Can a woman worship at night during menstruation?
Answer
The prescribed prayer, including Tahajjud and Witr, is not performed during menstruation, and it is not made up afterwards — that is a mercy, not a punishment, and Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) explained that they were commanded to make up the fast but not the prayer (Muslim 335).
But the night is not closed to you. During these days you may: - Make dhikr, istighfar and dua freely, including in the last third of the night, which is the hour of response (Bukhari 1145). - Recite the Qur'an from memory or read from a phone or with a barrier — scholars differ on the details, so follow the position of a scholar you trust. - Give charity, read tafsir and seerah, and keep your usual wake time so the habit survives the month.
Aisha reported that the Prophet ﷺ would remember Allah at all times (Muslim 373), which scholars cite in this context.
Keeping the appointment with Allah in whatever form is available is what preserves the habit for the rest of the month.
References
- Sahih Muslim 335
- Sahih al-Bukhari 1145
- Sahih Muslim 373
Answered by Tahajjud editorial team
This answer is educational and referenced — it is not a fatwa, and no ruling here is AI-generated. For a ruling on your personal situation, ask a qualified scholar you can speak to directly. Sources & accuracy policy
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