Ihram for the Menstruating Woman and the Woman with Post-Natal Bleeding in Hajj and 'Umrah

Question:
The sister Umm Asma asks: What should a menstruating woman and a woman with post-natal bleeding do if they wish to enter the state of ihram, whether they are in a group for Hajj or 'Umrah, or with a group of family members?

Answer:
The menstruating woman and the woman with post-natal bleeding, when entering the state of ihram, do what others do: they take a bath, clean themselves, and apply perfume, and they prepare for the ihram in the best possible condition, even if she is menstruating or has post-natal bleeding. This is because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) ordered the woman with post-natal bleeding to perform the rites of Hajj with the pilgrims, just as they enter ihram. He said to the menstruating woman, who was 'A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her): . Therefore, there is no difference between the menstruating woman and the woman with post-natal bleeding and others regarding the manner of entering ihram and the rites of Hajj performed after entering ihram, except for one thing: the tawaf (circumambulation) of the House, which they must not perform until the menstruation stops and the menstruating woman or the woman with post-natal bleeding becomes pure.