Q: A woman began menstruating just before performing Tawaf-ul-Ifadah (final obligatory circumambulation of the Ka`bah in Hajj) and she could not remain in Makkah because she had to stay with her group. Would it have been permissible for her to perform Tawaf while she was in a state of menstruation or not, considering that remaining behind would be extremely difficult and costly for her? We hope Your Eminence will clarify this issue for us and suggest any book that can enlighten us regarding this issue. Thank you very much, As-salamu `alaykum warahmatullah wabarakatuh (May Allah's Peace, Mercy, and Blessings be upon you!)

A: A menstruating woman is not permitted to circumambulate Al-Bayt (the House: another name for the Ka`bah) because Taharah (ritual purification) is a condition of validity of Tawaf. Thus, the woman referred to in the question should remain in Makkah and perform (Part No. 10; Page No. 255) Ghusl (full ritual bath) after menstruation, then perform Tawaf-ul-Ifadah. If she is forced to leave Makkah due to her inability to remain behind alone without her group, she is allowed to leave and then return to Makkah after her menstruation ends. She is then to perform Tawaf-ul-Ifadah and Sa`y (going between Safa and Marwah during Hajj and `Umrah), if she did not perform Sa`y after Tawaf-ul-Qudum (circumambulation of the Ka`bah on arrival in Makkah), whether she was Mutamatti` (pilgrim performing `Umrah during the months of Hajj, followed by Hajj in the same year with a break in between), Qarin (pilgrim combining Hajj and `Umrah without a break in between) or Mufrad (pilgrim performing Hajj only). She may perform Tawaf-ul-Wada` (circumambulation of the Ka`bah on leaving Makkah) immediately before leaving Makkah. Her husband must not have sexual intercourse with her until she completes Tawaf-ul-Ifadah and Sa`y.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.