1. Renewing Intention and Sincerity
Even when not fasting or praying, a woman’s heart remains connected to Allah. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Actions are judged by intentions.” [Sahih al-Bukhārī, 1; Sahih Muslim, 1907].
Abstaining from fasting during menstruation is obedience in itself, as it is a command from Allah. By renewing the intention to obey Allah’s decree, the time becomes worship, not absence of it.
2. Constant Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah)
The Qur’an commands: “O you who believe, remember Allah with much remembrance.” [Qur’an 33:41].
Menstruation does not prevent dhikr. Words such as SubḥānAllāh, Alḥamdulillāh, Allāhu Akbar, Lā ilāha illā Allāh keep the heart alive. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Keep your tongue moist with the remembrance of Allah.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhī, 3375; Hasan].
3. Duʿā’ Throughout the Day and Night
Duʿā’ is not restricted by menstruation. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Duʿā’ is worship.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhī, 3372; Sahih].
Raise your hands often—especially in the last third of the night when Allah descends to accept prayers [Sahih Muslim, 758].
4. Qur’an Recitation and Reflection
Many scholars allow women in menstruation to recite Qur’an from memory or through digital devices. Allah says: “This is a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, so that they may reflect upon its verses.” [Qur’an 38:29].
Reflecting on the Qur’an, even without touching the mushaf, connects one to Allah’s words.
5. Listening to Qur’an Recitation
Allah describes the believers: “So when the Qur’an is recited, then listen to it and pay attention that you may receive mercy.” [Qur’an 7:204].
Listening attentively to recitations in Ramadan softens the heart and fills it with tranquility, even when direct recitation is paused.
6. Sending Salawāt on the Prophet ﷺ
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever sends one prayer upon me, Allah will send ten upon him.” [Sahih Muslim, 408].
Repeating Allāhumma ṣalli ʿalā Muḥammad abundantly in Ramadan multiplies reward and mercy.
7. Istighfār (Seeking Forgiveness)
Menstruation is a time to renew repentance. The Prophet ﷺ said: “By Allah, I seek forgiveness from Allah and I repent to Him more than seventy times a day.” [Sahih al-Bukhārī, 6307].
Saying Astaghfirullāh throughout the day purifies the heart.
8. Charity and Feeding the Fasting
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever gives food for a fasting person to break his fast, he will have the same reward as him without reducing the fasting person’s reward.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhī, 807; Sahih].
Women can cook, share meals, or give charity to gain fasting rewards even if not fasting themselves.
9. Supporting Family in Worship
Encouraging children or family members to fast, pray, or read Qur’an earns reward. The Prophet ﷺ said: “The best of you are those who are best to their families.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhī, 3895; Sahih].
Serving and guiding family is a noble act of worship.
10. Attending Islamic Lessons and Circles of Knowledge
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever follows a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise.” [Sahih Muslim, 2699].
Listening to lectures, reading tafsīr, or attending classes during menstruation allows continued spiritual growth.
11. Reflection and Contemplation (Tadabbur)
Allah encourages reflection: “Do they not reflect upon themselves? Allah created the heavens and the earth and everything between them in Truth and for an appointed time.” [Qur’an 30:8].
Ramadan nights can be used for journaling and reflecting upon life and death.
12. Helping the Needy and Community Service
The Prophet ﷺ was described as “the most generous of people, and he was even more generous in Ramadan.” [Sahih al-Bukhārī, 6].
Volunteering, giving food packs, or aiding neighbors are powerful acts of worship.
13. Guarding the Tongue and Character
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Fasting is not only abstaining from food and drink, but also from vain speech and foul language.” [Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, 1996; Sahih].
Even while not fasting, avoiding gossip, lies, and arguments is worship and training for taqwā.
14. Gratitude for Allah’s Decree
Allah says: “If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor].” [Qur’an 14:7].
Accepting menstruation as Allah’s mercy and thanking Him for health and ease turns patience into worship.
15. Making Duʿā’ on Laylat al-Qadr
The Prophet ﷺ taught ʿĀ’ishah (رضي الله عنها) to say on Laylat al-Qadr: اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي — “O Allah, You are Pardoning and love to pardon, so pardon me.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhī, 3513; Sahih].
Women can attain Laylat al-Qadr’s blessings through duʿā’, dhikr, and Qur’an listening even if menstruating.
16. Sincere Patience (Ṣabr)
Allah says: “Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account.” [Qur’an 39:10].
Accepting temporary pause from fasting with patience and devotion is counted as ibādah.
17. Maintaining Ties of Kinship (Ṣilat al-Raḥim)
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever wishes his provision to be increased and his life to be extended, let him maintain his ties of kinship.” [Sahih al-Bukhārī, 5986; Sahih Muslim, 2557].
Ramadan is the best time to call relatives, send support, and mend relationships, which counts as worship.
