No, according to Islamic teachings, a girl (or woman) menstruating is exempt from fasting. This is a widely accepted religious practice. While other faiths may have differing views on fasting during menstruation, Islamic tradition specifically states that fasting is not required during this time. Women are permitted to make up missed fasts at a later date.
Religious Perspective: Islam
- Multiple sources, including Islam Question & Answer and accounts of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) (Nisahomes blog), clearly state that menstruating women are exempt from fasting during Ramadan and other prescribed fasts.
- This exemption applies to both prayer and fasting.
- Missed fasts must be made up later. This is consistent with the hadith related by Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri.
Other Considerations:
While Islamic guidelines explicitly exempt women from fasting during menstruation, other religious beliefs may vary. Some faiths may offer guidance or interpretations on fasting and menstruation that differ from Islamic teaching. For information related to specific religious perspectives beyond Islam, consult the relevant religious texts and authoritative figures. It is crucial to remember that this answer focuses solely on the Islamic perspective. The BBC article, "Ramadan: Women's 'shame' of eating during menstruation", highlights the cultural context surrounding this practice within the Muslim faith.
Furthermore, a Quora discussion ("Can a Christian fast during menstruation?") indicates that there are varying opinions within Christianity regarding fasting and menstruation. However, this is outside the scope of the question’s focus on the Islamic perspective.
Finally, several sources mention the impact of fasting on menstrual cycles and overall health in women. These points are relevant for broader health considerations but do not address the permissibility of fasting during menstruation from a religious standpoint, which is the core of the original question. (Cleveland Clinic, UNICEF)
