Is Praying Mandatory for Women Who Have Extreme Menstrual Pain? (Shafi’i)

Answered by Ustadha Raidah Shah Idil

Question: Assalam aleykum,

I have pre-menstrual pain that is so intense that I can barely walk straight. It has gotten so bad to the extent that I only get up from my bed for food. Is prayer indeed mandatory for me in this case?

Answer: Assalamualaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

I pray this finds you well. May Allah reward you for reaching out to us.

Menstrual pain

Dear sister, you are in a tremendous amount of pain. Pain is a sign from your body that something is amiss, and needs your attention.

Have you seen a gynaecologist for help? Please see your doctor. I urge you to also consult complementary therapists such as a naturopath, homeopath, Ayurvedic practitioner, or a TCM (traditional Chinese Medicine) doctor.

Ayurvedic Remedy for Menstrual Cramps
Period Back Pain Relief

Prayer

Narrated `Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) Allah’s Messenger (upon him be blessings adn peace) said, “No calamity befalls a Muslim but that Allah expiates some of his sins because of it, even though it were the prick he receives from a thorn.” [Bukhari]

In short, yes, prayer is still obligatory upon you. I cannot stress upon you how important it is still for you to strive to uphold your prayer, even while you are in immense pain. May Allah reward you for persisting, out of love for and obedience to Him. Please do your very best, even if you are sitting or lying down.

When you are not in any pain, I urge you to perform the Prayer of Need. Beg Allah to send you healing, and the gift of prayer without pain.

Spiritual nourishment

Nourish your heart with a SeekersHub course, podcasts and/or lessons sets.

When your connection to Allah is stronger, then it is easier to bear physical pain. I pray that Allah eases your suffering, and rewards you for striving to uphold your prayer.

Please see:

A Reader on Patience and Reliance on Allah

Wassalam,

[Ustadha] Raidah Shah Idil

Ustadha Raidah Shah Idil has spent almost two years in Amman, Jordan, where she learned Shafi’i’ fiqh, Arabic, Seerah, Aqeedah, Tasawwuf, Tafsir and Tajweed. She continues to study with her Teachers in Malaysia and online through SeekersHub Global. She graduated with a Psychology and English degree from University of New South Wales, was a volunteer hospital chaplain for 5 years and has completed a Diploma of Counselling from the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors. She lives in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with her husband, daughter, and mother-in-law.