Fiqh of Hajj for Women

Conclusion

The goal of this term paper was to distinguish the Fiqh rulings that are specific to women in Hajj. These rulings were divided and organized into two basic chapters, one dealing with the Ihraam of a woman, the other discussing the ritual differences between men and women.

We learnt that it is equally part of the Sunnah for a woman to shower before Ihraam just as it is for a man and that this ruling is not different for a woman in her Hayd or Nifaas. We learnt that showering during Ihraam was permissible and that a person may pour water on their hair and rub lightly their head.

Additionally, we learnt that she may wear any colour of clothing, as long as it meets the Islamic standard of modest dress. And they may wear jewellery. She should uncover her face while in Ihraam, but if she fears the gaze of non- Mahram men upon her, she may cover her face as the wives of the Prophet - sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam - used to do. And they should not touch their spouse with desire.

In the second chapter on male/female ritual differences, we learnt that a woman should not travel to Hajj without the company of a Mahram. She should not raise her voice excessively when saying the Talbiyah.

Concerning the Tawaf, she differs with the men in that she should do raml (jogging) for the first three circumbulations, she should not uncover her right shoulder, and she should not crowd the men in trying to get near the Ka'bah or to kiss the black stone. And it is desirable for her to choose a time when there will be a less crowded.

Regarding the Sa'ee, we learnt that being clean of menses is not a requirement, and that a woman may perform it even if she is in her menses. She is not required for her to run in the valley of Safa and Marwah.

We learnt that it is a Prophetic permission for the women and the weak folk to leave Muzdalifah early. Also, that shaving the head is only preferred for men and that women should not cut more then a centimeter of hair from the tips of her braids.

In detail, we discussed the situation of a woman who receives her Hayd before her performance of Tawaf Al-Ifaadah. She should wait until she completes her Hayd to perform it, and her Mahram should stay with her. If for dire circumstances she needs to leave Makkah, we learnt that some scholars gave the fatwa that she may shower, wrap herself tightly, and perform the Tawaf even with her menses. But this should only sought when the necessity is sincere.

And finally, we learnt that a woman who receives her menses before performing Tawaf Al-Wadaa does not have to wait in Makkah until she completes her menses. She may leave without performing it, as shown in the Sunnah of Rasul Allah - Sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam.