It is understood that fasting is equally enjoined on women by Allah.  And we should remember that Allah says He would reward those who obey Him, be they women or men. The question now arise: What should a woman who is menstruating or pregnant do during the month of Ramadan? Should she pray or keep the fast?

If a woman delivers a child, and is seeing blood, she should not either keep fast or pray.

Equally, women in menses should not keep fast or pray until they regain their health and strength.  Sura Baqara clearly states in V.222: "They ask thee concerning women's courses say: They are a hurt and a prostration. So keep away from women in their courses, and do not approach them until they are clean.  But when they have purified themselves.You may approach them as ordained for you by Allah.  For Allah loves those who turn to Him constantly: and those who keep themselves pure and clean".

Many scholars agreed that those seeing blood as a result of child delivery should be exempted from fasting and praying.  It should not be less than a few hours, because there are some women, who see blood for only a few hours and not weeks or months.

If that is the case the woman affected should start worshipping Allah immediately.  Different women have different patterns of seeing blood.  Hence the waiting period for a woman seeing blood should not exceed 40 days.  However, there are some women who believe that they should wait for 40 days before praying or fasting.  It does not apply, any moment that the blood stops, then you are obliged to either fast or pray.  According to some scholars, the Islamic Law (Shariah) does not give an exact time for the woman who has delivered to start fasting or praying.  Anytime that the blood stops, the woman is supposed to immediately start to pray and fast.

As a result of child delivery, many commentators and medical doctors have agreed that the blood should not be more than 40 days.  Imam Shafyu said the longest period that this blood can take is 60 days. However, the Prophet's companions (Sahabas) and some scholars have agreed on the 40 days. Menstruation signals maturity for child-bearing; it may start with girls, even at the age of 9 years.  But if less than 9, then it should not be regarded as a serious sickness. The majority of women could see it for only six to seven days.

Some even see it for three days. But if the menses blood is seen as a result of medicament or injection, then the lady has no excuse, and must pray or keep the fast. However, if the menses blood is seen as a result of medicament and injection, then the lady has no excuse, and pray to keep the fast.But if it is a genuine menstruation, she should perform ablution, and start praying to Allah.

We are entering the second ten days of Ramadan.  It is supposed to be the month of worshipping and prayers. Worshipping brings you closer to Allah the Almighty.  Human being  should know that there is someone who can do everything for him and that's the Creator. Apart from believing in the one and only God and the Messenger Prophet Mouhammad (SAWS), the second and important pillar of Islam, is performing prayers.  Prayers is meant to ask Allah the Almighty, for something that you need.  Allah Himself wants us to call Him in our prayers.  As stated in Sura Gafir, V.60: "And your Lord says: call on me, I will answer your prayer.  But those who are too arrogant to serve me will surely enter hell abased".

Allah said to Prophet Mouhammad (SAWS): "Tell mankind that anytime he stretches his hands to pray to Me.  I will answer his prayers no matter where you are".

It is explained in Sura BaQara V.486: "Ye shall certainly be tried and tested.

In your possessions and in yourselves.  And ye shall certainly hear much that will grieve you, from those who receive the book before you.  And from those who worship partners besides Allah. But if you persevere patiently; and guard against evil.  Then that indeed is a matter of great resolution".

There are conditions for praying.  The most important one is to eat what is lawful and good.  It is explained in a haddith by Prophet Mouhammed (SAWS) which states, Allah the Almighty is good and accepts only that which is good.  Allah has commanded the faithful to do that which is recommended. The messengers and the Almighty has said: "O ye Messenger Eat of the good things and do right.  And Allah has said: "O you who believe eat of the good things we have provided you".

Then he mentioned the case of a man who, having journeyed far: in dishevelled and dusty and who spreads out his hands in the sky say: "O Lord: O Lord! while his food is unlawful, his drink unlawful, his clothing unlawful and he is nourished unlawfully: so how can he be answered!"

It is also important to praise Allah and His Prophet Mouhammed before starting to pray.  When concluding: you recite "Salaatu Alanabi".

It is preferable to face the Qibla when praying.  Anytime you pray, Allah will accept your prayers.  However, there are exceptional times of answering your prayers, according to some scholars.

These chosen times are:

(1) Three - Quarter of the night

(2) In between the Azaan (call to prayer) and the Ihama (the start of prayer).

(3)  The third and most important is the day of Arafat (a special day of worship once every year)

(4) Thursday evening, that is the eve of Friday

(5) on Friday, the whole day or anytime is good for praying. 

(6)  When you are about to break the fast. Allah the Creator always accepts your prayers. 

(7) Lailatul Qadr (the eve of the 27th day of Ramadan.

(8) The whole month of Ramadan

(9) praying for one who has done wrong to you is quickly accepted by Allah. The Prophet said there is nothing between those prayers and Allah, it goes directly to Allah

(10) the prayer of an ill person will be accepted until he is well.

(11) praying for a friend and relative in his absence will be accepted by Allah and your prayers too will be answered.