General Approach
In Islam, menopause is not specifically addressed in the
Qur'an or the Hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad). However,
the Islamic tradition places great emphasis on respecting and honoring elderly
women, and this includes women who have reached menopause.
In the Islamic tradition, menopause is seen as a natural
part of a woman's life cycle, and it is considered to be a stage of wisdom and
experience. Menopausal women are respected for their life experience and wisdom,
and they are valued for their contributions to society.
Islam also teaches that women should take care of their
health and well-being throughout their lives, including during menopause.
Menopausal women are encouraged to seek medical care if they experience any
health issues related to menopause, and to take care of their mental and
emotional health as well.
Sunni and Shia Islam
Both Sunni and Shia Islam recognize menopause as a normal
and natural phase of a woman's life. In Sunni Islam, older women are typically
highly respected and valued for their wisdom and life experience. Islamic
teachings emphasize the importance of showing kindness and respect to elders,
and there are many stories and examples in Islamic history that illustrate the
high regard in which older women were held.
Similarly, in Shia Islam, older women are also highly
respected and valued for their contributions to society and their families.
There are many examples of older women in Islamic history who played important
roles in the community and who were respected for their knowledge and wisdom.
However, it is important to note that cultural and social
attitudes towards older women may vary widely within different communities.
Some cultures may place a greater emphasis on youth and beauty, which can lead
to ageism and discrimination against older women. In general, however, both
Sunni and Shia Islam emphasize the importance of treating older women with
kindness, respect, and dignity.
In short, while there is no specific guidance in Islam
regarding menopause, the Islamic tradition emphasizes the importance of
respecting and valuing women throughout their lives, including during the
menopausal stage.
Menopause according the Qur’an
‘Such elderly women as are past the prospect of marriage,
there is no blame on them is they lay aside their (outer) garments, provided
they make no wanton display of their beauty; but it is best for them to be
modest; and Allah is One Who sees and knows all things.’ Qur’an, Surah An-Nur
24:60
This passage shared on Mission Islam’s Website refers to
the end of a woman’s childbearing years, and her general eligibility for
marriage. Similar to the medical definition of menopause, Islam recognizes that
once a full year or twelve consecutive months marked by the absence of
menstruation have passed, a woman is considered menopausal. Typically, this
occurs anywhere between ages 40 to 60, with the average age of 51. Some
localized differences may emerge based on life expectancy rates, a woman’s
personal overall health, and family history of menopause.
Menopause and the Iddah
At this point, Islam teaches the significance of the
ruling of Iddah or a mandated structure of purity that women adhere to for
varying lengths of time depending on her situation. This important topic is
well beyond the scope of this article, but bears mention because menopausal
women must follow custom, especially if she has been widowed or divorced before
she is eligible for marriage. Normally, the Iddah period is three periods of
purity between menstrual cycles.
There are different dictates according to the difference
sects within Islam, again stressing the importance of knowing the views of
menopause and women within the Muslim communities. One Website
www.shafiifiqh.com explains this view on menopause:
‘In this instance, her waiting period will also be three
months. Note should be taken that according to Shafi‘i Islamic law, and contrary
to modern medicine, a lady will only be considered menopausal once she reaches
the age of 62 lunar years.’
After learning the Islamic teachings of menopause and
their interconnections with women’s lives readers should appreciate the minor
differences in upholding social values and traditions. Menopause for Islamic
women is an end to the traditional role of raising children, but it is also a
time for women to take on new roles of mentoring younger generations and
instilling strong cultural teachings.
Sayyids and non- Sayyids
Most women stop menstruating between the ages of 45 to
55, which is called Menopause.
Sayyids (women from the progeny of our Holy Prophet
(SAWA))may see haidh up until the age of 60 as per the Lunar Calendar.
BUT Non Sayyids (a woman whose father is not a Sayyid,
even if her mother is Sayyid) may see their periods up until the age of 50 as
per the Lunar Calendar
(Which is approximately 48 ½ years Solar Calendar).
As per Imam Khomeini if a Sayyid woman sees blood after
the age of 60 Lunar years, even though the blood seen is in her days of habit
(haidh), she should consider this blood to be istihadha. She should follow all
the rulings that apply to her. (Please check the Istihadha Section to see what
type of istihadha she is experiencing).
Similarly as per Imam Khomeini if a Non Sayyid sees blood
after the age of 50 Lunar Years, even though the blood seen is in her days of
habit (haidh), she should consider this blood to be istihadha. She should
follow all the rulings that apply to her.
Scenarios (1 thru 4) as per Imam Khomeini
Scenario 1: A Non Sayyid woman who is 42 Lunar years has
been seeing blood continuously for a month. She thinks that she should have
menopause by now. What is the ruling as per Imam Khomeini?
Answer: First of all she is a Non Sayyid, she is not yet
reached to the age of 50 Lunar years, and therefore she still has time for
reaching menopause. Since she is seeing blood and is not 50 yet, she will not
be considered as having reached menopause. As a result the days of her habit
would be haidh and all the other days would be istihadha.
Scenario 2: A Non Sayyid woman who is 51 Lunar Years has
been seeing blood around the time of her days of habit (haidh). What is the
ruling as per Imam Khomeini?
Answer: After the age of 50 (Lunar) as per Islamic
Jurisprudence a Non Sayyid woman is in Menopause. If she sees any blood even
though it might have the signs of haidh etc she should consider it as
istihadha. She should follow all the rulings that apply to her.
Scenario 3: A Sayyid woman who is 55 Lunar years. She has
been seeing blood continuously for a month. She thinks that she should have
menopause by now. What is the ruling as per Imam Khomeini?
Answer: First of all she is a Sayyid, she has not yet
reached to the age of 60 Lunar years, and she still has time for reaching
menopause. Since she is seeing blood and is not 60 yet, she will not considered
as having reached menopause. As a result the days of her habit will be haidh
and all the other days will be istihadha.
Scenario 4: ASayyid woman who is 61 Lunar Years has been
seeing blood around the time of her days of habit (haidh). What is the ruling
as per Imam Khomeini?
Answer: After the age of 60 (Lunar) as per Islamic
Jurisprudence a Sayyid woman is in Menopause. If she sees any blood even though
it might have the signs of haidh etc she should consider it as istihadha. She
should follow all the rulings that apply to her. (Please check the Istihadha
section to see what type of istihadha she is experiencing).
Scenarios (5 thru 6) as per Ayatullah Seestani
Scenario 5: A Non Sayyid woman who is 52 Lunar years. She
has been seeing blood continuously for a month. She thinks that she should have
menopause by now. What is the ruling as per Ayatullah Seestani?
Answer: This woman should treat it the days of her habit
as haidh and the rest istihadha because this woman is not 60 lunar years yet.
However Ayatullah Seestani says that this woman can do Jum` in the days of
haidh, if she wishes.
Scenario 6: A Non Sayyid woman who is 61 Lunar Years has
been seeing blood around the time of her days of habit (haidh). What is the
ruling as per Ayatullah Seestani?
Answer: After the age of 60 (Lunar) as per Islamic
Jurisprudence a Non Sayyid or Sayyid woman is in Menopause. If she sees any
blood even though it might have the signs of haidh etc she should consider it
as istihadha. She should follow all the rulings that apply to her. (Please
check the Istihadha Section to see what type of istihadha she is experiencing).
Sources and Additional Information:
https://www.al-islam.org/womens-issues-made-simple-batool-s-arastu/menopause
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art37276.asp
https://www.missionislam.com/family/menopause.html
https://www.calendar-canada.ca/faq/what-does-islam-say-about-menopause