Menstruating women make up fasts, but not prayers

📖Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 335
Mu’adhah reported: I asked Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, saying, “Why do menstruating women make up missed fasts but not missed prayers?” Aisha said, “We endured those menses and we were ordered to make up missed fasts, but we were not ordered to make up missed prayers.”

Explanation:
This hadith highlights Allah’s mercy and wisdom regarding women’s health. During menstruation, women are naturally excused from performing prayers because it is a time of physical vulnerability and discomfort. Making up missed prayers is not required, as Allah recognizes that menstrual cycles involve natural physical limitations.

Additionally, during this time, it is haram for men to have sexual relations with menstruating women, as emphasized in the Qur’an. Missed fasts must be made up because fasting does not impose harm in the same way, and women can fulfill this obligation once they are able.

Lesson for Today:
From this, we learn that Islam considers human health and natural limitations. Worship is not meant to be a source of harm, and allowances are provided to ensure that acts of devotion remain manageable and compassionate. It teaches us the importance of balancing religious duties with personal well-being.

Qur’anic Context:

📖Quran 2:222
“They ask you about menstruation. Say: It is harm; so keep away from women during menstruation and do not approach them until they are pure. And when they have purified themselves, then come to them as Allah has commanded you. Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves.”

📖Quran 2:185
“Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship.”

📖Quran 2:286
“And We do not burden any soul beyond that it can bear…”

These verses, along with the hadith, show Allah’s mercy: women are excused from prayer during menstruation, men are prohibited from sexual relations during this time, and acts of worship are balanced with human health and capability.