This document discusses menstruation and Hajj, focusing on Hajj Tamattu.

Updated on May 15, 2024. Updates from the first version of the document: We have removed the sections on Qiran and Ifrad. As we believe that almost all European pilgrims will perform Hajj Tamattu, we will focus on this type of Hajj only. Additional details added. Removal of certain passages that may cause misunderstanding.

The use of the pill to delay or stop menstruation is permissible as long as it does not harm health.

It is imperative that every woman consults her healthcare professional to evaluate the possibility and nature of hormonal treatment delaying menstruation. It should also be assumed that the pill may not work.

We therefore recommend reading the rest of this document to understand the legislation regarding Hajj rites during menstruation, as this may be interesting even if you manage to stop menstruation with the pill.

The topic of menstruation during Omra or Hajj worries many of our sisters.

But it should be known that our religion, Islam, is perfect and complete. No area of ambiguity has been left in it. We thus reassure our sisters: there is no need to worry. There are solutions and accomplishing Hajj is possible, despite menstruation.

Since the subject is technical, prior knowledge of the Pillars, Obligations or Sunnah of Hajj, as well as knowledge of the 3 types of Hajj should be mastered before reading this document.

« Hajj Tamattu: The pilgrim first performs an Omra, becomes non-sacred then re-sacralizes for Hajj. » Definition

« Hajj Qiran: The pilgrim performs an Omra and a Hajj together with a single sacralization. » Definition

« Hajj Ifrad: The pilgrim performs only Hajj with a single sacralization. » Definition

« Pillar: Without the pillar, your Hajj is not valid. » Definition

« Obligation: Without the obligation, your Hajj is valid, but a compensation must be given (e.g.: sheep). » Definition

« Sunnah: A Sunnah is a step that is not obligatory, but it is reported in the tradition of the Prophet Alayhisalam. » Definition

The Prophet Mohamed Alayhi Salam performed only one Hajj in his life, of type Qiran.

That is to say, in a single state of sacralization, he combined the Niyat (intention) to perform an Omra and a Hajj. Regarding the mother of the believers, she was Muttamati, she performed Hajj Tamattu.

« During this Hajj, the mother of the believers, Aisha Radhi Allahu Anha, had her menstruation while she was in a state of sacralization. » Hadith

The Prophet Alayhi Salam consoled her initially, then told her to continue her rites, without entering the holy mosque and performing the Tawaf of the Omra.

She continued the entire set of rites, like the other pilgrims, and when she became pure, she performed her Tawaf Ifada and her Sayi (Safa & Marwa). Thus transforming her Hajj Tamattu into Hajj Qiran.

Being sad about not having performed the Omra, the Prophet Alayhisalam allowed her to perform an additional Omra starting from Taneem (current Masjid Aicha) accompanied by her brother Abd ArRahman.

A woman in menstruation can perform all the rites of Hajj, except for entering a mosque and performing the Tawaf.

In Hajj Tamattu, there are 3 Tawafs: The Tawaf during the Omra which constitutes a Pillar without which the Omra is not valid; The Tawaf al Ifada which constitutes a Pillar for without which the Hajj is not valid; The Tawaf al Wadaa which constitutes an Obligation.

Different cases concerning menstruation during the Omra.

1. Case where your menstruation arrives before your Niyat of Omra (Before the state of sacralization at Miqat): You will prepare for sacralization even while being unwell, you will state your Niyat, then upon arriving at Makkah, you will wait for the end of your menstruation without entering the sacred mosque, then perform the Ghusl and your Omra.

Attention: You are in a state of sacralization until the completion of your Omra where you will cut a phalanx to become non-sacred.

On the 8th of Dhoul Hijja, you will begin Hajj Tamattu with a new sacralization.

2. Case where your menstruation arrives after your Niyat of Omra and before starting the Tawaf of the Omra: Follow the same recommendations as CASE 1.

3. Case where your menstruation arrives after the Tawaf of the Omra: You finish your Omra even in a state of menstruation and your Omra will be valid.

4. Case where you are not pure before the start of Hajj: You will do like the mother of the believers, namely performing the entire set of rites of Hajj, except for Tawaf Ifada and its Sayi which must be performed in a state of purity. Your Omra will thus merge with your Hajj and thus Hajj Tamattu will become Hajj Qiran.

Different cases concerning menstruation during Hajj.

1. Case of menstruation before Tawaf Ifada: The Tawaf Ifada is a Pillar of Hajj. Therefore, the woman is required to wait for the end of her menstruation to be pure and to be able to perform the Tawaf and Sayi (Safa & Marwa).

Attention: You will either be in a state of sacralization or partial de-sacralization, therefore the prohibition of intimate relationships applies until the completion of the Tawaf Ifada. In case of non-compliance with this prohibition, you will have to pay a fidya (compensation via a sacrifice distributed to the needy on site).

In the event that the woman is still in a state of menstruation and must take a flight and cannot postpone her flight until she becomes pure to perform Tawaf Ifada or Sayi, she will still perform her Tawaf and Sayi with hygiene protection, despite her menstruation.

2. Case of menstruation after Tawaf Ifada: Her Hajj is complete and she does not have to perform Tawaf al Wadaa (Farewell Tawaf).

3. Case of menstruation during Tawaf al Wadaa: The woman will simply abandon Tawaf al Wadaa. According to Ibn Taymiya as well as his student Ibn al-Qayyim, it will not be imposed on this woman to perform what some scholars impose on her, namely sacrificing a she-camel for some (mainly in Hanafi jurisprudence) or a sheep for others. She will therefore be exempt from fidya.