الحج

The majority of contemporary Islamic scholars, including the اللجنة الدائمة for Scholarly Research and Ifta, الشيخ ابن باز, and الشيخ ابن عثيمين, have permitted women to use الأدوية to delay menstruation during الحج, provided it does not cause harm. Their reasoning is that الحج is an obligation that occurs on fixed dates, and using الأدوية to facilitate the performance of واجب rituals is a legitimate means to a legitimate end. الشيخ ابن عثيمين stated that there is no objection to a woman taking pills to prevent menstruation during الحج so that she can perform الطواف with the people, provided she consults a specialist doctor to ensure the الأدوية will not harm her. The condition of no harm is consistently emphasized — if a doctor advises against it due to health risks, the religious permission does not override medical safety.

Several hormonal methods can delay menstruation. The most commonly used is norethisterone (Primolut N), a progestogen-only الأدوية taken three times daily starting 3 days before the expected period and continued throughout the الحج period. It effectively delays menstruation in most women but can cause side effects including bloating, mood changes, and breakthrough bleeding. Combined oral contraceptive pills can also be used by continuing active pills without the usual break week. This is called 'back-to-back' pill use and is medically safe for short periods. For women already on hormonal contraception, their doctor can advise on adjusting the timing. All hormonal methods should be discussed with a doctor at least 2 to 3 months before الحج to allow time for a trial run and dose adjustment if needed. Do not start hormonal الأدوية for the first time just days before الحج without prior medical consultation.

Hormonal الأدوية does not guarantee menstruation will not occur — breakthrough bleeding is possible, particularly with first-time use or if doses are missed. If bleeding occurs despite الأدوية, consult a scholar about whether it constitutes menstruation (which would prevent الطواف) or istihadah (irregular bleeding, which does not prevent worship). Women with contraindications to hormonal therapy — including تاريخ of blood clots, certain heart conditions, liver disease, or hormone-sensitive cancers — should not use these methods. The physical demands of الحج (extensive walking, الحرارة, deالترطيب) can affect hormonal الأدوية efficacy and increase side effects. If you decide against hormonal methods, know that menstruation during الحج is manageable — الطواف can be delayed until purity returns, and all other rites can be performed normally.