Q- After a menstruating woman arrived at the meeqaat, she made a ghusl and donned her ihraam.  When she came to Makkah, she remained outside of the mosque and did not do any of the rites of Hajj or Umrah.  She then spent two days in Mina and when her menses stopped, she made another ghusl and performed all of the rites of ‘Umrah. However, while she was making Tawaaf al-Ifaadah for Hajj, her menses came back, but she was too shy to say anything to her guardian and went on to complete the rites of Hajj.  What is the rule governing such a case?

A- If the blood, which came during Tawaaf al-Ifaadah, was in fact menstrual blood, her tawaaf was invalid, in which case she would be required to return to Makkah to do it.  She should put on her ihraam at the meeqaat with the intention for making ‘Umrah, do the rites of  ‘Umrah, cut her hair then make the Tawaaf al-Ifaadah.  If she is unable to return to Makkah, due to circumstances beyond her control, her Hajj is valid because she could not do more than what she did.  

If, on the other hand, the blood was not menstrual, but due to the stress of the crowds, etc., her tawaaf was correct and her Hajj valid.  

Q- What is the ruling concerning a woman who wore ihraam with the intention of performing ‘Umrah, but her period started after she reached Makkah and her mahram is obliged to leave Makkah immediately if she does not have any relatives in Makkah?  

A- If she is living in Saudi Arabia, she should return home with her mahram, but remain in a state of ihraam.  After her menses have stopped, she should return to Makkah because returning is not difficult for her.   However, if she came from abroad and returning would be very difficult for her, she should wear a sanitary napkin, make tawaaf, sa’yi and cut her hair to complete her ‘Umrah before leaving.  It is permissible for her to make tawaaf in a state of ritual impurity under such circumstances, because dire necessity makes allowable the forbidden.