What can I do on Laylat al-Qadr if I'm on my period?
Yes, you can still do a lot. On your period you don't pray salah or fast, but you can make dua, do dhikr, ask forgiveness, give charity, listen to the Quran and learn. Laylat al-Qadr isn't only for those who can pray, and your reward for these acts is real.
What you skip, and why it's not a loss
During menstruation, women don't pray the five prayers or extra prayers, and they don't fast. This isn't a punishment. When Aisha cried because her period came during Hajj, the Prophet ﷺ told her it is something Allah has ordained for all the daughters of Adam, and to do everything the pilgrims do except the tawaf around the Kaaba (Sahih al-Bukhari 305). The same spirit applies here: you leave out a few acts and keep the rest. See Do I have to pray while on my period?
Even on Eid, the Prophet ﷺ told women on their period to come out and take part in the good and the gathering of the believers, only keeping away from the prayer area itself (Sahih al-Bukhari 324).
What you can do on the night
- Dua: the best thing to focus on. Say the dua the Prophet ﷺ taught Aisha for this night: "Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul-'afwa fa'fu 'anni" (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 3513). Then ask for everything you need in your own words and language.
- Dhikr: SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu akbar, La ilaha illa Allah, and salawat on the Prophet ﷺ.
- Istighfar: repeat "Astaghfirullah" quietly while doing other things.
- Listen to the Quran: listening is allowed for everyone.
- Charity: give online, cook iftar for someone, or support a family in need.
- Learn: read a tafsir of Surah al-Qadr or a book about the Prophet ﷺ.
Reading the Quran on your period
Scholars differ. Most Hanafi, Shafi'i and Hanbali scholars say a menstruating woman shouldn't recite the Quran from memory or touch a printed mushaf, though she may say Quranic duas and dhikr. Many Maliki scholars allow her to recite, especially so she doesn't forget what she memorized. Many people today also read from a phone app or a translation, which most scholars treat more lightly than a mushaf. Follow the view of the teacher or school you trust.
Don't feel left out
It's normal to feel sad when your period lands on the last ten nights. Remember that Allah knows your intention, and the night is about turning to Him, which you can do fully. See What is Laylat al-Qadr and how do I find it?
- On your period you skip salah and fasting, not the night itself.
- Dua, dhikr, istighfar, charity and listening to Quran are all open to you.
- Scholars differ on reciting Quran during menstruation.
- Your sincere effort is rewarded.
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