Q: I performed Hajj with my wife last year. On the way to Makkah, she was overtaken by menstruation and could not, therefore, perform Tawaf-ul-Qudum (circumambulation of the Ka`bah on arrival in Makkah) or sa`y (going between safa and Marwah during Hajj). This was on the eighth of Dhul-Hijjah. She stood at `Arafah while she still had her period. I performed the ritual of throwing the pebbles (at the pebble-throwing area during Hajj) on her behalf. Her period continued until we left Makkah in the company of the pilgrims who came with us. We could not stay in Makkah until she could perform Tawaf-ul-Ifadah (final obligatory circumambulation of the Ka`bah in Hajj) and Sa`y. Three months later, we managed to visit Al-Bayt-ul-Haram (the Sacred House in Makkah) again. This time she made Tawaf and Sa`y. Is her Hajj considered valid? I would like to add that in the period between Hajj and the second visit, she made Tahalul (removal of the ritual state for Hajj and `Umrah). This matter annoys me much as some people say that Tawaf-ul-Ifadah can be made only before one lunar year has elapsed, while others say that it can be performed at any time during one's lifetime. Does this mean that the pilgrim has to be in a state of Ihram (ritual state for Hajj and `Umrah) for this whole period?