“When they have their period, women are exempt from fasting but can make up the number of days missed at…”
Ramadan is a time of spirituality and sharing for Muslims. But for women who menstruate, the instructions can sometimes seem vague and raise questions. Can they fast despite everything? Or catch up later? Our two experts enlighten us.
What are the instructions for Ramadan during your period? When to resume?
Ramadan corresponds to one of the five pillars of Islam and is therefore obligatory for Muslims in good health and able to practice it. “When they have their period, women are exempt from fasting but can make up the number of days missed at the end of the month of Ramadan“, explains Mah Simpara, vice-president of Lallab, a feminist and anti-racist association.
Why can’t a woman who is menstruating do Ramadan?
“There is no no clear and consensual explanation on why women don’t fast during their periods. There is thus a plurality of interpretations depending on where we are in the world, the societal or family model.“, specifies Mah Simpara. Authorization not to fast may be due to health reasons: the physical condition is sometimes weakened by menstruation and related pain (endometriosis, PCOS etc.).”This is a way for them to be able to rest during this more complicated physical period and not increase fatigue”. But it can also be due to the idea that periods are impure. In their article on the subject, the members of Lallab point out this taboo which is still too present within religion but also within society and denounce: “Because of these ideas, many menstruators find themselves ostracized during Ramadan.” Indeed, Mah Simpara deplores the fact that many Muslim women “must justify themselves, specify that they are having their period which can pose a problem in certain families or communities while it is commonly accepted not to fast when a person is sick or has a medical contraindicatione”. She also says that “some menstruating people deprive themselves of breakfast“or pretend to pray or practice Ramadan normally”so as not to be forced to answer questions, to expose their privacy“ or face judgment. Of course, this is not systematic and the problem does not arise in many families.
What are the risks of fasting during your period?
In terms of health, you should know that during your period, “the body spends more energy“and menstruating women can be”more at risk of having an episode of hypoglycemia and suffering from dehydration”assures Léa Lang, nutritionist. In addition, during menstruation, the body needs a iron intake to compensate for the loss of this nutrient caused by bleeding, mainly in women who have heavy periods. There may be a greater risk of anemia. Generally speaking, “Muslims are prescribed not to fast if there is a risk to their health“, says the vice-president of Lallab. But she admits that accepting this instruction is “varies from one woman to another. Some women feel very good during their periods, do not suffer from any ailments, and regret not being able to continue experiencing the dynamics of Ramadan.”
Thanks to Mah Simpara, vice-president of Lallab, feminist and anti-racist association and Léa Lang, nutritionist.
