Exploring Menstrual Leave in Islamic Jurisprudence: Cultural and Religious Perspectives

Menstruation is often stigmatized and surrounded by taboos, causing women to feel guilty about a natural bodily process. Women may find it challenging to carry out their daily activities, particularly during the first day of their period. In Islam, menstruation is regarded with great importance, and women are exempted from prayer and fasting during their periods. Proper hygiene is also emphasized. Men are prohibited from divorcing their wives during their menses, and sexual intercourse is prohibited during menstruation, for forty days after childbirth, during daylight hours in Ramadan, and during pilgrimage. This article aims to explore whether Muslim women still face menstrual stigma, including the stigma surrounding the exemption from fasting and praying during their periods. It also examines traditional restrictions placed on Muslim women and initiatives offered by Muslim countries to support working women in the corporate world. The questions are pondered for discussion; Do Muslim women still experience stigmas related to menstruation? Are they being stigmatised for not fasting and praying while women are on their periods? What are restrictions based on tradition are placed on Muslim women? What initiatives are being offered by Muslim countries to support working women in the corporate world? The research employs a qualitative method with a normative doctrinal approach, which focuses on positive legal principles outlined in statutory regulations and aims to conceptualize law as an Islamic principle in writing.