With the spirit and excitement of Ramadan dawning on us, there is always that bickering feeling in the pit of your stomach; that thought that bugs you in the back of your mind. It is the reminder of that moment in Ramadan when your ‘spiritual high’ declines due to your inability to perform acts of worship you could otherwise perform when not on your menses.

Most women feel their level of commitment and enthusiasm drop during this period and in turn can lead to frustration. We feel like we are unable to reap the benefits of the greater acts of worship like everybody else around us.

Indeed, we must remind ourselves that Allah SWT has created a religion of perfection. Having your menses does not mean that there is nothing else you can do to maintain closeness to Allah SWT.

It is not a punishment, but rather, part of the package of blessings Allah SWT has bestowed upon us. Refraining from your prayer and fast can in fact be considered
an act of worship, as you are refraining from doing so for the sake of Allah SWT and with the intention of following His command.

Another crucial point to remember is that in Ramadan, it is not the spiritual high we should be pursuing, but rather seeking Allah SWT and running after Him.

Attaining a ‘high’ will only last so long whether during the blessed month or out of it. It is only natural that our hearts fluctuate. As Sr. Yasmin Mogahed states, “you can only run in one direction. So, you are either running to God, or you are running to something else”.

Therefore, so long as you are seeking Allah SWT, then you will find Him in all that you do, even if that ‘high’ and spiritual feeling does not manifest itself the way you would like.

On your path to seeking Allah SWT, remember these few tips and acts of worship you can look forward to and benefit from when you are on your menses and are unable to perform your prayers, fasts or i’tikaaf:

1. Increase your dhikr

2. Increase Dua

3. Feed others (feeding the fasting is great in reward)

4. Gain Islamic knowledge – use the time you are unable to pray, to read up more on the religion

5. Increase your charity

6. Make your responsibilities a form of worship, for example, looking after your child/ren and cooking for your family

7. Listen to the Qur’an 8. Increase in repentance

Although you may feel as though you are missing out at times, following the above tips will benefit you greatly and in sha Allah you will reap the rewards of your struggle on the Day of Judgment.

F.D