Can a Women Go To Hajj Without a Mahram?
The ruling of hajj and Umrah for a woman who does not find a Mahram to travel is a controversial issue. Some scholars follow the apparent meaning of the Prophetic hadith. They prohibit traveling without a Mahram, even for the obligation of Hajj. For them, there is no exception to go to hajj without a Mahram.
A Prophetic Hadith Preventing Women from Travelling Alone:
Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) said:
“It is not lawful for a woman who has faith in Allah and the Last Day to travel for a day and a night without her guardian”.
(Al-Bukhari)
For Maliki Juristic school, It is permissible for older women to go to Hajj without a Mahram.
Others find it permissible for a woman to travel without a Mahram as long as she is with trustworthy faithful Muslim women.
Here we will learn the following:
A Historical Event Allowing Woman to Travel Alone for Hajj
During the final Hajj of ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattab, (may Allah be pleased with him), he gave permission to the wives of the Prophet (PBUH) to perform Hajj. So he sent with them ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan and ‘Abdur-Rahman. This act is considered to be a consensus, for all of them, ‘Umar, ‘Uthman, ‘Abdur-Rahman Ibn ‘Awf and the wives of the Prophet (PBUH)) agreed to it, without any objection.
Can a Woman Perform Umrah Without a Mahram?
Some scholars concluded that a woman can perform Umrah without a Mahram if the roadway is safe. Some concluded this about Umrah and about every travel that is not obligatory, like visiting and trading. Nowadays, various means of transportation provide safety for everyone not women only.
What is the meaning of Mahram?
Mahram is a man whom a woman is forever forbidden to marry because of blood ties or a permissible reason, as mentioned in the Noble Quran (4: 23-24). In addition, when a woman gets married, her husband also becomes her Mahram. Her Mahram should be a mature man with sound mind.
Hajj Vs Umrah For women
First, Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obliged of every Muslim at least once in their lifetime as long as they have the capacity. On the other hand, Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage to Makkah. For more about hajj and umrah read:
Top 10 Differences Difference Between Hajj and Umrah
Hajj Pillars, Duties, Sunnahs, and Obligations – 2023 Full Guide
Wisdom Behind the Ruling of Travelling for Women
In fact, this ruling does not oppress woman or deprive her from her freedom as some people claim. It is to preserve her dignity and assure her safety. It is to protect her from the desires of those who have diseased hearts.
Regarding Islamic Rulings, we need to focus on showing full compliance to Allah’s order, before focusing on their meanings and purposes and searching for the wisdom.
Note:
The prohibited are not permitted except if there is a dire need. Undoubtedly, the prohibition of a woman traveling without a Mahram based on the necessity of blocking channels to evil.
Ihram Women’s Clothing
Ihram for women is different from the ihram of a man. Women should wear her full Hijab; covering her full body except her face and hands. She should wear modest, loose and non-transparent clothes without wearing perfume or makeup.
Ihram Rulings for Women
Women should not raise her voice like men in Talbiyah. In the state of Ihram, They should use unscented products. They also are not allowed to comb or clip their hair. Any marital intercourse is also prohibited in the state of Ihram. They should avoid killing any animal or insect. In this spiritual journey, it is better for women to prepare her heart to feel the serenity of this journey. Women should avoid gossiping, posting on social media, shopping or spending many hours talking with friends.
Conclusion – It’s Your Turn!
Are you excited to live this spiritual journey? Then it’s time to know more about Islam and to become a Muslim. Don’t hesitate; it really deserves. To read more about the secret of Hajj, you can read the Book of Al-Ghazali entitled The Secrets of Pilgrimage: Kitab Asrar al-Hajj. Praise be to Allah, The Lord of all worlds….May Allah accept us…May Allah invite us to perform Hajj and Umrah…May Allah accept our good deeds and choose us to be among the pilgrims next year… Peace and Blessings be upon our Prophet, his family and companions…Ameen.
Rehab Jamal Bakri
