Who are to be excused from performing Tawaf-ul-Wada`

Q: Last year, my wife performed Tamattu` Hajj (`Umrah during the months of Hajj followed by Hajj in the same year with a break in between). She performed all the rituals of Hajj except Tawaf-ul-Wada` (circumambulation of the Ka`bah on leaving Makkah), because she got her menses. However, my father took her to Al-Masjid Al-Haram (the Sacred Mosque in Makkah) to see the Honored Ka`bah. What is the ruling on this? Please guide us. May Allah reward you with the best.

A: Tawaf-ul-Wada` is waived for a menstruating woman; accordingly, your wife does not have to do anything. It is authentically reported on the authority of Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) that he said: The people were ordered that the last thing they should do is to circumambulate the Ka`bah (Tawaf-ul-Wada`), but an exception was made for menstruating women. It is reported on the authority of `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) that she said: Safiyyah bint Huyay got her menses after she performed Tawaf-ul-Ifadah (final obligatory circumambulation of the Ka`bah in Hajj). I mentioned that to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and he said, 'Will she detain us (i.e. Prevent us from leaving)?' I said, 'O Messenger of Allah, she performed Tawaf-ul-Ifadah, circumambulated the House, and then got her menses after it.' He (peace be upon him) said, 'Then let her set out.' (Part No. 10; Page No. 343) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.