What to Do If You Start Menstruating During Umrah?

A quick answer to this question is: If you get your period during the Umrah Journey, you will not be permitted to perform Tawaf or Sa’ee, if you perform any of these rituals in this state, you’ll get a penalty. But don’t worry you can still focus on prayer, making dua, and reading the Quran. Stay clean and comfortable, and remember that many women experience this during their pilgrimage.

Understanding the Impact of Menstruation on Umrah

Experiencing your period during Umrah can be confusing and might make you anxious. But don't worry; you can still engage in many spiritual activities and stay connected to your faith.

Knowing the rules about what you can and cannot do during your period in Umrah can help you feel more at ease. Let’s explore what actions you can take during this time.

Ihram

In the Hanafi school of thought, if you are outside the Miqat (a boundary for pilgrims), you must enter into a state of ihram before passing it if you're heading to Makkah.

What you can do:

• Perform recommended acts to prepare for ihram, including taking a Sunnah ghusl for cleanliness.

• Enter into Ihram by making the intention and saying the Talbiyah (a prayer) out loud.

• Recite all the Sunnah supplications.

What you cannot do:

• Pray the two Sunnah Raka ‘at before entering the ihram. No need to make up for this prayer later.

Tawaf

Tawaf involves circling the Kaaba. During your period, you must wait until your menstruation ends and you have done a ghusl before performing Tawaf.

What you cannot do:

• Enter the mosque.

• Perform any type of Tawaf.

Sa'ee

Sa’ee is one of the most important rituals of the Umrah journey, and without it, the Umrah journey is incomplete. This ritual involves walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah and is performed after the Tawaf. Can you perform Sa’ee in this state? If your period starts after completing the Tawaf, then you can perform this ritual. Otherwise, you can’t. Make sure to enter the area from the back doors, avoiding Masjid al-Haram.

Trimming the Hair

Trimming your hair marks the end of your ihram. Trimming your hair before completing all the Umrah rituals is a violation and will result in a penalty. You will remain in a state of ihram until you complete the necessary rites.

What you cannot do:

• Cut or trim your hair until the Umrah rituals are completed.

Practical Tips for Managing Your Period During Umrah

• Stay Prepared: Be aware of the timeline of your cycles and make sure to time your period accordingly. Make sure to take menstrual cups, tampons, and sanitary towels along with other period-related items. Menstrual cups are beneficial as they are capable of holding a greater quantity of fluid and can be used for a duration of up to 12 hours. Sanitary pads are also commercially available are sold in quite a number of different sizes, and are easy to use. A menstrual garment that absorbs menstrual flow and is washable is also a good choice.

• Stay Comfortable: If possible, pack a hot water bag and consider packing chamomile tea to ease cramps.

• Stay Spiritual: You can also listen to the Quran, make dua, or reflect on your spiritual journey. Walking slowly and looking at the creations of Allah (SWT) can also be encouraging.

Possible Situations and Solutions

• If your period starts before you begin Tawaf, wait until it finishes and you perform ghusl.

• If your period starts during Tawaf, leave the mosque immediately and wait until your period ends before completing Tawaf.

• If your group is set to leave Makkah before your period finishes, seek guidance from a scholar or mufti for your specific situation.

Conclusion

Getting your period during the Umrah journey can hurt your motivation and seems challenging, but with the right knowledge and preparation, you can make your journey successful and fulfilling. Understanding What Islam says about this situation and preparing in advance is a better approach to making your Umrah experience more comfortable and spiritually enriching. Keep in mind that menstruation is a natural part of life and should not stop you from deepening your connection with the faith. Embrace the journey, stay spiritually active through alternative worship forms, and make the most of your time during Umrah. Wishing all the women a Successful Umrah Pilgrimage.