Date : 10-05-2010

Question :

What is the ruling for a menstruating woman as regards entering a Mosque?


The Answer :

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of The Worlds, and may His peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all of his family and companions.



The scholars of the four Sunnah schools are of the view that a menstruating woman is prohibited to stay in the Mosque, since Allah, The Most Exalted, Said (What means): "O ye who believe! Approach not prayers with a mind befogged, until ye can understand all that ye say,- nor in a state of ceremonial impurity (Except when travelling on the road), until after washing your whole body. " [An-Nisa'/43]. Besides, they agreed that the priority is given as regards the prohibition's degree of not entering a mosque for a menstruating woman more than a man who is in state of major ritual impurity.



In addition, the Prophet (PBUH) said (What means): "It is not permitted for a menstruating woman or one who is Junub (sexually impure) to stay in the mosque." [Abu Dawood]. Moreover, the majority of non-sunnah jurists are of the view of the aforementioned opinion and this consensus of all the above scholars and jurists indicates that Muslims shouldn't follow or consider any controversial opinions in this regard.



We expect from his Excellency, the Minster of religious affairs and Islamic endowments to command the people who is charge the courses' timing in which they are organized and women who are in menstruation period can abide by the rulings of Sharia and not contradicting with them while they are lecturing about the teachings of Sharia, rather they could give the courses as the menstruation blood is ceased or they can do that outside the Mosque so the hardship in this case is completely lift and they can proceed with their noble message. And Allah Knows Best.