Can I Read Qur'an During My Period?

This question weighs on many Muslim women. Here's what the scholars say — clearly and without judgement.

Why This Question Matters So Deeply

For many Muslim women, the days of ḥayḍ can feel like a spiritual pause — especially for those who have a daily relationship with the Qur'an. Whether you're a ḥāfiẓah maintaining your memorisation, a student studying for exams, or simply someone who finds peace in recitation, the question of whether you can engage with the Qur'an during your period is deeply personal.

The good news is that the scholars have addressed this question thoroughly, and there is more room than many women realise. Let's look at what each school of thought says.

Rulings by Madhhab

The four madhhabs hold different positions on Qur'anic recitation during ḥayḍ, and understanding the reasoning behind each helps you follow your school with confidence:

Ḥanafī: Reciting Qur'an aloud (tilāwah) is not permitted during ḥayḍ. However, there is an important nuance: reading Qur'anic verses with the intention of duʿāʾ — rather than recitation — is permitted. For example, reciting "Rabbana ātinā fī al-dunyā ḥasanah" as a supplication is allowed. Many contemporary Ḥanafī scholars also distinguish between reciting aloud and reading from a digital screen, with some permitting the latter.

Mālikī: The Mālikī school is the most lenient on this matter. A menstruating woman may recite Qur'an — and this permission is given precisely to prevent her from forgetting what she has memorised. Imām Mālik رحمه الله held that there is no authentic, explicit prohibition of Qur'anic recitation during ḥayḍ.

Shāfiʿī: Recitation is not permitted during ḥayḍ. However, Shāfiʿī scholars have discussed whether looking at the muṣḥaf and reading silently in one's heart — without moving the lips — constitutes "recitation." Some permit this, as the prohibition is specifically on articulated recitation (talaffuẓ).

Ḥanbalī: The official Ḥanbalī position restricts recitation during ḥayḍ. However, Shaykh al-Islām Ibn Taymiyyah — one of the most prominent Ḥanbalī scholars — held that there is no strong evidence for the prohibition and permitted recitation, especially when there is a need, such as for a teacher, student, or one who fears forgetting. This is a well-known minority view within the school.

What About Reading from a Phone or App?

This is one of the most frequently asked contemporary questions, and scholars have given it careful thought. The majority of scholars across all four schools distinguish between a physical muṣḥaf (the printed Qur'an) and a digital device. Since a phone, tablet, or app is not technically a muṣḥaf, the restriction on touching the muṣḥaf without wuḍūʾ does not apply to a screen.

For schools that restrict recitation (as opposed to just touching), the device distinction alone may not resolve the question — since the restriction is on articulating the words, not on what medium they're displayed on. However, for schools that only restrict touching, reading from a phone is generally permitted.

Many contemporary scholars — including from the Ḥanafī and Ḥanbalī traditions — have issued fatwas permitting Muslim women to read Qur'an from apps and screens during menstruation, particularly for the purposes of learning, memorisation, and maintaining one's ḥifẓ.

What You Can Always Do

Regardless of your madhhab, the following are unanimously permitted during ḥayḍ:

Listen to Qur'an recitation — from a speaker, app, or in a gathering. There is complete scholarly agreement on this.

Make duʿāʾ using Qur'anic words — such as "Rabbanā ẓalamnā anfusanā" with the intention of supplication.

Read tafsīr and study Qur'anic meanings — engaging with the meaning of the Qur'an is encouraged at all times.

Engage in dhikr — SubḥānAllāh, Alḥamdulillāh, Allāhu Akbar, ṣalawāt upon the Prophet ﷺ, and istighfār are all beloved acts of worship with no restrictions.

Reflect on and ponder Qur'anic themes — contemplation (tadabbur) of the Qur'an's message is an act of worship in itself.

Your period does not pause your faith. It simply redirects some of its expressions. The heart that yearns for the Qur'an is already in a beautiful state of worship.

How Noor Keeps You Spiritually Connected

During ḥayḍ, Noor provides daily duʿāʾ rotations, dhikr suggestions, and spiritual reflections tailored to your state — so you never feel spiritually adrift. Based on your chosen madhhab, Noor shows you exactly which forms of worship are available to you, including any permissions around Qur'anic engagement that your school allows.

When your period ends and purity is confirmed, Noor notifies you immediately — so you can return to your full worship routine with clarity and confidence.

This guide is based on established scholarly positions across the four madhhabs. For personal certainty or complex situations, we always recommend consulting a trusted scholar.

Want to stay spiritually connected during your period?

Noor offers daily duʿāʾ, dhikr, and worship guidance — even when prayer is paused.

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