Wa alaykum salam wa rahmatuLlahi wa barakatuHu,

Fasting is unlawful for a woman who is menstruating. Imam Bukhari relates that the Prophet Muhammad said, “Is it not that when they menstruate they do not pray or fast?” (Sahih al-Bukhari v. 1, p. 86) Moreover, the Muslims have reached a consensus [ijma’] that it is unlawful for a menstruating woman to fast. (Sharh al-Muhadhdhab v. 2, p. 386; Sharh Sahih Muslim v. 4, p. 595)

As well, making up fasts missed due to a menstrual cycle is obligatory. Imam Muslim relates that the Prophet Muhammad would command women who had menses to make up the fasts. (Sahih Muslim v. 4, p. 594-95) Additionally, the Muslims have reached a consensus [ijma’] that Ramadan fasts missed due to a menstrual period must be made up. (Sharh al-Muhadhdhab v. 2, p. 386; Sharh Sahih Muslim v. 4, p. 595)

To our knowledge there is no dissenting view on the matter. Thus, both ijma’ and clear, well-authentic hadith are definitive evidence that a woman must make up her Ramadan fasts missed because of her menstrual period.

And Allah knows best.

Shafiifiqh.com Fatwa Dept.