We set out in the state of Ihram for Hajj. When we reached Sarif, I menstruated. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, came to me while I was weeping and asked, "Why are you weeping, O Aishah?" I replied, "I have menstruated. I wish I had not performed Hajj this year." He said, "Glory be to Allah! This is something that Allah has decreed for the daughters of Adam. Perform all the rites of the pilgrimage, but do not perform Tawaf around the House."
When we entered Makkah, the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, "Whoever wishes to make it an Umrah may do so, except for those who brought the sacrificial animal with them." And the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, sacrificed cows on behalf of his wives on the Day of Sacrifice (Yawm an-Nahr).
When it was the night of Al-Batha and Aishah became pure, she said, "O Messenger of Allah, do my companions return with both Hajj and Umrah, while I return with only Hajj?" The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, then commanded Abdur-Rahman ibn Abu Bakr, and he took her to Al-Tanim where she entered into Ihram for Umrah.
The Rites of Hajj (Kitab Al-Manasik Wa'l-Hajj) - Sunan Abi Dawud 1782
This narration from A'ishah (RA) addresses important rulings concerning women's menstruation during pilgrimage and the flexibility of Hajj rituals.
Scholarly Commentary
The Prophet's (SWAS) response demonstrates that menstruation is a natural decree from Allah and does not invalidate one's Hajj intention. The pilgrim continues all rites except tawaf, which requires ritual purity.
The permission to convert Hajj to Umrah (tamattu') shows the Shariah's consideration for circumstances, though those with sacrificial animals must complete their original intention.
The Prophet's sacrifice on behalf of his wives illustrates that one may perform hady (sacrifice) for others, strengthening family bonds in worship.
A'ishah's concern about returning without Umrah highlights the spiritual value of completing both pilgrimages, leading the Prophet to arrange for her to perform Umrah from Tan'im, establishing this as a valid practice for similar situations.
Legal Rulings Derived
Menstruating women complete all Hajj rites except tawaf and sa'i between Safa and Marwa if connected to tawaf.
Conversion from Hajj to Umrah is permissible before assuming ihram for Hajj, except for those with sacrificial animals.
One may perform sacrifice on behalf of others, earning reward for both.
Those unable to complete rites due to valid reasons may make them up later from outside the Haram boundaries.