What are the current rules for women performing الحج?

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المملكة العربية السعودية has progressively updated regulations to make الحج more accessible for women. The most significant recent changes include: women aged 45 and above can now perform الحج without a mahram (male guardian) if they travel as part of an organized group. Some countries have further relaxed this, allowing adult women of any age to apply independently. Women can now register and apply for الحج directly through online portals in many countries.

Regarding الإحرام, women have more flexibility than men. They may wear any modest clothing in any color — there is no requirement for white or specific garments. They should not wear a niqab (fitted face veil) or gloves during الإحرام, but may drape fabric over their face when near non-mahram men. Women perform Taqsir (trimming a fingertip's length from hair) when exiting الإحرام — shaving is not permitted for women.

Menstruation-related rules remain important: women who menstruate during الحج can perform all rituals (standing at عرفة, مزدلفة, stoning, السعي عند some scholars) except الطواف, which requires ritual purity. The farewell الطواف (الطواف al-Wada) is completely waived for menstruating women by consensus. Women should discuss menstruation management with their doctor before the trip — hormonal الأدوية to delay periods during الحج is commonly used and جائز. Women are not required to perform الرَّمَل (brisk walking) during الطواف or Idtiba (shoulder exposure), as these are specific to men.

What are the current rules for women performing الحج?

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