Question:
Salaam Alaikum dear sister Hajjah Naziha,
I would be so grateful if you could advise on the following in terms of Hanafi fiqh:
1. Should women read or touch the Qur’an during menstruation? Is it permissible to touch/read the English only translation (without any Arabic)?
2. Should women cover their hair when reading the Qur’an even when home alone?
3. During menstruation, is it okay to recite surahs by mouth and do the first part of the daily awrad by mouth or should they be recited silently in the heart?
Answer:
Dear sister,
First of all, be aware that the angels will pray and recite on your behalf during menstruation.
1. Touching mashaf (Arabic) Holy Qur’an during menses is not accepted. The only exception is if moving the mashaf from one place to another by holding it from the cover, as the cover is not considered part of Holy Qur’an, or by wrapping with a towel or cloth. If it is English only, no Arabic, you may touch it and hold it.
2. To hold the mashaf and to read is not allowed. To read from the heart is acceptable.
3. To read with your head covered is preferable. As we cover our hair when we pray and when we go to Mecca and Madina it is better to have a cover on, for respect of the angels that accompany the Holy Qur’an and of the Holy Qur’an itself. Recite silently.
Hajjah Naziha Adil
