Menstruation and Religious Duties

:)


Funny topic eh? Appears so... but it is not.


Ask any muslim woman whether she performs religious duty (say prayers) while she is menstruating and she will reply 'No'. The common knowledge is that the state of menstruation is 'unclean' so one has to stay away from religious duties. To approach them one requires 'cleanliness and purity' so when she is menstruating, its good-bye prayers, fasting, pilgrimage etc. This prevents women from performing their religious duties even if they want to. How is it possible that you and God are incommunicado for 5-6 days? If HE is the creator, HE should have seen this coming!


The only trouble for me is.. that it is no where mentioned in the Quran that a woman is not allowed to say her prayers when she is menstruating. Yes menstruation is mentioned in Quran but its only in the context of sexual intercourse and that it should not be done.


2:222 - they ask thee concerning women's courses. Say: They are a hurt and a pollution: So keep away from women in their courses, and do not approach them until they are clean. But when they have purified themselves, ye may approach them in any manner, time, or place ordained for you by Allah.

Now one would assume that since menstruation is 'unclean' so naturally prayers are out of question. Interestingly, the verse that mentions the preparatory phase of prayers also includes the 'state' wherein a prayer is not allowed - and that does not mention menstruation.


05:06 - O ye who believe! when ye prepare for prayer, wash your faces, and your hands (and arms) to the elbows; Rub your heads (with water); and (wash) your feet to the ankles. If ye are in a state of ceremonial impurity, bathe your whole body. But if ye are ill, or on a journey, or one of you cometh from offices of nature, or ye have been in contact with women, and ye find no water, then take for yourselves clean sand or earth, and rub therewith your faces and hands, Allah doth not wish to place you in a difficulty, but to make you clean, and to complete his favour to you, that ye may be grateful.


Checked the highlighted words? It means that if anyone, regardless of gender, has had sexual intercourse then he/she requires bathing. That is the only condition. It no where mentions menstruation.


Check another verse.


4:43 - O ye who believe! Approach not prayers with a mind befogged, until ye can understand all that ye say,- nor in a state of ceremonial impurity (Except when travelling on the road), until after washing your whole body. If ye are ill, or on a journey, or one of you cometh from offices of nature, or ye have been in contact with women, and ye find no water, then take for yourselves clean sand or earth, and rub therewith your faces and hands. For Allah doth blot out sins and forgive again and again.


Still no indication that God has disallowed women not to perform religious duties while menstruating.


Mind you, I am not talking about whether women should pray while in that situation. Not everyone of them can because its too hard for them to do anything but those women who want to perform their religious duties, there should be no 'religious injunction' prohibiting them to do so.


Related Posts


- Can You Touch The Quran When Unclean?
- A Woman's Witness Value Worth half of Men?
- Can A Woman Be An Imam?

Saum, Roza, Fast

Wishing everyone a very happy ramadan :)

Some points to share with the readers regarding Ramadan according to Quran. I will also try to address some questions usually related to Fasting.

2:185 - Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, ...

The importance of the month of Ramadan is not only due to the fact that muslims fast in it, Quran was also revealed in the month of Ramadan.

Q: Is it necessary to sight the moon for commencement of Ramadan?
A. No it is not necessary. Quran no where states that moon should be sighted. God advises us that Sun and Moon are the calculating devices.

6:96 - He it is that cleaveth the day-break (from the dark): He makes the night for rest and tranquillity, and the sun and moon for the reckoning (of time): Such is the judgment and ordering of (Him), the Exalted in Power, the Omniscient.

Q: Was Fasting as religious duty given to Prophet Muhammad?
A: Prophet Muhammad was not given this religious duty. All of the religious duties have been given to Prophet Abraham (Link)

2:183 - O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint,-

Q: What are the timings of Fast?
A:

2:187 - ... and eat and drink, until the white thread of dawn appear to you distinct from its black thread; then complete your fast Till the night appears; ...

Q: Who should Fast?
A: Everyone - who can that is.

2:184 - Specific days (are designated for fasting); if one is ill or traveling, an equal number of other days may be substituted. ...

Q: Is it true that for the relaxation of not Fasting while traveling, a distance of at least 40 km is required?
A: Quran no where states the kms or miles. It states that if you find it difficult to manage the Fast while traveling, you can substitute the number of Fasts for other days after Ramadan. Quran is not saying that you should not Fast if you are traveling. If you can manage it - good. If not, then substitute other days for it.

Q: I am a nursing mother, I find it difficult to Fast. What should I do?
A: Follow verse 2:184. Anyone who finds it difficult to fast, for whatever reason, should do the following.

2:184 - ... and those who are not able to do it may effect a redemption by feeding a poor man;

Q: Is it possible that I don't Fast and feed a poor instead to compensate for it?
A: Anyone who witnesses the month of Ramadan, should Fast unless he/ she finds it difficult to manage.

2:185 - ... therefore whoever of you is present in the month, he shall fast therein, ...
2:184 - ... and that you fast is better for you if you know.

Q: Can one copulate in Ramadan?
A:

2:187 - Permitted to you, on the night of the fasts, is sexual intercourse with your wives. They are your garments and ye are their garments ...

Any queries, please comment.

Related Posts:

1 - Travel Prayers - Salat e Qasr.
2- Eid - Is Animal Sacrifice Obligatory?
3- 5 Pillars of Islam.

Is Quran Really Detailed?

6:114 - Say: "Shall I seek for judge other than Allah? - when He it is Who hath sent unto you the Book, explained in detail." They know full well, to whom We have given the Book, that it hath been sent down from thy Lord in truth. Never be then of those who doubt.

God states that Quran is fully detailed. Is it? I was asked the following questions on a discussion board.
-------

Just tell me about the one verse of Quran which describe how many rakat's are
in five prayers. What will you recite in each prayer? Just Give me one
example. If u r unable to give me a reference from Quran then you should accept this that hadith is the source.

1. Quran is word of Allah. TRUE

2. No doubt Quran is complete. TRUE

3. Only messenger of ALLAH (Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W)) can explain the Quran.TRUE

4. Acts of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) explains the meaning of Quran. TRUE

5. Acts of Prophet Muhammad(S.A.W) are recorded in Hadith.TRUE

---------

My reply here.

See. When God says Quran is fully detailed.. then it must be. But then where is your question addressed in Quran? Is God joking with us? because number of rakaat of prayers are not mentioned in Quran!

Prayers and other religious duties (Zakat, Fasting) were not given to Prophet Muhammad - they were given to Prophet Abraham. People of Mecca were 'already' doing all these things but were 'mushrik' (polytheists). There was no need to tell them 'how many rakaats are there in prayers!'. Check my blog here for further reference...

http://think-islam.blogspot.com/2007/10/5-pillars-of-islam.html

Now your other questions...

1. Quran is word of Allah. TRUE (you are right)

2. No doubt Quran is complete. TRUE (right there too!)

3. Only messenger of ALLAH (Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W)) can explain the Quran. TRUE.

No its FALSE!

Prophet Muhammad was not allowed to 'explain' Quran! Its really astonishing what God states in Quran and according to Him, Prophet (every prophet for that matters) is just a deliverer of Message!

75:16 - Move not thy tongue concerning the (Qur'an) to make haste therewith

75:17 - It is for Us to collect it and to promulgate it:

75:18 - But when We have promulgated it, follow thou its recital

75:19 - Nay more, it is for Us to explain it

4. Acts of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) explains the meaning of Quran. FALSE!

Prophet Muhammad was a human being! He committed mistakes as evidenced in Quran! For example

66:1 - O Prophet! Why holdest thou to be forbidden that which Allah has made lawful to
thee? Thou seekest to please thy consorts. But Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

80:01 - (The Prophet) frowned and turned away,

80:02 - Because there came to him the blind man (interrupting).

All of these are human elements. Prophet Muhammad was not an angel rather a human being. Thats why one should never idolize humans!

Respect the Prophet because he was the last of Prophet, he was given a supreme message! But seek guidance from Allah and not humans!

5. Acts of Prophet Muhammad(S.A.W) are recorded in Hadith.TRUE. (questionable)

There are an estimated 400,000 hadiths in Sahih Bukhari. 4000 are considered 'authentic'. That represents a mere 1%.

Quran is 'detailed'!

Travel Prayers - Salat Qasr

Most of you would have heard of travel prayers, most of you even offer it while traveling. Its basically shortening of the regular prayers (e.g. 4 units of Noon prayers reduced to 2 units) so as to provide a convenience to travelers.

Let me show you the verse in Quran that allows so...

4:101 - When ye travel through the earth, there is no blame on you if ye shorten your prayers...

Right?
No in fact. Read the whole verse.

4:101 - When ye travel through the earth, there is no blame on you if ye shorten your prayers, for fear the Unbelievers May attack you: For the Unbelievers are unto you open enemies.

Things a bit clear now? You are only allowed to shorten the prayers if you fear you'll be attacked. Its not like when you pack your bags for another city you keep shortening your prayers.

And please do not tell me that Prophet Muhammad told muslims to do so...

10:15 - But when Our Clear Signs are rehearsed unto them, those who rest not their hope on their meeting with Us, Say: "Bring us a reading other than this, or change this," Say: "It is not for me, of my own accord, to change it: I follow naught but what is revealed unto me: if I were to disobey my Lord, I should myself fear the penalty of a Great Day (to come)."

Peace.

Eid - Is Animal Sacrifice Obligatory?

I had posted an entry when a tragedy had struck Hajj and had expressed my opinion on why Hajj is restricted to only 2 days and why not to 4 sacred months as God has stated.

Another thing that is of interest... is sacrificing an animal obligatory? No. Not at all. Sacrificing an animal on Eid ul Azha is not obligatory. It is obligatory only on Pilgrims (Hajjis) who are on Hajj in Makkah. Sura Al-Hajj mentions the rites of pilgrimage.

22:36 - And the animals! We have appointed them among the ceremonies of Allah. Therein ye have much good. So mention the name of Allah over them when they are drawn up in lines. Then when their flanks fall (dead), eat thereof and feed the beggar and the suppliant. Thus have We made them subject unto you, that haply ye may give thanks.

God has made things easy for us but we act otherwise. Look at the trouble that people have to go through by arranging for sacrificial animal. A person with low income resource cannot think of buying the animals for sacrifice as they are exorbitantly expensive.

I heard that a bull was being sold for 1 million Rupee! What on earth is wrong with people?! A goat for 500,000! Are you kidding me?! Is this what Eid is for?! What a pathetic show off! Where is that spirit that is required at such event.

22:37 - Their flesh and their food reach not Allah, but the devotion from you reacheth Him. Thus have We made them subject unto you that ye may magnify Allah that He hath guided you. And give good tidings (O Muhammad) to the good.

Oh some devotion we show!

I am not at all against sacrificing animal for the benefit of the poor. Even better if you do not want to sacrifice an animal and contribute financially to help someone! 'Sadqa' and 'khairat' are wonderful things as form of charity. But animal sacrifice being equated to obligation on muslims is not right! And why restrict it to one day for that matter?! Should you not be helping the poor this way on other days as well?!

It becomes a burden as well! Not everyone is capable of dishing out so much money. When a person cant afford to buy sacrificial animal... imagine what he/ she will have to go through. He does not have enough money! forget money for worldly affairs.. he does not have money to spend in the way of God! And then the society.. 'You do not plan to sacrifice any animal this time?' God can be handled.. humans cannot be handled!

And lastly.. the filth! First our local administration is not that efficient in collecting animal waste. Then 'we' do not bother to dispose off properly! The end result.. a huge mess and stench! Awful to say the least.

5 Pillars of Islam

Ok I have to mention something related to 5 pillars of Islam and the general 'awareness' levels regarding them. Unfortunately... we are kept 'illiterate' when it comes to religion.

You must have definitely heard about the story that Prophet Muhammad when on his ascension to heaven.. met various Prophets and finally the number of prayers was set at 5. Right? Wrong actually.

The Five pillars were not given to Prophet Muhammad. They were all given to Prophet Abraham.

2:128 - Our Lord! And make us submissive unto Thee and of our seed a nation submissive unto Thee, and show us our ways of worship, and relent toward us. Lo! Thou, only Thou, art the Relenting, the Merciful.

People did the rites before Prophet Muhammad.

2:183 - O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, even as it was prescribed for those before you, that ye may ward off (evil)

Prophet Muhammad was told to follow 'religion of Abraham'...

22:78 - And strive for Allah with the endeavour which is His right. He hath chosen you and hath not laid upon you in religion any hardship; the faith of your father Abraham (is yours). He hath named you Muslims...

The tribe of Quraish was the keeper of Qibla. Remember Abraha? the one who tried to make his own Qibla some 50 years before the birth of Prophet? and for which 'Sura Feel' was revealed? This indicates that people used to observe Hajj before Prophet Muhammad was born.

Check My Other Posts:

1. Muslim or Kafir?
2. Travel Prayers - Salat Qasr

Hajj Tragedy

Another sad year for Muslims all around the globe as tragedy has hit the Hajj resulting in precious loss of life. A hotel collapsed in Mecca taking 70 lives and then stampede took the lives of around 360 pilgrims. In the recent past, various unfortunate incidents have resulted in human casualties. Although the administration has taken some very good steps to mitigate these incidents, one aspect has been overlooked. In the Quran we come to know that Hajj can be observed in sacred months (Sura 2, verse 197).

[2:197] Hajj shall be observed in the specified months...

Now there is a difference of opinion on which months are sacred but there is no difference on the month of Zil Hajj (12th month of Islamic Calender) and Muharram (1st Month). Currently Hajj is undertaken on the 9th and 10th of Zil Hajj. If we follow God's advice then the whole month of Zil Hajj can be taken to perform Hajj instead of just two days. Some people argue that only the first 10 days are considered to be sacred to perform Hajj; in which case ten days can be allotted for the performance of Hajj, greatly lowering the burden on the Hajj administration. This will also result in mitigation of occurrences of human deaths due to accidents.

Also Check

- Eid - Is Animal Sacrifice Obligatory?