Traveling is allowed as well as encouraged in Islam for several reasons, at different times, and for different needs of a Muslim. Traveling can also be a deeply enriching experience full of a lot of learning and enjoyment, but for female Muslim travelers, there are specific religious guidelines to consider.
One of the most significant aspects for a female Muslim traveler is the requirement for women to travel with a mahram — a male relative whom they are prohibited from marrying, such as a father, brother, husband, or son. This specific Shariah guideline and practice is rooted in Islamic teachings aimed at ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of women during their travels.
In this comprehensive guide you’ll find an answer to the question “Can a Muslim Woman travel without her Mahram?”.
Note: This article is written under the Islamic guidelines by me keeping every detail as accurate as possible as I also have a background in Islamic studies. However, it is a matter of dispute among scholars as well when it comes to the opinion of women traveling alone or traveling without a Mahram. I recommend you to learn this topic beyond this article. All personal comments I made in this article in the footer section I stand by it, and I myself don’t encourage solo travel among Muslim women. Pictures used in this articles are just for demos and taken from internest sources.
Also this article is written for Muslim female travlers, our interntion is not to degrade any community, group or religioun. You’re welcome too if you’re not a Muslim reader.
Islamic Guidelines at a Glance
Islamic teachings emphasize the importance of a mahram in providing protection and support in traveling making it easy and safer for the women. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated: “It is not permissible for a woman who believes in Allah and the Last Day to travel for a distance of one day and night except with a mahram” (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).
This particular authentic hadith highlights the significance of having a mahram for journeys extending beyond a specific distance, underscoring the need for safety and security as well as fulfilling the religious obligation and saving oneself from worldly fitnah/evil.
Additionally, There is another hadith reported by Ibn ‘Abbas relates that the Prophet said: “No man should be alone with a woman except in the presence of her mahram. And no woman should travel except in the company of a mahram” (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim). This directive not only ensures protection but also respects the boundaries of modesty and propriety in interactions between the two genders which is again a core Islamic principle to consider.
Therefore, we get to know that it is not permissible for Muslim women to travel without her Mahram. But as traveling without a Mahram is a matter of dispute among the scholars we need to go a little bit in-depth to find out the answer now let me briefly mention some of the quotations from the scholars with possible references. Here is more about a women traveling without a Mahram:
Can a Muslim Woman travel without a Mahram?
The short and straightforward answer is no, a Muslim woman can’t travel without a mahram. However, to clarify it, we need to go a little deeper with people of knowledge. There are different opinions among Islamic scholars from different schools of thought regarding whether a woman can travel without a mahram:
1. It is not permissible for a woman to travel without a mahram
This opinion most accurate opinion among the vast majority of scholars including Imam Abu Hanifah and Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal. It is based on many narrations from the Prophet s.a.w.
Abu Hurairah r.a. reported: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said,
“It is not permissible for a woman who believes in Allah and the last day to make a journey of one day and night unless she is accompanied by a mahram (husband or male relative whom she is prohibited to marry).”
[Al Bukhari and Muslim]
Ibn ‘Abbas r.a. reported: The Prophet ﷺ said,
“No man must not be alone with a woman except in the presence of her mahram. No woman should travel except in the company of a mahram.” A man said: “O Messenger of Allah! I have been enrolled for such and such expedition, and my wife left for Haj.” He ﷺ said to him, “Go and perform Haj with your wife.”
While responding to a similar question Shaikh Ibn Baaz (R.A) said:
This is because so long as she has no one to protect her, it is quite possible that she may be exposed to or subjected to something that is (Islaamically) dangerous during her journey, by whatever means.
Source: Majmoo’ Fataawa wa Maqaalaat Mutanawwi’ah – Volume 16, Page 383
A similar response can be found by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allah have mercy on him). He said:
The basic principle is that everything that may be a means that leads to fitnah is not permissible; the means that lead to immorality must be prevented unless there is an interest that may be served.
Source: Majmoo‘ al-Fataawa, 15/419
Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) has also said covering about both males and females with non-mahram:
It is haraam to be alone with a non-mahram woman, to travel with her, or to look at her unnecessarily, as a preventative measure and so as to block the means that may lead to evil.
Source: Ighaathat al-Lahfaan, 1/362; Zaad al-Ma‘aad, 4/78; I‘laam al-Muwaqqi‘een, 2/159
A similar answer is given by one of the best scholars of today’s time Shaikh Dr. Salih Al-Fauzan (May Allah protect him) stating “It’s not permissible for women to travel without mahram if the distance is 80km or more between the two cities, it is necessary for the mahram”.
This answer was given based on the situation of the questioner but there is another answer from him stating “It’s not permissible for women to travel except with her Mahram, whether in a plane, or on a car, or on an animal” This answer is also based on first hadith we have mentioned in this section.
You may look at this article for some similar references mentioned here.
2. It’s Permissible for a Woman to Travel Without a Mahram
This opinion is upheld by a small group of scholars including Imam Shafi’i and Imam Malik, as well as contemporary scholars such as Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, Fatawa Council of Egypt, and some scholars associated with Al-Azhar Islamic University.
They concluded that the prohibition originally addressed safety concerns. Thus, if a woman can ensure her safety and secure travel conditions, the requirement for a mahram can be lifted. This perspective is supported by a hadith recorded in Sahih Bukhari and Fathul Bari, narrated by ‘Adiy Ibn Hatem: “And if you live a long life, you will surely see women traveling from Hira till they tawaf the Ka’bah, fearing no one except Allah.” Imam Ahmad’s report includes: “By He in whose hands is my soul, verily Allah will bring this matter [Islam] into completion until women travel from Hira and tawaf the Ka’bah without being accompanied by anyone.” This hadith is considered a glad tiding for such a future scenario.
Accordingly, scholars who follow this opinion permit a woman to travel without a mahram with the exception if she ensures her safety and traveling with trustworthy companions or a group of people. This view is also supported by early scholars such as ‘Ata’, Sa’id Ibn Jubair, Ibn Sirin, and Hasan al-Basri, who allowed women to travel for obligatory Hajj with reliable companions. The practice of the Mothers of the Believers and other notable figures, like ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan and Ibn ‘Umar, further supports this interpretation.
Concluding this we came to know that Ii a woman needs to travel to uphold her religious duties and fears potential harm or fitnah if she does not make the journey, and if she does not have a mahram available to accompany her, it is permissible for her to undertake the trip. This is allowed in order to prevent greater harm that could arise from not traveling. But it is wise that the woman should be accompanied by her mahram when she travels.
Wallahu A’alam (Allah knows the best)
Advantages of traveling with a Mahram
Although this section isn’t completely based on Islamic guidelines, we must take it into consideration that why Islam emphasis the importance of traveling with a Mahram. Let’s now look at some of the advantages of traveling with a Mahram:
Safety and Security
Traveling with a mahram offers enhanced safety and security. A mahram can provide physical protection and assist in navigating unfamiliar environments. This is particularly crucial in areas where women might face harassment or other dangers. The presence of a mahram helps to mitigate risks and ensures that a female traveler is not left vulnerable.
Emotional and Moral Support
Having a mahram by one’s side can provide emotional and moral support. Traveling, especially in unfamiliar territories, can be stressful and challenging. A mahram offers companionship and reassurance, making the journey more comfortable and less daunting. This support is invaluable in maintaining a positive travel experience and upholding one’s faith.
Facilitating Religious Observances
A mahram can assist in maintaining religious observances while traveling. From finding suitable places for prayer to ensuring access to halal food, a mahram understands and respects the religious needs of a female traveler. This shared commitment to faith can make it easier to observe religious practices and maintain spiritual well-being.
Upholding Modesty
Islam places a high value on modesty and dignity. Traveling with a mahram helps in upholding these principles. It prevents situations that might compromise a woman’s modesty and ensures that her interactions are conducted within the boundaries set by Islamic teachings. This adherence to modesty is not only a religious obligation but also a means of preserving personal dignity and respect.
Practical Assistance
Beyond the religious and emotional aspects, a mahram can provide practical assistance during travel. From handling luggage to managing transportation logistics, a mahram’s presence can ease the burdens of travel. This allows a female traveler to focus more on enjoying the journey and less on the practical challenges.
Disadvantages of Solo Traveling for Muslim Women
Solo traveling for Muslim women can present several challenges and concerns, primarily rooted in traditional Islamic teachings and practical safety considerations:
Safety and Security Risks:
One of the primary concerns is the safety of the woman traveling alone. Without a mahram or trusted companions, a woman may be more vulnerable to potential threats such as harassment, theft, or assault. The presence of a mahram is traditionally emphasized to ensure protection and security during the journey.
Lack of Religious Support:
Traveling alone can complicate the practice of religious obligations. For instance, maintaining prayer times, finding halal food, and adhering to other Islamic practices can be more challenging without the support of a mahram who understands and helps facilitate these needs.
Cultural Sensitivities:
In some regions, cultural norms and social attitudes towards women traveling alone can be restrictive or unwelcoming. This could lead to uncomfortable or potentially unsafe situations, where the woman might face judgment or discrimination.
Isolation and Emotional Stress:
Solo travel can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, especially in unfamiliar settings. The absence of a travel companion means missing out on emotional support and shared experiences, which can be particularly taxing during stressful situations.
Challenges in Handling Emergencies:
In case of an emergency, traveling alone can be more problematic. The lack of immediate support from a trusted companion can complicate the situation, making it harder to navigate and resolve crises effectively.
Following the Islamic rulings and hadith of the prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as well as keeping these reasons into consideration, many scholars and traditional teachings advocate for the presence of a mahram or trusted companions to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of Muslim women during travel.
Conclusion: A Muslim Women shouldn’t travel alone.
Considering the Islamic guidelines in the first place I don’t support solo traveling for Muslim women especially falling into the recent trap of the female solo traveling trend, rather we should have a better approach towards traveling with Mahram being a practicing Muslim or fulfilling our religious obligation at most.
It’s not only for females but it’s also encouraged for male Muslim travelers to have the companionship of family members and close friends while traveling to an unknown destination, this ensures your safety and security. I recommend you to choose a righteous traveling partner to make your journey memorable and safe.
For female Muslim travelers, the presence of a mahram is not merely a recommendation but a significant aspect of ensuring a safe, modest, and fulfilling travel experience obeying the commands of Allah and his Prophet. Rooted in the teachings of Islam, traveling with a mahram provides protection, support, and assistance, allowing women to explore the world while upholding their religious values.
Whether embarking on a sacred pilgrimage of Hajj and Umrah, a Halal-friendly holiday, or a family trip, having a reliable mahram can transform the travel experience for good, making it more secure and spiritually enriching.
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