Key points
- Haiz pauses some acts of worship, not your connection to Allah.
- Dhikr, dua, salawat, istighfar, charity and learning all remain open and rewarded.
- Rest and care for your body are part of the mercy of these rulings.
A pause, not a disconnection
Following the rulings of haiz is itself obedience to Allah. When you leave prayer because He told you to, you are worshipping Him. Many women feel distant during their period; it helps to remember that the excuse is from Allah. The Prophet ﷺ said that when a person falls ill or travels, the good deeds they used to do are still written for them (Bukhari), and scholars mention that a woman excused by haiz can hope for the same.
Worship that stays open
- Dhikr: SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaha illa Allah, Allahu Akbar.
- Istighfar and salawat on the Prophet ﷺ.
- Dua at any time, including the times of prayer.
- Listening to the Quran, reading tafsir and Islamic books.
- Charity, kindness and service to family and others.
- Learning: a good time to study the fiqh of your own worship.
Duas for wellbeing
There is no special dua for menstruation, but general duas from the Sunnah fit well:
- Allahumma inni as'alukal-'afiyah: "O Allah, I ask You for wellbeing" (Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah).
- Hasbunallahu wa ni'mal wakil: "Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best disposer of affairs" (Quran 3:173).
- Ya Hayyu ya Qayyum, bi rahmatika astaghith: "O Living, O Sustainer, by Your mercy I seek help" (Tirmidhi).
Caring for your body
Rest when you need to, drink enough water and eat well. Gentle walking or stretching can ease cramps; a hot water bottle helps many women. If pain is severe or bleeding is very heavy or long, see a doctor: conditions such as endometriosis or fibroids are common and treatable.
Low moods
Mood changes before and during a period are common. Be gentle with yourself, tell the people close to you what helps, and keep small acts of worship going. If low mood is severe or lasts beyond your period, speak to a doctor. See also PMS from an Islamic perspective.
This guide is educational and follows mainstream Hanafi positions. For your own situation, please consult a qualified scholar. See the disclaimer, the glossary and how rulings are worked out.