Salamun alaykum,
your question:
<<So do you mean to say that women CAN fast and pray during their periods?
>>
Yes, absolutely. Nowhere in the Quran does it say that women cannot fast,
pray, or worship in any other way during their menstruation. This is an
innovation. We have to know that any rule telling us NOT to worship God under
this or the other circumstance must be from Satan, not from God.
The verse they base this false idea about women not being able to pray or
fast during menstruation is 2:222. They claim that it says that women are
unclean during menstruation, and therefore cannot be allowed to pray.
Let us read this verse carefully, as God tells us to (4:82), to determine
if this is really what it says.
[2:222] They ask you about menstruation: say, "It is harmful; you shall avoid
sexual intercourse with the women during menstruation; do not approach them
until they are rid of it. Once they are rid of it, you may have intercourse
with them in the manner designed by GOD. GOD loves the repenters, and He
loves those who are clean."
The first part of this verse teaches us that it's harmful to have sexual
relations during menstruation. If you ask any doctor, Muslim or not, about
having intercourse during this period, he or she will tell you that it's
harmful for both the man and the woman.
Now let's look at the second part of this verse, which deals with the period
after "they are rid of it." Then we are told, the men may have intercourse
with the women "in the manner designed by God." Would God need to tell us
about "the manner designed by God," if there we no other manner by
which to have intercourse? No. There is another way, which is not approved
by God. This is why the verse ends by saying that God "loves those who are
clean."
If we haven't gotten the point by now, the next verse is quick to remind
us which manner is approved. It starts by saying, "Your women are the bearers
of your seed." There is only one way that a woman can bear the mans seed.
The verse continues again to remind the men that they may enjoy this
privilege "as long as they maintain righteousness."
[2:223] Your women are the bearers of your seed. Thus, you may enjoy this
privilege however you like, so long as you maintain righteousness.
You shall observe GOD, and know that you will meet Him. Give good news to
the believers.
The only circumstances that makes us unclean in the eyes of God, when it
comes to performing the prayers are mentioned in 5:6 and 4:43. In none of
these verses does it say that menstruation is one of these circumstances.
All we have to do to clean ourselves for Salat, is to perform the Wudu.
[5:6] O you who believe, when you observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), you
shall: (1) wash your faces, (2) wash your arms to the elbows, (3) wipe your
heads, and (4) wash your feet to the ankles. If you were unclean due to sexual
orgasm, you shall bathe. If you are ill, or traveling, or had any digestive
excretion (urinary, fecal, or gas), or had (sexual) contact with the
women, and you cannot find water, you shall observe the dry ablution
(Tayammum) by touching clean dry soil, then rubbing your faces and
hands. GOD does not wish to make the religion difficult for you; He
wishes to cleanse you and to perfect His blessing upon you, that you may
be appreciative.
We sincerely hope that this has shed some light on this issue for you.
Peace!
info@submission.org
