The rulings surrounding menstruation (Ḥayḍ) are among the most practically important in Islam for Muslim women. This article outlines the key Hanafī rulings on what is prohibited and what is recommended during this period, based on the Qurʾān and authentic Ḥadīth.
What Is Ḥayḍ (Menstruation)?
In Hanafī fiqh, Ḥayḍ is defined as blood that flows from a woman’s uterus in a state of health, not due to illness or childbirth. The minimum duration is 3 days and nights (72 hours); the maximum is 10 days. Blood lasting less than 3 days or more than 10 days is classified differently (istihaḍah — dysfunctional uterine bleeding).
What Is Prohibited During Ḥayḍ?
- Salāh (prayer) is not performed and does not require making up — by unanimous scholarly agreement. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Is it not the case that when she menstruates, she does not pray or fast?” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, no. 304)
- Fasting is not permitted and must be made up after the period ends — confirmed by Sūrah al-Baqarah (2:184) and Ḥadīth
- Intercourse is prohibited until she has purified herself: “So keep away from women during menstruation” (Sūrah al-Baqarah, 2:222)
- Circumambulating the Kaʾbah (Tawāf) is not permitted
- Entering the mosque for sitting — not permitted in the Hanafī school
- Touching the Musḥaf (physical Qurʾān) without a barrier — not permitted
What Is Permitted During Ḥayḍ?
- Dhikr and duʾāʾ — fully permitted and encouraged
- Listening to Qurʾān — fully permitted
- Reciting Qurʾān from memory — permitted according to the stronger Hanafī opinion when done for duʾāʾ and dhikr purposes
- Reading Islamic books and making duʾāʾ — permitted
- All other acts of worship not listed above
Ghusl After Menstruation
When the period ends, a full ritual bath (ghusl) is obligatory before resuming prayer and fasting. Allah ﷻ says: “And when they have purified themselves, then come to them as Allah has ordained for you.” (2:222) The ghusl must include rinsing the mouth, sniffing water into the nose, and washing the entire body including the hair roots.
Compensation for Missed Worship
Prayers missed during Ḥayḍ are not made up. This is a mercy from Allah ﷻ. Fasts missed during Ḥayḍ in Ramaḍān must be made up after the month. ʿAbuʾsh ؓ confirmed: “We were commanded to make up the fasts and not commanded to make up the prayers.” (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, no. 335)
May Allah ﷻ grant our sisters ease in understanding and implementing these rulings, and accept all their worship. For specific questions about irregular bleeding or other related matters, please consult our Iftā service at aqfatwa.com. Āmīn.
