By Muhammad Habibat Sani.
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| Image by liyaquath ali koottakkil from Pixabay |
Ramadan is that special time of year when Muslims across Nigeria and the world turn their hearts to Allah, fasting from dawn to dusk, praying extra prayers, and seeking forgiveness and blessings. It’s a month of spiritual growth, community bonding, and personal reflection. But for many women, there’s a quiet struggle that comes with it—menstruation. When your period shows up during Ramadan, it can feel like a roadblock, a moment where you’re sidelined from the fasting and prayers everyone else is doing.
If you’re a Nigerian Muslim woman, you might even feel that pang of guilt or frustration, wondering how to stay connected to the blessings of the month. But here’s the truth: menstruation doesn’t cut you off from Ramadan’s goodness. It’s a natural part of life Allah created, and with the proper knowledge and approach, you can still make the most of this holy month.
Understanding the Islamic Perspective
In Islam, women who are menstruating are excused from fasting and praying during Ramadan. This isn’t a punishment—it’s a mercy. The Qur’an, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:222), describes menstruation as a state of impurity, and Allah, in His infinite wisdom, lifts the burden of fasting and Salah from women during this time.
Islamic scholars, drawing from Hadiths, explain that this exemption eases your physical and emotional load. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, as narrated by Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), that a menstruating woman should not fast but must make up for the missed days later. This ruling, as included in Sahih Bukhari and Muslim, isn’t about exclusion but care.
For Nigerian Muslim women, though, it can feel bittersweet. You might see your brothers, husbands, or friends fasting and heading to the mosque for Tarawih while you remain home, maybe battling cramps or fatigue. It’s easy to feel left out, especially in a country where Ramadan is a big communal affair—iftars together, Quran recitations in every corner, and that electrifying buzz of faith. But don’t let that get you down. There is so much more you can do to keep your spirit high and your connection to Allah strong.
Facing the Challenges Head-On
Menstruation during Ramadan comes with its set of challenges, and in Nigeria, these can hit differently. For one, the physical side, cramps, headaches, or that heavy feeling can make it difficult to join in the usual Ramadan energy. Add the heat of places like Kano, Sokoto, or Maiduguri, and it’s no small matter. Then there’s the emotional part. Some women feel a quiet sadness, like they are missing out on the experience. In tight-knit communities, you might even have to dodge eating or drinking in front of others to avoid questions, especially if menstruation is still a hush-hush topic in your family.
Practical challenges are real too. Access to clean water and good sanitation isn’t always guaranteed, especially in rural areas or crowded cities like Lagos. Managing hygiene with limited resources can be stressful, and period poverty, where pads or sanitary products are hard to find, makes it more difficult. A 2022 World Economic Forum report noted that many Nigerian girls lose school days due to menstruation, and during Ramadan, this struggle can spill over into how women feel about their spiritual participation.
But here’s the good news: these challenges don’t have to define your Ramadan. With proper planning and a shift in mindset, you can turn this time into something beautiful.
Practical Ways to Thrive During Ramadan
So, how do you make Ramadan count when you’re on your period? Plenty of ways! Islam doesn’t shut the door on worship; it opens different ones. Here’s how Nigerian Muslim women can stay in the game:
1. Dive into Dhikr and Du’a
You can’t pray Salah, but you can fill your days with remembrance of Allah. Recite “SubhanAllah,” “Alhamdulillah,” and “Allahu Akbar” as often as you can—33 times each after every prayer time if you like, even though you're not praying—that's to keep count. Make du’a too; pour your heart out. Ramadan’s nights, especially the last ten, are prime time for answered prayers. Whether you’re asking for strength, healing, or blessings for yourself and your family, Allah is listening.
2. Read or Listen to the Qur’an
There's some debate among scholars about touching the Qur’an during menstruation, but many agree you can listen to recitations—on your phone, radio, or at the mosque; this is simplified since it's a global world where hundreds of Quran applications exist. In Nigeria, where Qur’anic recitation is everywhere, especially Ramadan Tafseers, tune in. If you’re comfortable, read translations or tafseer (explanations) to deepen your understanding. It’s a way to stay close to the book without breaking any rules.
3. Cook and Share
Ramadan is about community, and food is a big part of that. Use your energy to prepare iftar meals for your family or neighbours. In places where communal eating is a tradition, your jollof rice or tuwo could be a blessing for someone fasting. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said feeding a fasting person brings reward—so you’re still in on the action.
4. Learn and Teach
Got kids or younger siblings? Sit them down and share stories of the Prophet or lessons from the Qur’an. Host a small halaqah (study circle) with other women who aren’t fasting. Knowledge is worship, and in Nigeria, where Islamic education thrives, this is a golden chance to grow.
5. Manage Your Body Well
Stay hydrated and eat well when you’re not fasting; fruits like watermelon, common in Nigerian markets, can keep you strong. Use clean water and affordable pads to stay comfortable. Rest when you need to; Allah’s mercy isn’t about pushing yourself to breaking point.
Breaking the Silence in Nigeria
One big hurdle is the stigma around menstruation. In many Nigerian homes, it’s still a topic whispered about, not shouted. During Ramadan, this can make women feel ashamed to admit they’re not fasting, especially in front of men. But it shouldn’t be. Menstruation is natural, not dirty, and Islamic rulings back that up. It’s why you’re excused, not banned.
Sisters, talk about it. Educate your brothers, fathers, or husbands if they don’t get it. A 2018 BBC report highlighted Muslim women globally tackling period shaming during Ramadan, and Nigerian women can lead this charge too. Imagine a Ramadan where no woman hides her glass of water from her family out of fear—it starts with us speaking up.
Looking Ahead: A Ramadan for All
Amid Ramadan 2025, let’s reframe menstruation not as a setback but as a season of different blessings. You’re not out of the picture; you’re just playing a different role. You can make this month yours. As Islam teaches, make up your missed fasts later and trust that Allah sees every effort.
Nigerian Muslim women are strong, resourceful,
and faithful. Menstruation during Ramadan isn’t a wall; it’s a window. Open it
with dhikr, kindness, and courage, and watch how Allah fills your days with
light. Naija no dey carry last, even in worship.
Muhammad Habibat Sani is a Nigerian journalist, poet, humanitarian, and aesthetic photographer from Sokoto State, currently based in Abuja. She is a 500-level Law student at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
You can connect with her on social media:
Facebook: Muhammad Habibat Sani (UmmuYasmeen)
Instagram: Ummu.yasmeen1
Twitter/X: Muhammad Sani Habibat