fīhā barakah

Bismillāh.

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi wa barakātuh, dear sisters 🌸

Let’s talk about something that doesn’t often get talked about — our periods.

In so many cultures and households, menstruation is still treated as a taboo topic. It’s awkward. It’s “private.” It’s brushed under the rug. But the reality is, it’s a regular and significant part of our lives as women — and that’s exactly why I’m bringing it up early here on Fiḥā Barakah. Because there’s barakah in understanding it. And even more in reframing it.

So let’s talk.

So many of us dread that time of the month. The cramps, the fatigue, the mood swings, the emotionality (is that even a word? I’m sticking with it). Whether it’s back pain, low energy, a loss of appetite — or the complete opposite — it’s no surprise that a lot of us meet our periods with a heavy sigh: ugh, not again.

But what if we looked at it through a different lens?

Breaking from the Pace

We live in a time where being busy is seen as a badge of honour. You’ve always got to be doing something, achieving something, moving forward. Whether you’re a student, working, raising a family, or all of the above — the pressure to be productive never really stops.

That’s hustle culture for you.

It pushes us to constantly perform — to keep going, even when we’re tired, even when we need a break. So when your period comes around, it can feel like a disruption. Like it’s slowing you down.

But what if that’s the point?

What if this monthly pause isn’t getting in the way — it’s actually your Lord giving you space to stop and breathe?

Permission to Pause

This regular cycle, no matter how inconvenient it may feel, is also a sign of the mercy of our Lord. It’s His way of reminding us to rest — of giving us space to recharge and renew.

Think about it:

We’re excused from ṣalāh. And not just that — we’re not even required to make it up later. SubḥānAllāh. Salah is one of the most central acts of worship in Islam, and yet during this time, we are granted a complete break with no penalty. That’s not small. That’s divine mercy.

We get to rest. No early wakeups for Fajr, no waiting up late for ‘Ishā’ — we can simply rest. This can mean more sleep, a calmer pace, and a chance to recover physically and emotionally.

We’re allowed to slow down. Without needing to schedule our day around prayer, we may find new opportunities to worship in quieter, softer ways.

Rest Is Still ‘Ibādah

Just because we can’t pray or fast doesn’t mean our worship stops.

You can still:

🌸 Make dhikr — even lying in bed
📿 Reflect on the names of Allāh
📖 Read or listen to the Qur’ān (many apps make this easy)
📝 Journal your thoughts or du‘ā
🧠 Memorise a small āyah or hadith
📚 Learn something new about your dīn
🍽️ Serve your family with love and intention

These are all forms of worship. They may be quiet, less visible, but they are deeply meaningful — and may even bring you closer to Allāh in ways you didn’t expect.

Barakah in the Pain

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allāh expiates some of his sins for that.”
— Bukhāri & Muslim

Your period pain — the cramps, the exhaustion, the discomfort — may very well be your monthly cleanse. A silent, merciful wiping away of your sins. You’re not just enduring — you’re being purified.

There’s barakah in that too.

A Note to Your Future Self

So the next time your period starts and that familiar “ugh” feeling creeps in, try telling yourself:

Alḥamdulillāh.
This is my monthly permission slip from the One who knows me best.
This is a mercy, not a punishment.
This is rest as worship.
This is hidden barakah.

Give yourself that break — with full trust that Allāh, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, has gifted it to you.

With love and du‘ā,
Your sister Barakah 🩷