It's That Time Again: An Islamic Guide to Menstruation

by Tuscany Bernier

A kind, comprehensive Hanafi guide to fiqh (Islamic Law) regarding menstruation and other related women's issues from a female student of knowledge.

Genres: Islam

27 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 21, 2015

About the author

Tuscany Bernier (1993-present) is from Indiana where she lives with her husband and two cats. She was raised in the small town of Ladoga, Indiana. Tuscany graduated in June 2017 with her associates in Islamic Studies from Mishkah University and received a certificate from Tayseer Seminary in May 2018. She is passionate about cultural diversity and women's studies.

Reviews

[Naori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so highly relevant, and like I said, I wish that I’d had this when I was younger. This is an incredibly comprehensive guide to the Islamic practices surrounding a woman’s menses, but it also has a great deal of basic, somewhat clinical, information that every woman and girl should know. This book is a form of activism to me - it challenges a few of the more accepted social inventions regarding women’s spiritual rituals during their menstruation, but also offers Muslim women accurate information that they wouldn’t otherwise have if they hadn’t studied intensely at seminary, as the author has. I really enjoyed this - it’s very short - but there were many questions I had that I needed answered, and anytime a book leaves me with a quelch for knowledge, I know that’s a really good thing.

[Jennifer Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally an Islamic book that talks about menstruation without treating it like it's something weird, icky or debilitating. The author gives an overview of what actually happens during menstruation, Islamic rulings, answers to some confusing questions and discusses the importance of maintaining a connection to Allah even when not praying Salah or fasting. I was surprised the book did not address rulings on touching, reciting, reading quran or determining when your period has ended, as these are important areas that many Muslim women have confusion on. However, overall this book gave a refreshingly positive approach to the topic and is the type of book I would hope to give to my daughter some day.

[Amanda J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a quick and comprehensive overview of the Hanafi fiqh related to menstruation. It contains extra information about feminine reproductive systems, hygiene, and overall assurances that your questions about menstruation and Islam are not being asked for the first time.

It's short, it's sweet, it's written in relaxed terminology. If you're looking for an indepth fiqh discussion, I would recommend you keep looking. Otherwise, this is a fantastic little manual for young girls, converts, or anyone who might need a refresher.

[˗ˏˋ mckenna ˎˊ˗]

I won't be rating this book as I don't feel I should be basing this reading experience on enjoyment because it was read to educate myself on a lifestyle I do not personally follow simply to have more understanding.

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Props for effort

To general to be accurate. Doesnt specify madhab differences. Istinja after #2 would be deemed unacceptable by some scholars. Overall if you are a beginner, it's a start. I would recommend for new shahadahs with a disclaimer to always continue learning.