How Can I Complete My Hajj During My Menstruation?

Answered by Ustadh Salman Younas

Question: Assalam aleykum

If a woman is on her menses during the time the obligatory Tawaf or the Farewell Tawaf is to be completed, and she will be still on her menses when she departs from Makkah, how is she to complete her Hajj?

Answer: assalamu alaykum

The Farewell Tawaf

In the Hanafi school, the farewell tawaf (al-sadr/al-wida) is considered necessary (wajib) on those who are not resident of Mecca.

However, for a female experiencing menstruation, this tawaf is not necessary based on a dispensation stipulated by the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace). Ibn `Abbas said that, “People were commanded to make their final act the farewell tawaf before leaving Mecca, except menstruating women who were excused.”

Lastly, no expiation needs to be given in return for leaving the farewell tawaf for the reason mentioned above. [Kasani, Bada`i al-Sana`i; Sarakhsi, Mabsut]

The Obligatory Tawaf of Hajj

As for the obligatory tawaf of hajj, often called tawaf al-ziyara or tawaf al-rukn, one must delay it until they enter into a state of purity after the menstrual cycle has ended.

If one delays it beyond the necessary (wajib) dates that it needs to be performed in, namely between the 10th and 12th of Dhi’l Hijja, due to a valid excuse such as menstruation, no expiation is due and nor is it considered sinful. [Ibn `Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar]

Planning Ahead

When planning for Hajj, one should make travel arrangements in a manner that gives them sufficient time to perform this obligatory tawaf if they believe they may menstruate during the days it is normally performed.

Further, one can take medical means to delay the period in order to fulfill this obligation. This is permitted.

[Ustadh] Salman Younas

Checked and approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadh Salman Younas graduated from Stony Brook University with a degree in Political Science and Religious Studies. After studying the Islamic sciences online and with local scholars in New York, Ustadh Salman moved to Amman. There he studies Islamic law, legal methodology, belief, hadith methodology, logic, Arabic, and tafsir.