Fatwa ID: 05235

Answered by: Alimah Fatima Begum 

Question

My child is 9 years old. What rules apply for menses? Does she have to fast as she is in primary school they will not allow her to fast? She’s learning to read the Quran. Is she allowed to recite it? 

In the name of Allah the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

Answer

When a young girl (aged 9 or above) experiences menses, she is now obliged with all duties of Islam, and her actions from this day onward will be accounted for. Hence, all obligations of prayer, fasting, etc. are now expected from her. She must fast in the month of Ramadan and if she does not do so, she will be sinful.

If her school is not allowing her, it is your responsibility as a parent to speak to the Head and explain that this is a religious obligation. Inform them of the health benefits of fasting and clarify that we are not starving ourselves, but we can only eat during restricted times during this month. Try getting together with other Muslim parents and as a group, discuss this with the School. If you feel they will not agree, you can try to take her home during her lunch break where she can rest and pray, etc. If there is no other way around it, and you have tried everything, allow her to eat on school days only, but you must know that these fasts have to be made up for as they were compulsory.

In regards to the recitation of the Quran, this is not permissible during menstruation.

Only Allah knows best.

Written by Alimah Fatima Begum 

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham