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The issue of whether a woman can read the Qur’an during her menses is another topic of varying opinion among Islamic scholars.
Hanafi and Hanbali Schools: The majority of scholars, particularly from the Hanafi and Hanbali schools, hold that a menstruating woman should not recite the Qur’an, either from memory or by touching the physical Qur’an.
Scholars who support this view often cite a hadith that states: “Neither a menstruating woman nor a person in a state of janabah should recite anything from the Qur’an” (reported in some collections, though the authenticity is debated). They also emphasize the importance of maintaining the sanctity of the Qur’an.
Maliki and Shafi’i Schools: Scholars from the Maliki and Shafi’i schools generally permit a menstruating woman to read the Qur’an if there is a need, such as for study, teaching, or to avoid forgetting what she has memorized. However, they advise avoiding touching the Qur’an directly, recommending instead to use a barrier, such as gloves or a cloth, or to recite from memory or using digital devices. These scholars argue that the need to maintain one’s connection to the Qur’an, especially for those who teach or are memorizing it, justifies this permissibility.
Some Contemporary Scholars: Some contemporary scholars argue that there is no clear, authentic evidence prohibiting a menstruating woman from reading the Qur’an. They point out that the hadiths often cited in this context are weak or not conclusively prohibitive. They advocate for allowing women to continue their regular recitation, mainly since menstruation is a natural condition that occurs regularly. These scholars emphasize the importance of maintaining a spiritual connection with the Qur’an and argue that preventing women from reciting the Qur’an for a significant portion of their lives (due to regular menstruation) is not in line with the objectives of Islamic law.
It is best to avoid this difference of opinion by avoiding touching the Quran physically and reading it from digital devices during her menses.
