Women and Hajj

Women and Hajj

Despite the equality of men and women in the Islamic rulings, there are some rulings specified for women out of mercy towards them because of their different nature.

• If a woman still in her Iddah (waiting period) when she is divorced and she wants to go for Hajj, she may go but she has to be accompanied by a Mahram . However, if  the waiting period is for the death of the husband, she cannot go to Hajj for staying at home is one of the obligations of the waiting period for the wido
   
• The companionship of a Mahram is an obligation for women when she is performing Hajj. If she has got no Mahram, she cannot perform Hajj and her Hajj is not valid. Allah’s apostle (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “A woman should not travel except in the company of a Mahram.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
       
• Regarding Ihram of the woman it is it like that of the man with exception to clothes: A woman should assume Ihram like and she is permitted to wear whatever clothes she likes as long as they meet the Islamic rulings. A woman cannot  wear Niqaab , Burqa' or gloves. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “A woman in the state of Ihraam should not wear Niqaab or gloves.” (Bukhaari) .
       
• Talbiyah for women and hajj: unlike men, women should say Talbiyah in a low voice. and it is impermissible for her to raise her voice when saying Talbiyah in the presence of men.
       
• Ramal and Idhtibaa': The rulings of Ramal and Idhtibaa' are not applicable to women. She should not perform Ramal, Idhtibaa' or run during Sa‘i between Al-Safa and Al-Marwa.
       
• Shortening hair: A woman has to cut the length of a fingertip from her hair. Ibn Abbas said, “It is not obligatory upon women to shave their hair (after ending Ihraam), rather, it is obligatory upon them to shorten the hair.” (Abu Daawood )
       
• If a woman menstruates and does not become pure until she fears missing the company; she should not perform Tawaf until she becomes pure, for the Prophet, (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said to Aa’isha when she was menstruating: “Perform each rite that the pilgrim performs with exception to performing Tawaf around the House.” (Bukhaari and Muslim). However, if she perform Tawaf, for example, lest she should miss the company, some scholars including Ibn Taymiyah, endorse the idea that it is permissible for her to perform Tawaf because of necessity.

Source:go-makkah.com