Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Would it be permitted for a woman to recite such suras as Sura Ikhlas, Sura Nas, Sura Falaq (as is recommended to do so thrice, in the morning and at night) as well as Ayatul Kursi? Personally it is a habit of mine to recite these suras throughout the day; would I be able to do so while having menses?
Walaikum assalam,
If someone has the habit of reciting Ayat al-Kursi and the four Quls [= Surat al-Kafirun, al-Ikhlas, al-Falaq, and al-Nas], or the noble Fatiha to seek protection, such as in the morning and night or before going to sleep, for example, it is permitted if done with the intention of supplication (dua,) not with the intention of Qur’anic recital.
When this is done simply with the intention of supplication, seeking baraka, and the like, it is not disliked or even better not to do, as major Hanafi fuqaha have clarified. [Imam al-Tahanawi, Imdad al-Fatawa, vol 1.]
This is supported by what Hanafi scholars mention in the main classical texts:
Ibn Abidin states,
“If she [=the woman in a state of hayd] recites the Fatiha with the intention of supplication (dua) or anything of the Qur’anic verses that carry the meaning of dua, and does not intend to be reciting the Qur’an itself, there is nothing wrong with it. As for that which does not carry the meaning of supplication, such as Surat Abu Lahab, then intending other than the Qur’an is of no consequence.” [Radd al-Muhtar]
Imam al-Shurunbulali said in his Maraqi al-Falah,
“In a state of menstruation or post-natal bleeding, it is forbidden to… recite the Qur’an, except with the intention of dhikr.”
Imam Ahmad al-Tahtawi comments in his Hashiyat Maraqi al-Falah,
“(His saying, ‘except with the intention of dhikr’)
That is, or praise or supplication, if the verses contain such a meaning, then there is nothing wrong with it according to the soundest position.”
And Allah knows best, and He alone gives guidance and success. And we send the best of blessings and the most perfect of peace on the Messenger of Allah, upon whom Allah and His angels send blessings and peace unceasing.
Wassalam,
Faraz Rabbani
Amman, Jordan