What is the ruling regarding a menstruating who abstains from food and drink during the fasting hours of Ramadan? Some women eat very little and then fast for the rest of the day out of consideration for the sanctity of Ramadan.

Islamic law prohibits a menstruating woman from fasting during the fasting hours of Ramadan. The prohibition applies when she refrains from eating with the intention of fasting. However, if she does not eat or drink and does not intend to fast, she is not blameworthy and she is still required to make up the fasts after purification from the menstrual period.

 

The validity of a menstruating woman’s fasting in Ramadan

It is established in Islamic law that the fast of a menstruating woman is not valid, not obligatory, and prohibited, and it must be made up later.[1] This applies to both obligatory and voluntary fasts.

 

Refraining from food and drink during the fasting hours of Ramadan for a menstruating woman

Although it is established that fasting is prohibited for a menstruating woman, some scholars hold that it is recommended for her to refrain from food and drink specifically during the fasting hours of Ramadan, in imitation of those who are fasting, as this is a distinguishing feature of the month. However, others hold that it is not recommended.[2]

This recommendation applies only to those who do not intend to fast. As for those who believe that breaking the fast would entail blameworthiness, it is not prescribed for them to refrain from eating and drinking in the first place. They must accept that they are not blameworthy for doing so and comply with the ruling of Islamic law by not fasting. If this cannot be achieved except by consuming a small amount of food, then they are required to do so.

And Allah Almighty knows best.