Can a menstruating woman recite Surah Mulk from memory?

Answer: Reciting Surah Mulk from Memory During Menstruation After Isha Prayer – Hanafi Ruling

In the Hanafi school, a menstruating woman is prohibited from reciting the Qur’ān verbally, whether from memory or directly from the Mushaf. However, she may recite it in her heart (without moving her lips or tongue) and may also recite verses that are intended as supplications (du‘ā) or remembrances (dhikr)—provided they are not recited with the primary intention of tilāwah (Qur’ānic recitation).

Sūrah Mulk is a highly meritorious chapter; the Prophet ﷺ said: “There is a sūrah of thirty verses which will intercede for its reciter until he is forgiven: Sūrah Tabārak (i.e., Sūrah Mulk).” (Abū Dāwūd, Tirmidhī). It is recommended to recite it every night before sleeping. Reciting it after ‘Ishā’ as a regular practice is permissible and commendable, as long as it is not considered compulsory (wājib).

For a menstruating woman, the following applies:

1. She may not recite Sūrah Mulk aloud or even silently moving her lips with the intention of tilāwah. This is the established position of Imam Abū Ḥanīfah, Imam Abū Yūsuf, and Imam Muḥammad (Radd al-Muḥtār, 1:293; Fatāwā Hindiyyah, 1:38).

2. Exception: If she recites it with the intention of du‘ā’ (supplication) or dhikr—for example, reflecting on its meanings, seeking protection from the punishment of the grave, or asking for forgiveness—some later Ḥanafī scholars have allowed it, especially for verses that are commonly used as prayers (e.g., Āyat al-Kursī, Sūrat al-Ikhlāṣ, al-Mu‘awwidhatān). However, the stronger, precautionary view (especially for longer sūrahs like Sūrah Mulk) is to refrain from verbal recitation during menstruation. (See: Imdād al-Fatāwā, 1:168; Fatāwā ‘Usmānī, 1:210; Fatāwā Dār al-‘Ulūm Zakariyyā).

3. She may listen to the recitation of Sūrah Mulk (e.g., on a device) or recite it in her heart without vocalization. This is completely permissible and carries the same reward if she intends it as dhikr.

4. Regular practice after ‘Ishā’: If she is not menstruating, reciting Sūrah Mulk after ‘Ishā’ is a fine practice. During menstruation, she can either recite it silently in her heart, or postpone the verbal recitation until after her period. She may also replace it with other dhikr (e.g., Subḥānallāh, Alḥamdulillāh, Allāhu Akbar, istighfār).

Conclusion: It is not allowed for a menstruating woman to recite Sūrah Mulk verbally from memory as a regular practice after ‘Ishā’ prayer, with the intention of tilāwah. She may, however, recite it in her heart or listen to it. To obtain the full reward of nightly recitation, she can recite it after her period ends or recite it from memory with the intention of dhikr (though the latter is differed upon; the safer route is to avoid verbal recitation).

References

• Radd al-Muḥtār (Ibn ‘Ābidīn): “A menstruating woman cannot recite the Qur’ān, even a single verse, whether from memory or from the Mushaf.”
• Fatāwā Hindiyyah (1:38): “She is forbidden from reciting the Qur’ān until she becomes pure.”
• Imdād al-Fatāwā (1:168): “For necessary du‘ā’ and dhikr, she may recite brief verses like Āyat al-Kursī, but the preferable view is to avoid it.”
• Fatāwā ‘Usmānī (Muftī Taqī ‘Usmānī): “Reciting the Qur’ān verbally during menstruation is impermissible; however, if she recites as dhikr, there is scope, but caution is better.”