Is a Menstruating Woman Allowed to Touch the Ka'abah?

Posted by Muminah Tannous on November 25th, 2024

Going on an Umrah Journey is a beloved dream for many Muslims. This journey brings a lot of happiness and calmness to one's heart and mind. There are some fundamental questions that one needs to address to make their Umrah journey satisfactory and as per the religious traditions. One of the most important questions is: Can a menstruating woman touch the Ka’abah? Hence the answer to this question is categorical: a menstruating woman is not allowed to touch the Ka’abah. In this blog, we’ll be going to discuss what Islam & Scholars say about this.           

Understanding Menstruation in Islam

Islamic perspective defines menstruation as a natural function of a woman’s body and not a punishment or a stain of humiliation. During this time, women are not allowed to perform some of the Islamic practices such as fasting and praying. This is to provide for their well-being both physically and spiritually.

There is an unfortunate saying that a menstruating woman is unclean and unworthy or less worthy of worship, which is not the case. Islam shows that there is honor and care for a woman at this time, as everyone should understand that menstruation is a natural cycle every woman experiences.

The Debate: Touching the Ka'abah in Menstruating State

There are varying opinions among scholars about whether a menstruating woman can touch the Ka’abah. Some scholars advise against it, emphasizing the importance of ritual cleanliness. They refer to teachings in Islam that stress the need for physical purity when performing certain religious acts.

The Quran highlights this principle in Surah Al-Baqarah 2:222, where it states, Indeed, Allah loves those who purify themselves. This has led many scholars to suggest that menstruating women should avoid touching the Ka’abah.

However, other scholars argue that a woman’s spiritual intention and connection are more important than her physical state. They emphasize that women can still maintain a strong spiritual link through prayer, good deeds, and other forms of worship, even without physical contact with the Ka’abah.

Scholarly Opinions About Performing Tawaf while on Periods

Different Islamic schools of thought have varying views:

  • Hanafi and Shafi’i Schools: These schools generally advise against menstruating women touching the Ka’abah due to the emphasis on ritual cleanliness.
  • Maliki School: Also aligns with the Hanafi and Shafi’i schools, suggesting that women wait until they are clean.
  • Hanbali School: Soft approach, allowing women to engage in certain prayers but still doesn’t recommend against touching the Ka’abah.

All scholars agree that menstruating women cannot perform Tawaf in this state until they are in a state of cleanliness.

Maintaining Spiritual Connection While Menstruating

Even during menstruation, women can stay spiritually connected during Hajj and Umrah through various practices:

  • Praying: Women are permitted to enter Mosques in this state and can participate in prayers (supplications).
  • Reading the Quran: Listening or reading the Quran can be an exciting opportunity for you, and it can freshen up your connection with the religion.
  • Dua and Dhikr: Making Dua (supplication) and saying Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) can help in maintaining your spiritual connection strong.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged women to make their prayers (supplications) and spiritual practices during their menstrual periods, focusing that this will make their connection with Allah (SWT) stronger.

Conclusion

To conclude, although there are varying scholarly views as to whether a woman on her menses may touch the Ka’abah, the main focus is on attaining khushoo’ and purpose. Thus, it is inappropriate to consider menstruation as an obstacle to worship, but it is simply a normal occurrence in life and has its own rules that relate to it.

By understanding and respecting the rules & regulations implemented because of this state on a woman, she can ensure to perform Umrah or Hajj journey with comfort and ease. The main is doing worship with focus and devotion, and Allah (SWT) rewards all good intentions and efforts.

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Muminah Tannous

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Muminah Tannous
Joined: February 15th, 2020
Articles Posted: 76

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