Umrah Rules for Women
A woman performs Umrah like a man with a few differences: her ihram is her normal modest clothing in any colour, she does not wear a niqab or gloves in ihram, she does not jog during sa'i or uncover a shoulder in tawaf, and she cuts about a fingertip's length of hair at the end. During menstruation she may enter ihram but delays tawaf until she is pure.
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Ihram for women
- Any loose, modest clothing; white is not required.
- Cover the hair. Do not tie a niqab over the face or wear gloves; you may lower a cloth from the head if men are close.
- Socks and ordinary shoes are allowed.
Menstruation and Umrah
A woman on her period can make the intention, wear ihram and recite the talbiyah, but must not perform tawaf until her period ends and she has bathed. Sa'i does not require purity, but it comes after tawaf. If the return flight leaves before she is pure, ask a scholar; plan the travel dates with this in mind.
Cutting the hair
Gather the hair and cut about 2 cm (a fingertip's length) from the ends. Women never shave the head.
Practical tips
- Use the women's prayer areas; in Madinah the Rawdah has separate women's times booked through Nusuk.
- Carry your marriage or birth certificate if travelling with a husband, father or son.
- Comfortable flat shoes matter more than anything else you pack.
Frequently asked questions
Can women perform Umrah during menstruation?
They can enter ihram, but tawaf waits until the period ends and they have bathed.
Do women have to wear white for ihram?
No. Any modest clothing in any colour is ihram for women.
Can a woman go for Umrah without a mahram?
Saudi rules allow it in an organised group. Many scholars, especially in the Hanafi school, still require a mahram; see our mahram guide and ask your scholar.
More guides
- Mahram rules
- Things to pack
Ready to go? See family Umrah packages.
[Reviewer: add the name and credentials of the Islamic scholar who checked this guide (also in the page's Expert fields) before publishing]