Q: Is it permissible for a menstruating woman to offer Salah (Prayer)? Is it permissible to conclude a marriage contract on the night of `Eid-ul-Adha (the Festival of the Sacrifice) or Laylat-ul-Qadr (the Night of Decree)? When is a Muslim forbidden to have sexual intercourse with his wife?

A: First, it is not permissible for a menstruating woman to offer Salah. (Part No. 19; Page No. 275) In fact, during her menstrual period, she is exempted from offering Salah and she does not have to make up for it after her period has finished. When her period finishes, she has to perform Ghusl (ritual bath) and offer Salah. Second, it is forbidden for the husband to have sexual intercourse with his wife during her menstrual period, but he may enjoy the rest of her body. He may have sexual intercourse with her on Laylat-ul-Qadr and the night of `Eid-ul-Adha except if he is Muhrim (pilgrim in the ritual state for Hajj and `Umrah). He is forbidden from having sexual intercourse with her if he is Muhrim until he makes Tahalul (removal of the ritual state for Hajj and `Umrah). For Hajj, Tahalul is made by throwing Jamarat-ul-`Aqabah (the closest stone pillar to Makkah), performing Tawaf-ul-Ifadah (final obligatory circumambulation of the Ka`bah in Hajj) and Sa`y (going between Al-Safa and Al-Marawah during Hajj and `Umrah), and shaving or shortening the hair. Similarly, a pilgrim may end his `Umrah (minor Hajj) after performing Tawaf (circumambulation of the Ka`bah) and Sa`y, and shaving or shortening the hair. The same ruling is effective if the woman is Muhrim and the husband is not. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.