Women's prohibitions during hajj season in Sabaic inscriptions

Abstract

This article explores the role of women during Hajj season as depicted in Sabaic inscriptions and Arabic sources. Prior to Islam, women were restricted from participating in Hajj if they were impure. However, Sabaic inscriptions suggest that women did partake in Hajj during the pre-Islamic era, albeit with lesser involvement than men. This discrepancy could be due to the challenging nature of the rituals involved. Additionally, the article covers some of the prohibitions that must be observed during the Hajj, such as refraining from hunting and not harming those carrying weapons. In summary, this article examines the participation of women in Hajj based on Sabaic inscriptions and Arabic sources. It reveals that women were restricted from Hajj if they were impure during the pre-Islamic era, but Sabaic inscriptions suggest that they still participated to some extent. The article also highlights some prohibitions during the Hajj, such as refraining from hunting and not harming those carrying weapons.