Jabir said “We went out along with the Messenger of Allah(ﷺ) raising our voices in talbiyah for Hakk alone(Ifrad) while A’ishah raised her voice in talbiyah for an ‘Umrah. When she reached Sarif, she menstruated. When we came to (Makkah) we circumambulated the Ka’bah and ran between al Safa’ and al Marwah. The Messenger of Allah(ﷺ) then commanded us that those who had not brought sacrificial animals withthem should put off their ihram (after ‘Umrah). We asked “Which acts are lawful(and which not)? He replied All acts are lawful (that are permissible usually). We had therefore intercourse with our wives, used perfumes, put on our clothes. There remained only four days to perform Hajj at ‘Arafah. We then raised our voice in talbiyah (wearing Ihram for Hajj) on the eighth of Dhu al Hijjah. The Messenger of Allah(ﷺ) entered upon A’ishah and found her weeping. He said What is the matter with you? My problem is that I have menstruated, while the people have put on their ihram but I have not done so, nor did I go round the House(the Ka’bah). Now the people are proceeding for Hajj. He said This is a thing destined by Allah to the daughters of Adam. Take a bath, then raise your voice in talbiyah for Hajj(i.e, wear ihram for Hajj). She took a abtah and performed all the rites of the Hajj(lit. she stayed at all those places where the pilgrims stay). When she was purified, she circumambulated the House (the Ka’bah), and ran between al Safa’ and al Marwah. He (the Prophet) said “Now you have performed both your Hajj and your ‘Umrah. She said Messenger of Allah, I have some misgiving in my mind that I did not go round the Ka’bah when I performed Hajj (in the beginning). He said ‘Abd al Rahman (her brother), take her and have her perform ‘Umrah from Al Tan’im. This happened on the night of Al Hasbah(i.e., the fourteenth of Dhu Al Hijjah).
The Rites of Hajj (Kitab Al-Manasik Wa'l-Hajj) - Sunan Abi Dawud 1785
This narration from Jabir ibn Abdullah, recorded in Sunan Abi Dawud, provides profound insights into the flexibility and wisdom of Islamic pilgrimage rites, particularly regarding women's circumstances during Hajj and Umrah.
Scholarly Commentary on Ihram Types
The Companions began with Ifrad (Hajj only) while Aishah commenced with Umrah alone, demonstrating the three types of Hajj: Ifrad (Hajj only), Qiran (combined Hajj and Umrah), and Tamattu' (separate Umrah followed by Hajj).
The Prophet's permission to exit ihram after Umrah for those without sacrificial animals illustrates the principle of easing religious obligations when appropriate conditions are met.
Jurisprudence of Menstruation During Pilgrimage
Aishah's menstruation at Sarif highlights that natural physiological conditions do not invalidate one's pilgrimage intention. The Prophet's guidance shows that women in menses may perform all Hajj rites except Tawaf, which requires ritual purity.
His statement "This is a thing destined by Allah to the daughters of Adam" affirms that divine legislation accounts for women's natural cycles without spiritual penalty.
Resolution of Aishah's Dilemma
The Prophet's instruction for Aishah to perform compensatory Umrah from Tan'im demonstrates the principle of completing missed rites. This occurred on the 14th of Dhu al-Hijjah, showing that missed rituals can be fulfilled even after Hajj days.
The ruling confirms that Umrah may be performed during Hajj months, addressing Aishah's spiritual concern about incomplete rites.
Legal Maxims Derived
This hadith establishes that necessity and genuine hardship warrant legal concessions in worship. It also shows the Prophet's compassionate leadership in addressing women's specific religious concerns with practical solutions.
The narration exemplifies the balance between maintaining ritual integrity and providing legitimate ease to worshippers, reflecting Islam's comprehensive consideration of human circumstances.