Laylatul al-Qadr (the Night of Power or Destiny) is an extremely important night for all Muslims. It is the night in which the Holy Quran, was revealed from Allah (S.W.T.)to Prophet Muhammad (P.B.B.U.H.). It is a night worth more than 1000 days (which is more than the average lifetime of a human from his birth date to his death date). It is said that Laylatul Qadr can occur on the last 10 days (odd days) of Ramadan.
Given the importance of this night, Muslims spend the last ten days of Ramadan in increased prayer and reflection. Some Muslims practice seclusion for the last 10 days of Ramadan.
But for Muslim women who are menstruating during the last 10 days of Ramadan, their observance can be affected, and some are rightly worried. For those of you who do not know, Muslim women are not allowed to pray while menstruating. So how can Muslim women attain the benefits of Laylatul while menstruating?
While it true that she cannot pray the obligatory prayers, or the qiyaam night prayers, she can still listen to the Quran, and say dua.
The prominent Muslim scholar, Dr. Muhammad Abu Laylah, professor of the Islamic Studies & Comparative Religions at Al-Azhar Univ. states:
A menstruating woman should not perform Salah (prayer) nor touch the Qur'an, but she can make du`a' (supplication) and share with other Muslims their prayer by watching and listening to TV channels or radio stations that broadcast Tarawih prayer live.
She can ask someone to put the Mushaf on a table or a stand and read from it without touching it. She can take a cassette and listen to Qur'anic recitation.
Today, Muslim women can make use online quran recitals. She should also read religious books, and remember God through dhikr.
