling of a pregnant woman and a non-pregnant woman is the same except that if a pregnant woman who has a habit of time experiences bleeding with the attributes of ḥayḍ after the passing of twenty days from the first day of her habit, it is necessary for her, based on obligatory precaution, to do the things that a mustaḥāḍah must do and refrain from doing the things that are unlawful for a ḥāʾiḍ to do.
[1] A sayyidah is a female descendant of Hāshim, the great grandfather of Prophet Muḥammad (Ṣ).
Conclusion
Dear sisters, ḥayḍ does not distance you from Allah. It’s a time for inward connection and emotional closeness. You can still glorify Allah through dhikr, dua, salawat, charity, reflection, and gratitude.
Allah sees your intention, patience, and love. The Ahlul Bayt (A.S.) taught that a believer’s heart remains pure even when the body rests. So cherish these days as an opportunity to worship in new, beautiful ways.
“فَاذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ قِيَامًا وَقُعُودًا وَعَلَىٰ جُنُوبِكُمْ”
“And remember Allah standing, sitting, and lying on your sides.”
(Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:191)
Your connection with Allah never stops — it simply changes form. 💖
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