Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
Thanks for this interesting question, which reflects part of misconceptions that some people have about Islam and the way it deals with women. We really commend your efforts in pursuit of truth. This is what is required of all people, to seek truth and not to give in to anything that may cloud their minds with fake ideas about Islam.
As for your question, Sheikh Zoubir Bouchikhi, Imam of the Islamic Society of Greater Houston’s Southeast Mosque, states:
"Whoever considers the women during their menstruation or post-natal bleeding 'unclean' is ignorant about Islam and its beautiful teachings.
The reason why Islam prohibited women from praying and fasting during their menstruation is for their own good. Islam gives women a break every month because of the tremendous hardship they endure due to the changes in their hormones, but no Muslim scholar said that they are unclean.
Sister Lisa, not everything is found in the Qur'an in details. We have the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) who told his wives and the wives of the believers, therefore to all the Muslim women not to pray or fast during menstruation. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: 'If a woman is in her period, then she can neither pray nor fast.'
We as Muslims are commanded by Allah in the Qur'an to obey Him and obey His Messenger.
I do agree with you that whoever thinks that women are prohibited from praying and fasting during menstruation because they are unclean is totally wrong; it is rather for the good of women and for their health not to fast."
You can also read:
Why Menstruating Women Do Not Fast?
Can Menstruating Women Attend `Eid Prayers and Classes in the Mosque?
If you are still in need of more information, don't hesitate to contact us. Do keep in touch. May Allah guide us all to the straight path!
