Women 45+ can now perform حج without a mahram in groups; they wear any modest clothing for احرام, perform Taqsir (not shaving), and are excused from farewell طواف during menstruation.
Saudi Arabia has progressively updated regulations to make حج more accessible for women. The most significant recent changes include: women aged 45 and above can now perform حج 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 حج directly through online portals in many countries.
Regarding احرام, 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 احرام, but may drape fabric over their face when near non-mahram men. Women perform Taqsir (trimming a fingertip's length from hair) when exiting احرام — shaving is not permitted for women.
Menstruation-related rules remain important: women who menstruate during حج can perform all rituals (standing at عرفات, مزدلفہ, stoning, سعی according to some scholars) except طواف, which requires ritual purity. The farewell طواف (طواف al-Wada) is completely waived for menstruating women by consensus. Women should discuss menstruation management with their doctor before the trip — hormonal medication to delay periods during حج is commonly used and permissible. Women are not required to perform Raml (brisk walking) during طواف or Idtiba (shoulder exposure), as these are specific to men.
I said: 'O Messenger of Allah, the people are returning with two deeds (حج and عمرہ) and I am returning with only one.' He said: 'Wait until you are pure, then go to Taneem and enter احرام for عمرہ.'
I said: 'O Messenger of Allah, the people are returning with two deeds (حج and عمرہ) and I am returning with only one.' He said: 'Wait until you are pure, then go to Taneem and enter احرام for عمرہ.'
Source: Saudi Ministry of حج and عمرہ; al-Nawawi, Al-Majmu
I said: 'O Messenger of Allah, the people are returning with two deeds (حج and عمرہ) and I am returning with only one.' He said: 'Wait until you are pure, then go to Taneem and enter احرام for عمرہ.'
Sahih al-Bukhari #1762 (sahih)