Women are required to fast Ramadan, but they must not fast during menstruation or postnatal bleeding and must make up those missed days later. Pregnancy and breastfeeding also affect fasting when there is a fear of harm to the mother or child; this guide explains these situations and other common questions.
Can women fast during menstruation?
Women must not fast during menstruation, and those fasts are not valid. The Ramadan days missed because of a period must be made up after the month ends.
Narrated Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri:
Once Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) went out to the Musalla (to offer the prayer) of `Id-al-Adha or Al-Fitr prayer. Then he passed by the women and said, “O women! Give alms, as I have seen that the majority of the dwellers of Hell-fire were you (women).” They asked, “Why is it so, O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) ?” He replied, “You curse frequently and are ungrateful to your husbands. I have not seen anyone more deficient in intelligence and religion than you. A cautious sensible man could be led astray by some of you.” The women asked, “O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)! What is deficient in our intelligence and religion?” He said, “Is not the evidence of two women equal to the witness of one man?” They replied in the affirmative. He said, “This is the deficiency in her intelligence. Isn’t it true that a woman can neither pray nor fast during her menses?” The women replied in the affirmative. He said, “This is the deficiency in her religion.”
What duration of bleeding is counted as menstruation?
The scholarly view described here gives a minimum of one day and one night and a maximum of fifteen days. Under this view, bleeding lasting less than the minimum is not counted as menstruation; bleeding beyond the maximum is not counted as menstruation, and fasting resumes.
What are the fasting rules for postnatal bleeding?
Fasting during postnatal bleeding is invalid, and the missed Ramadan days must be made up later. The same rule applies to menstruation. Jurists give different maximum durations for postnatal bleeding: sixty days, or forty days in some opinions.
Can pregnant or breastfeeding women miss Ramadan fasts?
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not fast if they fear harm to themselves or their child. They must make up the missed days when the reason for not fasting has ended.
The guidance distinguishes between concern for the mother and concern for the child alone:
| Reason for not fasting | What is required afterwards |
|---|---|
| Fear of harm to the mother | Make up the missed days when the reason for not fasting has ended. |
| Fear of harm to the fetus or infant only | Make up the missed days and feed a poor person for each day missed. |
A trusted Muslim doctor can advise whether fasting could harm the mother, fetus or infant.
Can women take pills to delay a period during Ramadan?
Taking pills to prevent menstrual bleeding during Ramadan is permissible if doing so does not cause harm. Such pills may have physical or psychological side effects.
The preference described here is to accept what God has ordained, refrain from fasting during menstruation and make up the missed days after Ramadan. It was narrated that ‘Aishah said:
“We went out with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) with no intention other than Hajj. When he was in Sarif I began menstruating. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) entered upon me and I was weeping. He said: ‘What is the matter with you? Has you Nifas begun?’ I said: ‘Yes.’ He said: ‘This is something that Allah the Mighty and Sublime has decreed for the daughters of Adam. Do what the pilgrims do but do not perform Tawaf around the House.'”
Are women rewarded for fasting as men are?
Women are rewarded for fasting in Ramadan just as men are. The rulings above address the different circumstances they may experience.
God Almighty said in the Holy Qur’an, Surah An-Nahl, verse 16: “
Whoever works righteousness, man or woman, and has Faith, verily, to him will We give a new Life, a life that is good and pure and We will bestow on such their reward according to the best of their actions”.
Where can families continue learning?
For broader Ramadan reading, explore the general rules of fasting, how to pray Taraweeh at home and eating habits during Ramadan.
Families looking for structured learning can explore one-to-one Islamic studies for kids. Women and girls interested in Quran lessons can learn with female Quran teachers and book a free trial class.
Frequently asked questions
When must missed period fasts be made up?
Days missed because of menstruation must be made up after Ramadan and before the next Ramadan, unless an excuse prevents this.
Is a fast valid if ghusl is performed after dawn?
Yes. If menstrual bleeding stops before dawn, delaying ghusl until after dawn does not affect the validity of the fast. This also applies to ghusl after sexual intercourse or the end of postnatal bleeding, but it must not be delayed in a way that causes prayers to be missed.
Can a woman taste food while preparing it during a fast?
A woman preparing food may taste it on her tongue without swallowing. She must take care that nothing is swallowed unintentionally.
