Menstruation in Women and the True Rulings in Islam

The Qur’an, which is the sole source of religion in Islam, presents a just and egalitarian understanding regarding women’s rights and rulings on worship. However, throughout history, deviations from this just system have occurred due to the influence of polytheistic understandings and fabricated narrations. The prohibition of women from performing acts of worship during menstruation is one such deviation. The Qur’an describes menstruation not as a spiritual impurity, but as a physical condition:
> “And they ask you about menstruation. Say: It is a harm. So keep away from women during menstruation and do not approach them until they are clean. And when they have purified themselves, then come to them from where Allah has ordained for you. Indeed, Allah loves those who repent and those who purify themselves.” (Baqarah 2:222)
The word “harm” (eza) used in this verse refers to a physiological condition of the woman. The term “taharah,” often translated in traditional understanding as “purification,” actually means “to be relieved from harm or discomfort.” Therefore, the Qur’an evaluates menstruation not as a spiritual impurity but as a temporary physical state. The verse only prohibits sexual relations during this period and does not impose any restriction regarding acts of worship.
Restrictions concerning menstruation generally originate from pre-Islamic polytheistic societies and other religions:
Zoroastrianism: Menstruating women were forbidden from entering temples.
Hinduism: Menstruating women were prohibited from eating or sleeping with others.
Such understandings infiltrated Muslim societies through fabricated narrations and sectarian views, leading to restrictions on women’s worship. However, the Qur’an contains no such prohibition. The Qur’an treats men and women equally in terms of responsibility in worship:
> “Whoever, male or female, does righteous deeds while being a believer, We will surely grant them a good life, and We will surely reward them according to the best of what they used to do.” (Nahl 16:97)
This verse clearly indicates that there is no distinction between men and women. The belief that women cannot worship during menstruation contradicts the Qur’an’s egalitarian perspective.
According to the Qur’an, only Allah has the authority to declare what is lawful and unlawful:
> “And whoever does not حكم (judge) by what Allah has revealed—then those are the disbelievers.” (Ma’idah 5:44)
In this context, prohibiting women from worship during menstruation amounts to interfering with Allah’s authority. This understanding is a product of polytheistic and hypocritical thinking and is entirely contrary to the Qur’anic message.
The Qur’an commands only abstaining from sexual relations during menstruation. There is no concept of spiritual impurity in the Qur’an. Preventing women from worshipping during this time is both scientifically and religiously baseless. The Qur’an states that acts of worship are equally valid for both men and women:
> “And whoever does not حكم by what Allah has revealed—then those are the wrongdoers.” (Ma’idah 5:45)
The Qur’an does not contain any ruling that prevents women from worshipping during menstruation. These prohibitions entered Muslim practice through influence from discriminatory rulings found in Judaism. Menstruation is not a spiritual impurity but a physiological condition, and preventing worship during this time severs a woman’s connection with Allah.
Muslims should adhere only to the Qur’an as guidance and free themselves from such superstitions, restoring women’s religious rights:
> “And they will say: ‘Our Lord, indeed we obeyed our leaders and our elders, and they led us astray from the way.’” (Ahzab 33:67)
Standing against all forms of thought that deprive women of their right to worship is a duty of all Muslims in returning to the essence of Islam and establishing justice. The Qur’an is a guide that protects women’s rights and supports their ability to worship freely.