Some people commonly believe that Hajj is compulsory only for men. However, this is not true. As with men, Hajj is obligatory for women. It is the fifth pillar of Islam and a duty of a believer towards Allah the Almighty. For women, Hajj is a highly revered worship which earns them a reward equal to that of Jihaad.
As with men, some conditions make Hajj compulsory for a woman. However, for women, there are additional conditions given their different physiology. In this article, we will talk about women’s rights and responsibilities during hajj, which will help the readers in the USA.
Equality of Women in Hajj
Despite the equality of men and women in Sharee‘ah (Islamic legislation) rulings, some rulings are specified for women out of mercy towards them because their nature is different from that of men.
Consequently, scholars stated the following rule of Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence): “Every text that addresses men also addresses women unless an exception is made in the Sharee‘ah.”
The steps of hajj are the same for both men and women, but there are some other hajj rules which are only allowed for women. like dress code, menstruation, privacy, and security.
Many Islamic travel agencies are providing Hajj packages from the USA. These packages typically include accommodation, transportation, a tour guide, and food.
Mahram Requirement
This is one of the distinguishing features of Hajj for women. Women cannot travel to perform Hajj without a Mahram. If a woman does not have a Mahram, Hajj is not obligatory for her. A Mahram is a father, son, husband, brother, maternal and paternal uncle. A maternal or paternal nephew is also a Mahram. This rule is based on the following hadith,
“A woman should not travel except with a Mahram”
The objective of this conditioning is to provide security and protection to women, as Hajj is not an easy journey. In the days of hajj, there is a sea of Muslims gathering to ask forgiveness and seek Allah’s blessings. So, in the rush of people, you can get lost or hurt.
Menstruation
If the woman menstruates and fears missing Hajj: When the woman assumes Ihraam, having the intention to perform Tamattu‘ Hajj and makes Talbiyah with ‘Umrah, then she menstruates before making Tawaaf and fears missing Hajj; she should change her intention of Ihraam to become Qiraan Hajj. She should stay at ‘Arafah and do all rituals, but she should not make Tawaaf until she becomes purified. The evidence for this ruling is stated in the Hadith of ‘Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, that she assumed Ihraam to perform ‘Umrah and she menstruated before making Tawaaf. So, she did all the rituals after having assumed Ihraam to perform Hajj. On the day of leaving Mina after completing the rituals, the Prophet PBUH said to her: “Your Tawaaf suffices for Hajj and ‘Umrah.”
Appropriate Age
Hajj is mandatory for women when she reaches the age of adolescence. Hajj is not compulsory for girls who are under age. But if she performs hajj before adolescence it will be considered voluntary.
When she reaches puberty, she still has to perform the obligatory hajj. A pilgrim must be mature for the Hajj pilgrimage, because it is a full divine journey.
Pregnancy or other Conditions
If a woman is pregnant, she can delay Hajj until she can perform the sacred journey. Similarly, if a woman is post-partum or has an infant less than a year old who is dependent on the mother, she can wait till the baby is old enough to stay without the mother.
Conditions for Women during Hajj
The reward of an accepted Hajj is nothing less than Paradise, according to a hadith. So it is a golden opportunity for pilgrims to make their afterlife blissful. Here are some conditions for an accepted Hajj for women.
Ihram for women is different from that for men. Women can wear any modest clothes that sufficiently cover their bodies. Women should wear modest clothing. Their clothes should not resemble men’s clothing.
A woman must not let a non-Mahram see her face or hair. While spending the night at Muzdalifah, women must not sleep in front of non-mahram men. Applying fragrance is impermissible for women as it is a condition for Ihram. Women must not cover their hands or faces.
Conclusion
Women and the Hajj obligation make us realise how much value Islam places on women. The rules and exemptions for women are only for their benefit and protection. This allows women to perform the spiritual journey with ease and comfort.
Hajj not only shows the restriction but also reflects dignity, strength, humbleness and equality of women. It is a strong reminder for women, faith, endurance and honesty uplift your status.
