Fasting on Arafah for Women During Period Allowed

Question

Can a woman fast on the Day of ʿArafah if she is menstruating?

Bottom Line

Menstruation stops the fast, but intention and dhikr still bring reward.

Quick Answer

Fasting during menstruation is lifted by Allah’s mercy. On the Day of ʿArafah, women can fill their time with dhikr, dua, and reciting the Quran from memory, and they can hope for full reward through sincere intention.

Key Takeaways

• Menstruation exempts women from fasting and salah by Allah’s command.
• The fast of ʿArafah is tied to the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah and cannot be made up later.
• Allah rewards sincere intentions, even if a person is prevented from a deed.

Detailed Answer

Menstruation exempts women from fasting and salah as a mercy from Allah. The Prophet ﷺ confirmed that women are not sinful for leaving fasting during their period. They are only required to make up missed Ramadan fasts, not voluntary ones like ʿArafah.

What to Do Instead on the Day of ʿArafah

Women unable to fast should not feel deprived. They can:

• Dua & Dhikr: Fill the day with supplication and remembrance of Allah.
• Quran: Recite from memory, without touching the mushaf.
• Istighfar: Seek forgiveness frequently by saying “Astaghfirullah.”

Regarding Making Up the Fast

The fast of ʿArafah is tied to its day and cannot be made up later. However, sincere intention still brings reward. The Prophet ﷺ taught that if someone intends to do a good deed but is prevented, Allah writes it as a complete good deed.

What This Means for You

If you are menstruating on the Day of ʿArafah, focus on dua, dhikr, istighfar, and the Quran from memory. Hold the intention that you would have fasted if able, and trust that Allah’s reward is generous.

And Allah knows best.

References

Primary Sources

Hadith

1. Sahih al-Bukhari 1951: Women are excused from fasting during menstruation.
2. Sahih Muslim 1145: Deeds are rewarded by intention.
3. Sunan an-Nasa’i 3004: Virtue of fasting on the Day of ʿArafah.

Secondary Sources

4. Ibn Baz, Majmuʿ al-Fatawa: Women’s rulings on fasting and menstruation.