P.12 Women's Guide

Practical Guide - thehajj.guide

Women’s Guide to Hajj & Umrah

Women have been performing Hajj since the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him), and Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) is one of our greatest sources of knowledge about the pilgrimage. This guide covers the practical considerations specific to women.

Women’s Ihram Clothing

Unlike men, women do not have a specific uniform for ihram. A woman’s ihram is simply any modest clothing that covers the body, with two specific restrictions:

  • No niqab (face veil): The face should be uncovered during ihram according to the majority of scholars. However, if non-mahram men are nearby, a woman may drape a cloth from her head over her face (without it being a fitted niqab; the Hanafi and Shafi’i schools require that it not rest on the skin).
  • No gloves: Gloves are not worn in ihram according to the majority of scholars (Sahih al-Bukhari 1838); the Hanafi school permits them. Covering the hands with sleeves or an abaya is fine.
  • Clothing can be any colour - it does not need to be white. Many women wear white for simplicity, but this is not required.
  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing in lightweight, breathable fabric. A simple abaya with a loose hijab works well.
A woman’s Ihram: any modest, loose clothing that covers the body, in any colour; no niqab, so the face is uncovered, and for the majority of scholars no gloves, though sleeves may cover the hands; near non-mahram men a cloth may be draped from the head over the face; and bring at least two to three sets.

Tip: Bring at least 2-3 sets of ihram clothing. You may need to change due to sweating, after a ghusl (for example when your period ends), or for practical needs. Pack lightweight, quick-dry fabrics.

Menstruation During Hajj & Umrah

This is one of the most common concerns for women. The key rulings are:

  • A menstruating woman can do everything in Hajj except Tawaf. She can stand at Arafat, stay in Muzdalifah, pelt the Jamarat, and make du’a. She should not perform Tawaf or pray Salah until she is pure.
  • For Umrah: If your period starts before your Tawaf, you wait until it ends, perform ghusl, and then complete your Tawaf and Sa’i. If it starts after you have finished Tawaf, you may go on to Sa’i, because purity is not a condition of Sa’i in the four madhabs.
  • Tawaf al-Ifadah (Hajj): This is a pillar of Hajj and cannot be skipped. If your period begins before you can do it, you must wait until you are pure. There is scholarly discussion about performing it in a state of necessity if you cannot delay your departure - consult a scholar in this situation.
  • Tawaf al-Wada’ (farewell Tawaf): A menstruating woman is exempted from the farewell Tawaf. This is based on the hadith of Safiyyah (may Allah be pleased with her) (Sahih al-Bukhari 1757; see also Sahih al-Bukhari 1755).

Practical advice: Some women consult their doctor about taking medication to delay their period during Hajj. This is permissible according to most scholars if done safely under medical guidance. Discuss this with your doctor well in advance of travel.

Mahram Requirements

In the Hanafi and Hanbali schools, a woman needs a mahram (her husband, or a man she can never marry, such as her father, son or brother) to travel for Hajj; the Malikis and Shafi’is allow her obligatory Hajj in a safe company of trustworthy women. However:

  • Saudi regulations no longer require a mahram: women of any age may register for Hajj without one as part of an approved group (a women-only group is allowed). This is an administrative rule, not a fiqh ruling - see the mahram section of our full Women’s Guide.
  • For Umrah and tourist visas, there is generally no mahram requirement for women travelling alone, regardless of age.
  • Rules can vary by your country of origin and the specific Hajj ministry regulations for that year. Check with your tour operator.

Women’s Sections in the Mosques

Both Masjid al-Haram and the Prophet’s Mosque have designated women’s prayer areas. In Masjid al-Haram women may also pray almost anywhere; in the Prophet’s Mosque they pray in the women’s sections. In Masjid al-Haram, women perform Tawaf alongside men on the same floors (there is no separate Tawaf area). For Sa’i, women walk the same path as men.

Safety Tips for Women

  • Saudi Arabia is generally very safe for women travellers, especially in and around the holy sites.
  • Stay close to your group, particularly in very crowded situations.
  • Keep valuables in a concealed money belt worn under your clothing.
  • If you feel unwell or unsafe, approach any of the female security personnel or volunteers stationed throughout the Haram.

Extra Packing Items for Women

  • Extra hijabs and prayer clothes (lightweight, quick-dry)
  • Sanitary products (available in Saudi but bring your preferred brand)
  • Hair ties and pins (for securing hijab during Tawaf in windy/crowded conditions)
  • Compact mirror
  • Moisturiser and lip balm (the dry heat is harsh on skin)
  • Comfortable sports bra for long walks