Firstly, there is no such thing as performing ῾Umrah in the Prophet’s Mosque; ῾Umrah can only be performed at the Masjid al-Ḥarām in Mecca. As for the Prophet’s Mosque, its significance lies in performing prayers, visiting the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) grave to send peace and blessings upon him, and visiting the Rawḍah ash-Sharīfah.

Secondly, if a woman gets her menstrual period, she is prohibited from entering the mosque except for passing through, and she is not allowed to remain in it even without praying. This is the opinion of the four major Islamic schools of Islamic law, based on the verse: “nor when you are in a state of Janābah (i.e., sexual impurity), except when passing through.” [Quran 4:43]. Menstruation is considered more severe than Janābah due to the presence of blood. They also refer to the ḥadīth of ᾽Umm ῾Aṭīyah regarding Eid prayers: “He ordered the menstruating women to keep away from the prayer area of the Muslims.” [Agreed upon]. Additionally, Abū Dāwūd narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said concerning the mosque: “I do not permit the mosque for a menstruating woman or for a person in a state of Janābah.”

Therefore, it is not permissible for this woman to stay in the mosque or in the Rawḍah ash-Sharīfah. However, if it is possible for her to pass through and greet the Prophet’s grave without sitting, she may do so. She is also allowed to sit in the mosque courtyard during times when the prayer rows are not connected.

Fatwā issued by Dr. Khālid Naṣr