1. No Restrictions on Cooking, Touching, or Daily Activities During Menstruation
Many ancient and modern societies place strict taboos on menstruating women, restricting their movement, interactions, and even basic actions like cooking and touching others.
Hinduism & Other Religions
In Hinduism, women on their period are considered “impure” and are forbidden from cooking food, touching others, or even entering the kitchen or temples.
In some orthodox Jewish traditions, women cannot touch their husbands during menstruation and must take a ritual bath (Mikvah) before resuming normal life.
In some parts of Christianity, menstruating women were historically considered unclean and were not allowed to enter churches or participate in religious activities.
Islam’s Approach: No Social Restrictions
Islam rejects these beliefs and treats menstruation as a natural bodily function, not something impure or shameful. Muslim women can:
Cook food Touch their family members Eat and drink with others Engage in daily activities Go about life normallyThe Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:
The only restrictions Islam places during menstruation are:Menstruation is something that Allah has ordained for the daughters of Adam. (Bukhari)
Women do not pray or fast, as an act of mercy to ease discomfort. They do not touch the Quran directly, though they can read and listen to it.But they can engage in supplication (Dua), do charity, seek knowledge, and even attend gatherings.
Aisha (RA) narrated:
This clearly proves that a menstruating woman is not impure, and she can live normally without any restrictions.The Prophet (pbuh) would recline in my lap and recite the Quran while I was on my period. (Bukhari)
2. Muslim Women Can Cook and Work Freely
Unlike some religions that restrict women from entering the kitchen or touching food, Islam allows full freedom for women to cook, serve food, and take care of their families at all times, including during menstruation.
The Prophet (pbuh) ate food prepared by menstruating women and never considered them impure.In fact, Islam encourages men to help in household chores and does not make cooking a “woman’s duty”. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) helped with cooking and housework himself.
Aisha (RA) was asked about the Prophet’s activities at home:
This shows that Islam encourages both men and women to share responsibilities, unlike some cultures where women are expected to handle all housework alone.He used to serve his family and do housework. But when the time for prayer came, he would go out to pray.(Bukhari)
3. No Restrictions on Social Interactions
In some traditions, women are forbidden from touching others, even their husbands, during menstruation. Islam does not impose such restrictions.
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) would affectionately interact with his wives during their periods, showing that there is no concept of impurity.In contrast, some religious traditions impose:
No touching spouses during menstruation (Judaism) No sitting in the same space as others (Hinduism) No participation in religious gatherings (Certain Christian sects)Islam completely rejects such ideas and treats women as normal individuals, regardless of their menstrual cycle.
4. Muslim Women Can Work, Own Businesses, and Be Leaders
While some traditions restrict women to household duties only, Islam allows women to work, own businesses, and be leaders.
The Prophet’s wife Khadijah (RA) was a successful businesswoman, proving that women can engage in trade and financial independence.
Women in Islam have historically been:
Scholars and teachers (Aisha RA taught many companions) Businesswomen (Khadijah RA was one of the wealthiest in Makkah) Warriors and leaders (Nusaybah RA fought in battles) Leaders and governors during the time of Shajar al-Durr's rule over Egypt.This proves that Islam values women as intelligent, capable individuals who can contribute to society.
Conclusion: Islam Gave Muslim Women More Freedom Than Other Religions
Unlike Hinduism, Orthodox Judaism, and Christianity, Islam does not consider women impure during menstruation. Muslim women can cook, work, and interact with others normally."In Islam, menstruation is recognized as a natural biological function and is neither considered a form of punishment nor a source of impurity." Islam gave women financial and social independence long before modern feminism.While some cultures still impose outdated restrictions on women, Islam granted them freedom and respect over 1400 years ago.