No, a menstruating woman cannot enter the Masjid al-Haram (the Grand Mosque in Mecca). While a woman can enter ihram (the state of consecration for Hajj or Umrah) while menstruating, she cannot perform the rituals of Umrah until after her period ends and she performs ritual cleansing (ghusl).
Understanding the Restrictions
Several sources confirm that menstruating women are not permitted to enter mosques, including the Masjid al-Haram. This restriction stems from Islamic jurisprudence and is based on interpretations of religious texts. This Quora response specifically states: “It is not permissible for a woman in the state of menstruation (Haidh) to enter any Musjid including Musjid-ul-Haram (Makkah) and Musjid Nabawi…” This is supported by numerous other sources that mention the prohibition of menstruating women entering mosques. [These YouTube videos](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPLGRGzRvrQ, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWAUxeZZl_w) also discuss this restriction in relation to entering the Masjid al-Haram.
While entering Makkah and Medina is not prohibited for menstruating women, the restriction on entering mosques applies to both Masjid al-Haram and Masjid al-Nabawi (the Prophet's Mosque in Medina). This IslamQA.info answer clarifies that there is no prohibition against entering the cities themselves.
The prohibition relates specifically to the act of entering the mosque during menstruation, not the city in which the mosque resides. A woman can still be in Makkah during her period, but must stay outside of the Masjid al-Haram.
Practical Implications
- A woman on her period traveling to Mecca for Umrah should plan accordingly and ensure she has sufficient time to complete the rituals after her period ends.
- Alternative arrangements may need to be made for accommodation and activities while she is menstruating.
- The restriction applies only to the mosque; other areas of the city are accessible to women during their period.
