Can women fast on their period?

The rule and its evidence

Scholars agree that a woman on her period (and after childbirth, during postnatal bleeding) does not fast or pray. The Prophet ﷺ mentioned this directly: when a woman menstruates, she neither prays nor fasts (Sahih al-Bukhari 304). Aisha said that in this situation they were told to make up the fasts but not the prayers (Sahih Muslim 335).

So the difference is simple: missed prayers are forgiven completely, while missed Ramadan fasts are made up later. For prayer, see Do I have to pray while on my period?

Common situations

• Period starts during the day: the fast ends at that moment, even ten minutes before sunset. You can eat and drink, and you make up that day.
• Bleeding stops at night: make the intention and fast the next day, even if you haven't had your ghusl (bath) before Fajr. Take it before praying Fajr.
• Bleeding stops during the day: you make up that day. Many scholars recommend not eating openly for the rest of it, out of respect for Ramadan; others say it's fine.
• Spotting or irregular bleeding outside your usual period may not count as a period. If you're unsure, a local scholar or a female teacher can help.

For how to tell the period is over, see When can I pray again after my period ends?

Should I hide that I'm not fasting?

You don't have to hide anything, but many women prefer to eat privately in Ramadan, especially around family. That's a personal choice. There's no sin in someone seeing you eat.

Staying connected during those days

You can still make dua, do dhikr, listen to the Quran, give charity, cook iftar for others and attend talks. Feeding a fasting person earns a reward like their fast. See What can I do on Laylat al-Qadr if I'm on my period?

What about pills to delay my period?

Some scholars allow taking medication to delay a period so you can fast all of Ramadan, if a doctor confirms it's safe for you. Others discourage it and say accepting the natural cycle is better. Always follow your doctor's advice here.