Qutaybah ibn Sa'id narrated to us: Al-Layth narrated to us, from Abu al-Zubayr, from Jabir, who said: We set out with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) pronouncing the Talbiyah for Hajj alone (Ifrad), and 'A'ishah set out pronouncing the Talbiyah for 'Umrah. When she reached Sarif, she menstruated. When we arrived, we performed Tawaf around the Ka'bah and between al-Safa and al-Marwah. Then the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) commanded us to come out of Ihram, meaning those of us who did not have sacrificial animals with them. We asked, "What does coming out of Ihram entail?" He replied, "All of it." So we had intercourse with our women, applied perfume, and wore our regular clothes. There was nothing between us and 'Arafah except four nights. Then we entered into Ihram for Hajj on the Day of Tarwiyah. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) entered upon 'A'ishah and found her weeping. He asked, "What is the matter with you?" She said, "My matter is that I have menstruated; the people have come out of Ihram, but I have not come out of Ihram, nor have I performed Tawaf around the House, and the people are now leaving for Hajj." He said, "This is a matter that Allah has decreed for the daughters of Adam. So take a bath, then assume Ihram for Hajj." She did so, and she stood at all the appointed places until she was purified. Then she performed Tawaf around the House and between al-Safa and al-Marwah. After that, the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "You have now come out of Ihram from both your Hajj and your 'Umrah." She said, "O Messenger of Allah, I feel within myself that I did not perform Tawaf around the House when I performed Hajj." He said, "Go with her, O 'Abd al-Rahman, and let her perform 'Umrah from al-Tan'im." And that was on the night of al-Hasbah.
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.