Ramadan is a time of immense spiritual renewal, devotion, and seeking closeness to Allah. However, for women who are unable to fast due to menstruation, pregnancy, or postpartum recovery, it can sometimes feel like they are missing out on the full experience of the blessed month. We’ve put together a useful guide to help you navigate these states of being, and have a great end to Ramadan if you are experiencing them!

As a starting point, it is important to know that  Ramadan is about much more than just fasting. There are numerous ways to engage in worship and maximise the spiritual benefits of Ramadan, even when one cannot fast.

Understanding the ruling: Why some women are exempt from fasting

Islam, in its wisdom and mercy, recognises that fasting is not always possible for everyone. Women who are on their menstrual cycle, pregnant, or recovering from childbirth (nifas) are excused from fasting due to the physical toll it may take on their bodies. 

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“Is it not the case that when she menstruates, she does not pray and does not fast? That is from the decree of Allah concerning the daughters of Adam.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)

From a fiqhi (jurisprudential) perspective, the four major schools of thought – Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali – agree that menstruating and postpartum women must not fast and must make up the missed fasts later (qada). 

However, for pregnant and breastfeeding women, the rulings differ:

• Hanafi school: A pregnant or breastfeeding woman who fears harm to herself or her child is permitted to miss the fast and must later make it up (qada) without expiation.
• Maliki and Shafi’i schools: If a woman fears harm for herself or her child, she must make up the fasts later, and if the fear is for the child alone, she must make up the fasts and pay fidya (feeding a poor person per missed day).
• Hanbali school: If the woman fears harm for herself, she makes up the fast without fidya, but if the concern is for the child, she both makes up the fast and gives fidya.

Recognising these allowances should remove any guilt associated with missing the fasts. Instead, women can focus on the alternative acts of worship that still carry immense rewards.

Acts of worship to engage in during Ramadan

Even when unable to fast, women can continue to engage deeply with Ramadan in meaningful ways. Here are some key ways to remain connected to the blessings of the month.

Increase in Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah)

One of the simplest yet most powerful forms of worship is dhikr. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“Shall I not inform you of the best of your deeds, which is the purest to your King, raises your ranks, is better for you than spending gold and silver, and is better for you than meeting your enemy and striking their necks?” They said, “Of course!” He said, “Remembrance of Allah (dhikr).” (Tirmidhi)

Repeating phrases like SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaha illa Allah, and Allahu Akbar throughout the day can fill the heart with peace and devotion.

There are incredible rewards associated with these remembrances and some fantastic apps that make them easy. Life with Allah is a fantastic initiative that has created perhaps the most outstanding one of all — we encourage all sisters to download it!

Reciting and reflecting on the Qur’an

While menstruating women are traditionally restricted from touching a physical mushaf (according to the majority of scholars), they can still recite the Qur’an from memory, listen to its recitation, and reflect on its meanings. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“The best of you are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)

Women can also engage in tafsir (Qur’anic exegesis), learning the deeper meanings behind the verses to strengthen their connection to the Book of Allah.

Making Du’a (Supplication)

Ramadan is a time when du’as are readily accepted, especially before breaking the fast, during the last third of the night, and on Laylatul Qadr. Women should seize these moments to ask Allah for forgiveness, guidance, and blessings in their lives. Allah says:

“And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me.” (Quran 2:186)

Charity and acts of kindness

Giving in charity is a noble act that holds immense reward, particularly in Ramadan. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“The best charity is that given in Ramadan.” (Tirmidhi)

Women can donate to those in need, sponsor iftar meals, or support humanitarian projects. Even small acts of kindness, such as helping family members, cooking for others, or offering words of encouragement, are rewarded in the sight of Allah.

Attending Islamic classes and increasing knowledge

Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim. Ramadan provides an opportunity to attend online lectures, listen to Islamic podcasts, or read beneficial books on Islamic history, tafsir, and fiqh. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“When Allah wishes good for someone, He bestows upon him the understanding of the religion.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)

Women can dedicate time each day to learning something new about their faith and applying it in their daily lives.

Making the most of the last ten nights

The last ten nights of Ramadan hold immense blessings, especially with the presence of Laylatul Qadr, the Night of Decree, which is better than a thousand months (Quran 97:3). Even if unable to fast or pray, women can still engage in:

• Du’a and seeking forgiveness
• Reading through the seerah (life of the Prophet Muhammad peace and blessings be upon him)
• Listening to the Qur’an and making dhikr
• Giving charity
• Encouraging family members in their worship

Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that she asked the Prophet (peace be upon him), “O Messenger of Allah, if I know which night is Laylatul Qadr, what should I say?” He said:

“Say: ‘O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love to forgive, so forgive me.'” (Tirmidhi)

Embracing the mercy of Ramadan

Ramadan is a time of spiritual elevation, and fasting is just one of many ways to draw closer to Allah. Women who are unable to fast should not feel discouraged, as there are countless other ways to gain reward and benefit from this blessed month. 

Through dhikr, Qur’an reflection, du’a, charity, seeking knowledge, and engaging in acts of kindness, they can still experience the essence of Ramadan and attain immense spiritual growth.

May Allah accept our worship, grant us closeness to Him, and allow us all to emerge from Ramadan as better, more spiritually refined individuals. Ameen.