What is the ruling on a woman who entered into the state of ihram for Umrah, then was surprised by menstruation and feared being left behind by her group, whereupon one of the muftis gave her a fatwa to return with her group and come back later for Umrah while remaining in the state of ihram, but then she found this to be extremely difficult and it might not be possible for her to return for Umrah again?
Whoever enters into a state of ihram for Hajj or 'Umrah is obligated to complete it, and it is not permissible for them to exit this state until it is complete, unless they are prevented (muḥṣar) or have stipulated a condition. It is preferable for a woman who has entered ihram for 'Umrah to wait in Mecca until she becomes pure, then complete her 'Umrah. However, if waiting is difficult for her, she may perform ghusl, wear a protective pad (istithfar), perform tawaf and sa'i, shorten her hair (taqṣir), and exit the state of ihram. If someone returns to their country while still obligated to complete the 'Umrah, they must remain in their state of ihram and return to Mecca to complete it. If they commit any of the prohibitions of ihram, a fidyah (expiation) is required.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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