Resolution No.(92) by the Board of Iftaa`, Research and Islamic Studies:
“Ruling on a Woman`s Travel without a Mahram“
Date: 28/6/1426 AH, corresponding to 48/2005
Question: Is a woman`s travel to a country, or from it without a Mahram (i.e. a husband or a person whom one is permanently prohibited from marrying due to suckling, marital, or blood relations) forbidden or not, and what is the ruling when she resides-without a Mahram-in the country where she works?
Answer: Praise be to Allah; and may His blessings and peace be upon Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.
In principle, it is forbidden for a woman to travel-or reside in a country- without a husband, or a Mahram for a distance longer than that allowed in case of shortening prayers. This is based on the Hadith of Ibn Umar who reported that the prophet (PBUH) said: “A woman should not travel for more than three days except with a Dhi-Mahram (i.e. a male with whom she cannot marry at all, e.g. her brother, father, grandfather, etc.) or her own husband.“ {Bukhari & Muslim}. Also for the Hadith of Abu-Hurairah who reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “It is not permissible for a woman who believes in Allah and the Last Day to travel for one day and night except with a Mahram." {Bukhari & Muslim}.
Moreover, Abu-Sa`eid reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “A woman should not go on a two day journey except with her husband or a Dhi-Mahram.” {Mukhari & Muslim}. However, the majority of Muslim scholars have agreed that it is permissible for a woman to travel without a Mahram, or her husband in the following situations:
1- Fleeing a war zone to a peaceful country.
2- Fearing for herself.
3- Captivity, then managing to escape.
4- Paying off a debt and returning a deposit.
5- Abandoning the state of recalcitrance.
6- Obligation to observe Iddah (waiting period) due to death of husband, or Ba`ien divorce while travelling. In this case, she should return to her home.
The Iftaa` Board is of the view that a woman is allowed to travel without a husband, or a Mahram for a legitimate cause, if her travel meets the following conditions:
1- The road is safe.
2- No temptations are involved.
3- Travelling with God-fearing group of women.
4- Adherence to Islamic wear, morals and etiquette.
5- Using public means of transportation while accompanied by trustful women.
6- Staying with God-fearing and righteous group of women.
This is indicated by the Hadith of Adi Bin Hatim who said: “While I was in the city of the Prophet, a man came and complained to him (the Prophet) of destitution and poverty. Then another man came and complained of robbery (by highwaymen). he (PBUH), said: "Adi! Have you been to Al-Hira?" I said: "I haven't been to it, but I was informed about it." And he (PBUH) said (What means): "If you should live for a long time, you will certainly see that a lady in a Howdah traveling from Al-Hira will (safely reach Mecca and) perform the Tawaf of the Ka'ba, fearing none but Allah” {Bukhari}. And Allah Knows Best.
Chairman of the Iftaa` Board
Chief Justice/ Izzaldeen At-Tamimi
Dr. Abdolmajeed As-Salaheen Sheikh Sai`ed Hijjawi
Dr. Wasif Al-Bakri Sheikh Abdulkareem Khasawneh
Sheikh Na`iem Mujjahid Dr. Yousef Ghaidahn