Performing Umrah is a deeply spiritual experience, but for women, planning around their menstrual cycle is crucial. Menstruation affects certain acts of worship, particularly Tawaf, which cannot be performed while a woman is on her period. Understanding your options and preparing in advance can help ensure a smooth Umrah journey.
Planning Your Umrah Around Menstruation
One of the most effective ways to avoid complications is to schedule your Umrah trip around your menstrual cycle. If possible, choose travel dates that minimise the chance of menstruation overlapping with the days you intend to perform Umrah.
Since Tawaf is an essential part of the pilgrimage, and it cannot be performed during menstruation, careful planning can help prevent unnecessary delays. However, if a woman does begin menstruating while on Umrah, there are still options available to her.
Delaying Menstruation with Medication
For women who cannot reschedule their Umrah dates, menstrual delay medications may be an option. Some women take hormonal pills under medical supervision to temporarily stop their period so they can complete all rituals without interruption.
However, it is essential to consult a doctor before using any medication to ensure safety and avoid side effects that could impact your well-being during Umrah.
Performing Umrah While Menstruating
A woman can enter Ihram while on her period, as Ihram itself does not require ritual purity. However, she cannot perform Tawaf until her period ends.
This ruling is confirmed by a hadith in Sahih Bukhari (294), where Aisha (RA) began menstruating while performing Hajj. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) reassured her, saying:
"This is something Allah has ordained for the daughters of Adam. Perform all the pilgrimage rituals except for Tawaf around the Ka’bah."
Thus, a menstruating woman can recite dhikr, make du’a, and engage in acts of worship while waiting to complete her Umrah rituals.
Steps to Resume Umrah After Menstruation
Once the menstrual cycle has ended, a woman should perform ghusl (ritual purification) before continuing her Umrah. The steps to complete the pilgrimage after menstruation are:
- Performing Ghusl – This is required before entering the Haram and resuming Umrah.
- Tawaf – Once purified, a woman may complete Tawaf around the Ka’bah.
- Sa’i – If her period ended before completing Tawaf, she must perform Tawaf first, followed by Sa’i. If her period started after completing Tawaf, she can proceed with Sa’i without delay.
- Trimming the Hair – This is done only after completing Tawaf and Sa’i.
Proper planning ensures that a woman can resume her Umrah smoothly after menstruation and fulfil all requirements of her pilgrimage.
Final Thoughts: Prepare with Hajj Safe
For a stress-free Umrah experience, Hajj Safe provides secure, anti-theft waist bags, neck pouches, and drawstring shoe bags—ensuring your valuables are safe while you focus on worship. Don’t let security concerns distract you from your spiritual journey.