Women's Hajj follows the same rituals as men's with key differences: ihram is their normal modest clothing, they do not shave their heads (only trim), they recite the Talbiyah quietly, no raml during tawaf or sa'i, no idtiba. Menstruating women can perform ALL Hajj rituals except tawaf. Menstruation does not invalidate ihram or Hajj.
Women enter ihram in their normal modest clothing — any color, any style. There is NO requirement to wear white. During ihram, women should not wear niqab or gloves, but may drape loose cloth over their face when non-mahram men are nearby. The Talbiyah is recited in a voice audible to yourself but not loudly.
Menstruation does NOT prevent entering ihram or performing Hajj. The Prophet told Aisha: 'Do everything the pilgrim does except do not perform tawaf until you are pure.' A menstruating woman performs ghusl, makes the intention, recites the Talbiyah, goes to Arafat, Muzdalifah, Mina, throws pebbles — everything except tawaf.
These are the most frequent errors pilgrims make during this stage of Hajj.
Scholarly references supporting this guidance from established Islamic sources.
Women perform tawaf without idtiba or raml. Walk at normal pace throughout. During menstruation, tawaf must be delayed until purification. Menstruating women are exempted from Tawaf al-Wida entirely with no penalty.
Women perform sa'i without jogging between the green markers. Women can stone the Jamarat themselves or appoint a proxy. At Arafat, women supplicate exactly as men do. At Muzdalifah, women may leave after midnight.
Women cut a fingertip-length (1-2 cm) from the ends of their hair. They do NOT shave their heads. The cutting can be done privately.
Key fiqh points: women performing Tamattu who menstruate before completing Umrah tawaf should consult their scholar. The majority of scholars require a mahram for women's travel; the Shafi'i school and some Hanbali scholars permit travel in a safe group. Pregnant women should obtain medical clearance.