What Should a Woman Do If She Gets Her Period During Umrah?

Can a Menstruating Woman Enter Ihram for Umrah?

Yes. A woman may enter Ihram for Umrah while menstruating. She should enter Ihram at the designated Miqat, make the intention for Umrah, and say, “Labbayka Allahumma Umrah”, then continue reciting the Talbiyah, remembering Allah, and making supplications.

However, she must wait until her period ends and she performs Ghusl before performing Tawaf, as Tawaf is an essential part of Umrah.

The Prophet ﷺ instructed Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) to perform the rituals of Hajj but to refrain from performing Tawaf around the Kaaba until she became pure.

What Can a Menstruating Woman Do During Umrah?

A menstruating woman can perform several acts related to her Umrah, including:

• Entering Ihram at the Miqat and making the intention for Umrah.
• Reciting the Talbiyah after entering Ihram.
• Engaging in Dhikr, supplication, and seeking Allah’s forgiveness.
• Waiting until her period ends, then performing Ghusl and Tawaf.
• Completing Sa’i after Tawaf, according to the details of her particular situation.
• Trimming her hair and completing the Umrah after Tawaf and Sa’i.

Tawaf, however, should not be performed while menstruating. She should wait until her period ends and then perform Ghusl before Tawaf.

What Should a Menstruating Woman Avoid During Umrah?

There are certain acts that a menstruating woman should refrain from until she becomes pure:

Tawaf around the Kaaba: She should wait until her period ends and she performs Ghusl.

The two Rak‘ahs of Tawaf: These are connected to Tawaf and therefore cannot be performed while she is menstruating.

Prayer: A menstruating woman does not perform the obligatory prayers during menstruation and does not make them up afterward.

Staying inside Al-Masjid Al-Haram: She should avoid remaining inside the mosque until she becomes pure.

Completing the Umrah before purification: If she has not yet performed Tawaf, she cannot complete her Umrah until she becomes pure and performs Tawaf.

Can a Woman Take Medication to Delay Her Period for Umrah?

Some women may consider taking medication to delay menstruation so they can complete their Umrah according to their travel schedule. In principle, this may be permissible, but it is best to consult a qualified doctor beforehand to make sure the medication is appropriate for her health and to avoid potential side effects.

Her health should always be taken into consideration, alongside observing the relevant Islamic rulings.

What If the Return Date Is Approaching and She Has Not Yet Become Pure?

If a woman’s return date is approaching while she is still menstruating, she should not panic or make a decision on her own. The appropriate ruling depends on her circumstances, the rituals she has already completed, and whether she is able to extend her stay.

• If there is enough time: She should wait until her period ends, perform Ghusl, complete Tawaf, and then finish the remaining rituals of Umrah.
• If waiting is not possible: Due to an approaching departure date or the inability to extend her stay, the situation requires specific Islamic guidance. She should consult a trusted scholar or qualified fatwa authority before leaving Makkah.
• Do not leave or terminate the ritual without guidance: Leaving Makkah before completing Tawaf may have different rulings depending on the circumstances, so obtaining a specific ruling for the individual case is the safest approach.

Don’t Let Anxiety Take Away from Your Journey

Menstruation may come at an unexpected time, but this does not mean that a woman’s Umrah journey has to end or that she should become anxious. What matters is knowing which acts she can perform and which ones she needs to postpone until purification.

With good preparation and a clear understanding of the relevant rulings, a woman can deal with such circumstances calmly and continue remembering Allah, making supplications, and worshipping Him in the ways available to her.

May Allah make your Umrah easy, accept your good deeds, grant you peace and tranquility, and bless you with a visit to His Sacred House in the best of circumstances.