During menstruation, several actions are considered haram (forbidden) in Islam. The most prominent prohibition is sexual intercourse. This is explicitly mentioned in the Quran (Al-Baqarah 2:222), citing potential harm to a fetus. This verse implies, but does not explicitly state, the prohibition. Beyond this, Islamic scholarship extends the prohibitions to include:
Key Haram Activities During Menstruation:
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Prayer (Salat): Praying is forbidden during menstruation. Prayers performed during this time are not considered valid. This is a widely accepted interpretation, though not explicitly stated in the Quran. Once menstruation ends, ritual purification (ghusl) is required before resuming prayers. This is supported across various Islamic sources.
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Fasting (Sawm): Fasting during menstruation is not obligatory. A menstruating woman is exempted from fasting during Ramadan or other voluntary fasts. There is no prohibition against parents preventing eating during Ramadan while menstruating.
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Circumvention of Quranic prohibition: No actions that attempt to circumvent the Quranic prohibition against sexual intercourse during menstruation are permitted. This is a matter of adhering to religious guidance. This is a fundamental principle of Islamic law.
Additional Considerations:
While the above are the primary prohibitions, some Islamic scholars also advise against other actions, such as divorce, during menstruation. However, these are less universally agreed upon. The core focus remains on the clear prohibitions of sexual intercourse, prayer, and fasting. Additional interpretations are explored in various Islamic Fiqh discussions.
The concept of ritual purity is important to understand within this context. Menstruation is viewed as a natural bodily process, not a state of impurity, but one with specific religious implications. The idea of "uncleanliness" is a misinterpretation.
