Q. May I ask whether a woman can put her elbows on the floor during prostration in prayer, and whether she can read the QurÂ’an when she is in her period?
(Name and address withheld)
A. A woman is advised to bring her body together when she prostrates in prayer, which means that she should not put her arms or legs wide apart. Putting oneÂ’s elbows on the floor is not the proper position for man or woman. The Prophet describes prostration as putting seven bones on the floor. These are the forehead, the palms, the knees and the toes.
The majority of scholars agree that a woman should not read the Qur’an when she is in her period. The same applies to a man when he is in the state of ceremonial impurity, or janabah. The Prophet is quoted as saying: “I do not permit reading the Qur’an to a woman in menstruation or a man in ceremonial impurity.” However, some Hadith scholars cast doubt on this Hadith, describing it as lacking in authenticity. It is more advisable to avoid reading the Qur’an during menstruation, except where a verse is quoted in a book one is reading. A woman may engage in God’s glorification and praises at any time. |