I know that Muslim women are not supposed to touch the Holy Qur'an during periods. But can we touch it only for reading the English interpretation? Secondly, I want to know whether during periods we can say Arabic invocations (Du'a). Or even the Du'a like, when getting up and when going to sleep?

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

Touching the Arabic text of the Qur'an directly during menses is forbidden according to most predominant opinion. However, it is allowed to touch the translation of the meaning of the Qur'an since it is not considered as the Words of Allaah.

For more details on this, please read the following Fataawa: 81639, 85076 and 87869.

Allaah knows best.