`Aisha said, "We set out with the Prophet (ﷺ) in his last Hajj. Some of us intended to perform `Umra while others Hajj. When we reached Mecca, Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, 'Those who had assumed the lhram for `Umra and had not brought the Hadi should finish his lhram and whoever had assumed the Ihram for `Umra and brought the Hadi should not finish the Ihram till he has slaughtered his Hadi and whoever had assumed the lhram for Hajj should complete his Hajj." `Aisha further said, "I got my periods (menses) and kept on menstruating till the day of `Arafat, and I had assumed the Ihram for `Umra only (Tamattu`). The Prophet (ﷺ) ordered me to undo and comb my head hair and assume the lhram for Hajj only and leave the `Umra. I did the same till I completed the Hajj. Then the Prophet (ﷺ) sent `Abdur Rahman bin Abi Bakr with me and ordered me to perform `Umra from at-Tan`im in lieu of the missed `Umra."
Hadith Commentary: Menstruation and Hajj Rituals
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 319 demonstrates the Prophet's practical guidance regarding women's natural cycles during pilgrimage. When Lady Aisha experienced menstruation during the Hajj journey, the Prophet provided specific rulings that accommodated her condition while preserving the sanctity of the rituals.
Legal Rulings Derived
Menstruation does not invalidate one's state of Ihram, though certain restrictions apply. The Prophet instructed Aisha to shift from Umrah to Hajj Ihram, showing flexibility in ritual performance during menstrual periods.
The command to undo and comb hair indicates that normal grooming restrictions during Ihram are relaxed for menstruating women when necessary for hygiene and comfort.
Scholarly Interpretation
Classical scholars note that this hadith establishes the principle that menstruating women can perform all Hajj rites except Tawaf around the Kaaba. The delayed Umrah performance from Tan'im demonstrates the Shariah's accommodation for women's natural conditions while ensuring completion of religious obligations.