Why must a woman travel with a Mahram

[ummtaalib]

Question and Answer:

 

Q. What is the reason behind the requirement for a woman to travel with a mahram?

 

(Question published as received)

 

A. The primary reason is the command of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam in this regard.

 

Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam has stated: “No woman should travel except with a Mahram (male guardian) and no man should enter upon her unless she has a Mahram with her.” (Sahih Bukhari)

 

It is thus a major sin for females to travel without a Mahram.

 

One of the wisdoms behind this command is to ensure the safety of the person of the female and the safety of her chastity which is at greater risk during travel.

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

 

Mufti Muhammed Hamza Farooqui

Mufti Taahir Hansa

 

(The answer hereby given is specifically based on the question asked and should be read together with the question asked. Islamic rulings on this Q&A newsletter are answered in accordance to the Hanafi Fiqh unless otherwise stated.) 

 

 

Fatwa Department
Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) 
Council of Muslim Theologians