FirstHajjالعربية

Women's guide · 9 steps

Umrah and Hajj for women

What is different for women in Umrah and Hajj. Where scholars differ, the main views are given; ask your group scholar for your case.

  1. Step 1 of 9

    Ihram clothing

    There is no special ihram dress for women. Wear any loose, modest clothes in any colour. In ihram a woman does not wear a face veil (niqab) or gloves (Bukhari 1838). Many scholars allow lowering a cloth over the face when men pass close by.

  2. Step 2 of 9

    Travelling without a mahram

    Saudi rules now allow women to come for Umrah, and for Hajj in an approved group, without a mahram. The religious ruling is a matter of scholarly difference, so ask your scholar. Rules can change: check Nusuk before booking.

  3. Step 3 of 9

    Period at the miqat

    Still enter ihram at the miqat: take a bath, make the intention and say the Talbiyah. The Prophet ﷺ told Asma bint Umays, who had just given birth, to do this (Muslim 1218).

  4. Step 4 of 9

    Period during Umrah or Hajj

    Do everything a pilgrim does except Tawaf until you are pure (Bukhari 305). For Umrah, wait, then do Tawaf and Sa'i. For Hajj, Arafah, Muzdalifah, Mina and the Jamarat are all done as normal; only Tawaf al-Ifadah waits.

  5. Step 5 of 9

    Farewell Tawaf

    A woman on her period when it is time to leave Makkah is excused from the Farewell Tawaf (Bukhari 1755).

  6. Step 6 of 9

    Medicine to delay the period

    Many scholars allow pills to delay the period for Hajj or Umrah if a doctor confirms they are safe for you.

  7. Step 7 of 9

    Tawaf and Sa'i

    Women do not uncover a shoulder (idtiba') or walk briskly (raml) in Tawaf, and do not run between the green lights in Sa'i. Scholars agree on this. Avoid pushing through crowds of men to reach the Black Stone; pointing to it is enough.

  8. Step 8 of 9

    Cutting the hair

    Women do not shave. Gather the hair and cut about a fingertip's length from the ends (Abu Dawud 1985).

  9. Step 9 of 9

    In Madinah

    The Rawdah has separate times for women; book them in the Nusuk app. Entry to al-Baqi is usually for men only. Scholars differ on women visiting graves.

Good to know

Bleeding that is not a period (istihadah) does not stop Tawaf or prayer. Make wudu before each prayer and before Tawaf.