Question:
What is the ruling of a woman who takes prescription pills to delay her menstruation because she is performing hajj?
Answer:
Alhamdulillah, praise and thanks to Allah for the countless blessings He has blessed us all with. Blessings and salutations to the Prophet Muhammad PBUH, his wives, his family, companions and all those that follow his teachings to the day of judgement.
Basically, a menstruating woman is permissible to perform the requisites of hajj except tawaf in Baitullah. This is in accordance with the statement of the Prophet PBUH to Ummul Mu’minin A’isyah RA:
افْعَلِي كَمَا يَفْعَلُ الْحَاجُّ غَيْرَ أَنْ لَا تَطُوفِي بِالْبَيْتِ حَتَّى تَطْهُرِي
"Perform all the ceremonies of Hajj like the other pilgrims, but do not perform Tawaf of the Ka`ba till you get clean (from your menses)."
Sahih al-Bukhari (1650)
Imam al-Hafiz Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali Rahimahullah when commenting on this hadith said: Indeed, menstruation does not prevent any of the manasik (requisites) of hajj except tawaf (circumambulation) in baitullah and salah (prayer) after it. As for other matters such as dhikr and supplication, then these are not restricted for menstruating women to perform it. This also includes wukuf in ‘Arafah and Muzdalifah, throwing of jamrah and supplication to Allah SWT in these places. The permissibility of all of these are agreed by scholars. See Fath al-Bari, Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali (2/42).
The Ruling of Female Pilgrims Taking Prescription Pills to Delay Their Menstruation
The following we state several opinions of jurists regarding this issue:
Al-Imam al-Buhuti al-Hanbali Rahimahullah said: It is permissible to consume permissible medicine to delay one’s menstruation as long as it is safe and not harmful. Refer Kasyyaf al-Qina’, al-Bahuti (1/2180).
While Imam Malik ruled it makruh (undesirable). Al-Imam Ibn Rushd Rahimahullah said; Imam Malik was asked regarding a woman who is concerned that her menstruation may be early, thus, she wants to take medicine that could delay her menstruation cycle. Then Imam Malik said: Such a thing is inaccurate.
Commenting on this statement, Imam Ibn Rushd said: Indeed, Imam Malik ruled it makruh because he feared that the woman would take something that would harm herself. See Mawahib al-Jalil, al-Ru’aini al-Maliki (1/538).
Considering the issue fully, the usage of prescription pills for woman pilgrims for hajj is included as worldly affairs. Such matters’ original ruling is permissible unless there is evidence that prohibit it. This is in accordance with a famous Islamic legal maxim:
الأَصْلُ فِي الأَشْيَاءِ الإِبَاحَة
“The original ruling of something (in matters involving worship) is its permissibility.”
However, if it is medically proven that the consumption of such pills whether in short or long-term time is harmful, then the permissibility would change into a prohibition. This is according to the general statement of the Prophet PBUH:
لاَ ضَرَرَ وَلاَ ضِرَارَ
“There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm.”
Sunan Ibn Majah (2341)
If the usage of such pills is not harmful then the ruling return to the original ruling which is permissible. It is also considered as a facilitation for women pilgrims. Allah SWT states:
يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ بِكُمُ الْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ الْعُسْرَ
“Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship,”
Surah al-Baqarah (185)
Opinions of Religious Bodies of Authority
Here we state the statement made by religious bodies of authorities when commenting on this issue. Among them are:
- General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments (United Arab Emirates)
The opinion issued is as the following:
It is permissible for a woman to perform hajj using prescription pills to delay her menstruation cycle after discussing and getting the advice of a medical specialist. Refer the link https://goo.gl/Xj2E4A
- Dar al Ifta’ Jordan
They issued their opinion stating:
It is permissible for a woman to take medicine to delay her menstruation cycle. Especially when there is a necessity from syarak for her to take it. Such as if she feared that the person accompanying her for hajj will not be able to wait for her if she is late in completing her hajj due to her menstruation. Read further through the following link https://goo.gl/BwYvvz
Conclusion
After analysing the above opinions of jurists, we conclude that it is permissible for women pilgrims to take prescription pills to delay their menstruation for hajj. There are also several matters that should be considered:
- She must first get the advice of a medical specialist. If the consumption of pills to delay menstruation is harmful then it should be avoided.
- If when a woman does not take the pill then she will have to wait until she is pure and her home country is far and her mahram or husband will not be able to wait for her, then it is permissible for her to take the pill.
Lastly, may Allah SWT give all us understanding in understanding this religion. Amin.