26/05/2026
If a woman is unable to fast on the Day of ʿArafah because of menstruation, she should never feel deprived or hopeless concerning the mercy and reward of Allah. In Islam, when a believer is prevented from a righteous deed due to a genuine Sharʿī excuse beyond their control, Allah may still grant them the reward based on their sincere intention.
The Prophet Muḥammad (ṣallāLlāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) said: “When a servant becomes ill or travels, Allah records for him what he used to do when healthy and resident.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī).
So if she genuinely intended to fast but was prevented by her period, she can hope for Allah’s immense reward through her sincerity and obedience.
She should increase herself in other acts of worship on the Day of ʿArafah, such as:
* abundant duʿā’,
* dhikr,
* takbīr (Allahu Akbar),
* tahlīl (lā ilāha illā Allah),
* seeking forgiveness,
* ṣalawāt upon the Prophet (ṣallāLlāhu 'alayhi wa sallam),
* charity,
* listening to Qur’ān,
* Islamic reminders,
* helping others,
* and avoiding sins.
The Day of ʿArafah is fundamentally a day of remembrance, humility, repentance and duʿā’. The Prophet (ṣallāLlāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) said: “The best supplication is the supplication of the Day of ʿArafah.” (Jāmiʿ al-Tirmidhī).
A menstruating woman can engage fully in duʿā’ and dhikr and may even spend the day more spiritually focused than some who are fasting physically.
She may repeatedly say:
Lā ilāha illaLlāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lah, lahu al-mulku wa lahu al-ḥamd wa huwa ʿalā kulli shay’in qadīr.
She should also make heartfelt personal supplications for:
* forgiveness,
* guidance,
* family,
* the Ummah,
* peace,
* righteous children,
* protection,
* and success in this world and the Hereafter.
Allah is Most Just and Most Merciful. He does not punish a woman for something He Himself created as part of her natural condition, nor does He deprive sincere believers of His mercy because of circumstances beyond their control.
copy
