No, a menstruating woman cannot enter the main prayer area of Masjid al-Haram (the Grand Mosque in Mecca). This is a widely held Islamic belief.
Entering Masjid al-Haram During Menstruation
According to multiple Islamic sources, women experiencing menstruation are not permitted to enter the main prayer areas of the Masjid al-Haram. However, there's an important distinction: the area between Safa and Marwa, while within the vicinity of the Masjid al-Haram, is considered permissible to enter even during menstruation, as it is not considered part of the main prayer space.
- Forbidden: Entering the main prayer area of Masjid al-Haram.
- Permitted: Entering the area between Safa and Marwa.
This restriction applies specifically to the Masjid al-Haram and other mosques. It's important to note that entering Mecca itself is not prohibited during menstruation; the restriction is confined to the designated prayer spaces within the Haram. This aligns with the information found in several of the provided sources which clearly state that menstruating women are not permitted to enter the mosques but can still visit Mecca. The Youtube video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPLGRGzRvrQ) also shows the confusion surrounding this issue, highlighting the need for clarity on the specific areas of the Haram that are restricted. Many websites and forums (like Quora: https://www.quora.com/Which-place-can-I-visit-in-Makkah-near-Haram-Masjid-in-the-condition-of-period-I-am-near-Haram-now-but-cannot-enter-inside-Is-there-any-place-outside-Haram-for-visit and Shiachat: https://www.shiachat.com/forum/topic/235061322-limitations-for-a-menstruating-woman-in-iraqkarbalanajaf-ziarat-trip/) also address similar questions and reiterate the same answer.
The reasoning behind this restriction is rooted in Islamic jurisprudence and tradition.
