Women's Complete Guide to Umrah

Introduction

While the core rituals of Umrah are the same for men and women, there are specific rules and considerations that women should be aware of. This guide addresses all women-specific aspects of Umrah.

Mahram Requirements (2024 Update)

Current Saudi Rules

As of 2024, Saudi Arabia has relaxed mahram requirements:

• Women over 45 can perform Umrah without a mahram if traveling in a group
• Women under 45 generally need a mahram
• Check current visa requirements as rules may change

Who Qualifies as Mahram?

• Husband
• Father, grandfather
• Son, grandson
• Brother
• Uncle (paternal or maternal)
• Nephew
• Father-in-law
• Son-in-law (by marriage)

Women's Ihram Clothing

What to Wear

Unlike men, women have flexible Ihram clothing:

• Any modest clothing (abaya, loose dress, etc.)
• Any color (black, white, or any other)
• Hijab is required (covering hair)
• Face must be UNCOVERED (no niqab during Ihram)
• Hands must be UNCOVERED (no gloves during Ihram)

Important Note on Face Covering

The Prophet ﷺ said: "A woman in Ihram should not wear niqab or gloves." (Bukhari)

However, if non-mahram men come very close, women can lower their headscarf over their face temporarily.

What Women CANNOT Do in Ihram

✘ Wear niqab (face veil) ✘ Wear gloves ✘ Use perfume after entering Ihram ✘ Cut hair or nails ✘ Pluck/remove body hair

What Women CAN Do in Ihram

✓ Wear regular modest clothes ✓ Wear stitched garments ✓ Wear socks and closed shoes ✓ Wear jewelry (but modestly) ✓ Change clothes ✓ Shower and wash hair gently ✓ Use unscented soap

Menstruation During Umrah

If Menstruation Starts BEFORE Ihram

• Enter Ihram normally
• Make intention for Umrah
• Say the Talbiyah
• But DO NOT enter Masjid al-Haram or perform Tawaf

If Menstruation Starts DURING Umrah

If you've already started but period begins:

1. Stop Tawaf immediately
2. Leave the mosque
3. Wait until period ends
4. Perform ghusl (ritual bath)
5. Complete remaining Tawaf rounds
6. Continue with Sa'i

Can You Perform Sa'i During Menstruation?

Yes! Sa'i is allowed during menstruation because the Mas'a (Sa'i area) is technically outside the mosque according to majority of scholars.

Delaying Flight Home

If your period starts and you can't complete Umrah:

• Try to delay your flight if possible
• If not possible, some scholars allow completing Tawaf with period (with fidyah)
• Consult a scholar for your specific situation

Practical Tips for Women

1. Clothing Recommendations

• Wear comfortable, breathable abaya
• Choose shoes you can easily slip on/off
• Bring extra hijabs (they get sweaty)
• Pack a light jacket for cold AC

2. During Tawaf

• Women do NOT perform Raml (jogging) in the first 3 rounds
• Women do NOT expose right shoulder (Idtiba)
• Stay in less crowded areas if possible
• The upper floors are often less crowded

3. During Sa'i

• Women do NOT jog between green markers
• Walk normally throughout all 7 rounds
• Use the wheelchair path if exhausted

4. Hair Cutting (Taqsir)

• Women only cut a small amount (fingertip length / ~1-2 cm)
• Cut from the ends of hair, not the roots
• Can be done by another woman or yourself
• Do NOT shave the head (that's only for men)

5. Safety Tips

• Stay with your group
• Keep valuables hidden
• Memorize your hotel location
• Save emergency numbers

Special Situations

Pregnant Women

• Umrah is permissible if healthy
• Consult doctor before travel
• Stay hydrated
• Take breaks during rituals
• Use wheelchair if needed

Breastfeeding Mothers

• Facilities available in Haram for nursing
• Pump and store if needed
• Stay hydrated (affects milk supply)

Elderly Women

• Wheelchairs available for rent
• Use less crowded times
• Upper floors have more space
• Take breaks as needed

How to Perform Umrah for Ladies: Step by Step

How to perform umrah for ladies follows the same core ritual steps as for men, with specific differences in dress, conduct, and certain ritual actions. Here is the complete step-by-step guide:

Step 1 — Ghusl and Ihram (Intention): Before reaching the Miqat, perform ghusl (full ritual bath). Women enter Ihram wearing any modest, non-perfumed clothing — there is no prescribed colour or style, but loose-fitting, full-coverage clothing is recommended. Apply no perfume to clothing or body. At the Miqat, make the intention (niyyah) for Umrah in your heart and say: Labbayk Allahumma labbayk bi-Umrah. Begin reciting Talbiyah quietly (not aloud like men).

Step 2 — Talbiyah: Continue reciting Talbiyah in a low voice from the Miqat until you begin Tawaf. Women recite quietly — audible only to themselves.

Step 3 — Entering Masjid al-Haram: Enter with your right foot first. Make dua upon seeing the Kaaba for the first time — this is a highly accepted moment for supplication.

Step 4 — Tawaf (7 Circuits): Perform seven counterclockwise circuits around the Kaaba beginning at the Black Stone. Women must maintain wudu throughout Tawaf. Women do not perform raml (the brisk walk of the first 3 circuits) or idtibaa (baring the right shoulder) — these are only for men. If a woman is menstruating, she must wait until she is pure before performing Tawaf.

Step 5 — Prayer at Maqam Ibrahim: After completing Tawaf, pray two rak'ahs behind or near the Station of Ibrahim if possible, or anywhere in the mosque.

Step 6 — Zamzam Water: Drink Zamzam water and make dua. There is no restriction for women in drinking Zamzam.

Step 7 — Sa'i (Safa to Marwa): Walk seven laps between Safa and Marwa, starting at Safa and ending at Marwa. Unlike men, women do not jog between the green markers — they walk the entire distance at a normal pace. Sa'i may be performed by menstruating women according to most scholars.

Step 8 — Hair Cutting (Taqsir): Women do not shave their heads (halq is not permitted for women). Instead, cut approximately one fingertip length (1–2 cm) from the ends of your hair. This can be done privately by yourself or by a mahram. With this act, Ihram ends and your Umrah is complete.

Women's Dua

When making dua, include:

• Righteous spouse/children
• Ease in worship
• Protection of modesty
• Guidance for family
• Strength of faith

Common Questions Pilgrims Ask

Q: Can I wear makeup during Ihram? A: No, avoid makeup and perfumed products during Ihram.

Q: Can I tie my hair in Ihram? A: Yes, you can braid or tie your hair.

Q: What if I can't find a female to cut my hair? A: Your mahram can cut it, or you can cut it yourself.

Q: Can I use menstrual products? A: Yes, pads, tampons, and menstrual cups are all permitted.

May Allah make your Umrah easy and accepted, dear sister!