Does the coming of menses break the fast?
Yes, the coming of menses does break the fast. The Qur'an addresses this matter in Surah Al-Baqarah, stating: They question thee (O Muhammad) concerning menstruation. Say: It is an illness, so let women alone at such times and go not in unto them till they are cleansed
2:222. This verse emphasizes that during menstruation, women should be left alone, which is interpreted as indicating that they are not permitted to fast during this period.
In the hadith literature, there are also references that support this understanding. For instance, it is reported in Sahih al-Bukhari that the Prophet ﷺ said, Is it not true that when a woman is menstruating, she neither prays nor fasts? That is a deficiency in her religion
Sahih al-Bukhari 30:58. This indicates that menstruating women must make up the fasts they miss during their menstrual cycle.
Moreover, a narration from Sunan Ibn Majah states, We used to menstruate during the time of the Prophet, and he would instruct us to make up the missed fasts
Sunan Ibn Majah 8:33. This further confirms that women are required to break their fast and subsequently make up for the days missed due to menstruation.
In summary, both the Qur'an and the hadith affirm that the onset of menses invalidates a woman's fast, and she must make up for those missed days later.
Sources
-
2:222 · Al-Baqara
2:222 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
وَيَسْـَٔلُونَكَ عَنِ ٱلْمَحِيضِ ۖ قُلْ هُوَ أَذًۭى فَٱعْتَزِلُوا۟ ٱلنِّسَآءَ فِى ٱلْمَحِيضِ ۖ وَلَا تَقْرَبُوهُنَّ حَتَّىٰ يَطْهُرْنَ ۖ فَإِذَا تَطَهَّرْنَ فَأْتُوهُنَّ مِنْ حَيْثُ أَمَرَكُمُ ٱللَّهُ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلتَّوَّٰبِينَ وَيُحِبُّ ٱلْمُتَطَهِّرِينَ
They question thee (O Muhammad) concerning menstruation. Say: It is an illness, so let women alone at such times and go not in unto them till they are cleansed. And when they have purified themselves, then go in unto them as Allah hath enjoined upon you. Truly Allah loveth those who turn unto Him, and loveth those who have a care for cleanness.
-
Sahih al-Bukhari 30:58
Sahih al-Bukhari · Book 30, Hadith 58 · Narrated by Abi Sa'id
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 'Is it not true that when a woman is menstruating, she neither prays nor fasts? That is a deficiency in her religion.'
-
Sunan Ibn Majah 8:33
Sunan Ibn Majah · Book 8, Hadith 33 · Narrated by Aisha
We used to menstruate during the time of the Prophet, and he would instruct us to make up the missed fasts.
Answers are generated and checked automatically; they may still be incomplete or imperfect. For religious rulings, consult a qualified scholar.
Ask your own question →