الحج — السفر

The concept of mahram in Islamic law refers to a male relative whom a woman is permanently prohibited from marrying — such as her father, son, brother, uncle, nephew, or husband. The requirement for a mahram during travel is based on several hadiths, the most well-known being النبي's statement: 'No woman should travel except with a mahram' (Bukhari and Muslim) and 'It is not جائز for a woman who believes in Allah and the Last Day to travel a distance of a day and night except with a mahram' (Bukhari and Muslim). These hadiths have formed the foundation of scholarly discussion on women's travel, particularly for الحج. The scholars differ on whether the mahram requirement is an absolute condition for the obligation of الحج to apply, or whether it is a general safety consideration that may be fulfilled through alternative means. This difference of opinion is well-أُسس across centuries of Islamic jurisprudence and reflects the diversity of methodological approaches among the four schools. Women should approach this topic with awareness that sincere scholars have reached different conclusions, and the appropriate ruling for an individual depends on her school of thought, her circumstances, and scholarly consultation.

The Hanafi school holds that a mahram is a condition (shart) for الحج to be واجب upon a woman. If a woman does not have a mahram available and willing to accompany her, الحج is not yet واجب for her, even if she meets all other conditions of financial and physical ability. This is based on their reading of the hadiths as establishing an absolute rule. Imam Abu Hanifah and his students held this position firmly, arguing that the safety concerns underlying the mahram requirement apply universally and cannot be substituted by other arrangements. If a woman performs الحج without a mahram, the Hanafi school considers her الحج valid but holds that she is sinful for the manner of travel. The Hanbali school takes a very similar position. Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal required a mahram for women's travel for الحج, and this is the well-known position of the school. ابن قدامة, the great Hanbali jurist, presented this as the primary position in Al-Mughni. Both schools emphasize that the mahram requirement is a mercy and protection for women, not a restriction on their religious rights. They note that if a woman has no mahram, she may delegate someone to perform الحج on her behalf (الحج by proxy) or leave a bequest for it to be performed after her death.

The Shafi'i school offers a significantly different analysis. Imam al-Shafi'i held that a woman may travel for the واجب الحج without a mahram provided she has trustworthy female companions or is traveling with a trustworthy group. The reasoning is that the purpose behind the mahram requirement is the woman's safety and protection, and this purpose can be achieved through trustworthy companionship. Al-Nawawi, the preeminent Shafi'i jurist, detailed this position in Al-Majmu', noting that the correct position in the school is that a mahram is not a condition for the obligation of الحج; rather, safe companionship is sufficient. Some Shafi'i scholars extended this further, stating that if the roads are safe, a woman may even travel alone for the واجب الحج. The Maliki school takes a comparable position. Imam Malik permitted a woman to travel for الحج with a trustworthy group even without a mahram, viewing the mahram as the ideal arrangement but not an absolute requirement when alternatives exist. The Maliki jurists emphasized that the obligation of الحج is a pillar of Islam, and a woman who is otherwise able should not be permanently excused from it due to the absence of a mahram when safe travel arrangements are available. Both schools stress that this applies specifically to the واجب الحج (not voluntary travel), and that the woman must genuinely have safe, trustworthy companionship.

The debate has evolved significantly in the modern era, with many contemporary scholars revisiting the mahram requirement in light of changed travel conditions. Modern air travel, organized tour groups, أُسس الحج infrastructure, and security systems at the Haramain have fundamentally altered the safety landscape compared to desert caravan travel in earlier centuries. Scholars such as Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi, the late Sheikh Mustafa al-Zarqa, and others have argued that the mahram requirement was linked to travel safety, and that when safety is ensured through other means, the requirement may be relaxed for the واجب الحج. In a landmark policy shift in 2021, the Saudi government announced that women aged 45 and above may obtain الحج and العمرة visas and travel without a mahram, provided they travel as part of an organized group. This policy change was developed in consultation with Saudi religious authorities and reflected the growing acceptance of the Shafi'i and Maliki positions on this matter. For younger women, the mahram requirement remains in place for Saudi visa purposes, though some countries' الحج quota systems have their own specific regulations. Women should check the current visa requirements for their specific country and age group. Regardless of the legal and visa frameworks, all scholars agree that traveling with a mahram or trusted male relative remains the ideal and preferred arrangement when possible.

For women who do not have a mahram available for الحج, there are several practical steps to consider. First, exhaust all possibilities for a mahram — husband, father, son, brother, nephew, or other qualifying male relative. If a potential mahram is willing but unable due to financial constraints, some women fund their mahram's travel as part of their الحج expenses. Second, if no mahram is available and you follow a school that permits travel without one, seek out reputable, أُسس الحج tour groups that have experience accommodating women traveling without mahrams. These groups typically provide female group leaders, shared accommodation with other women, and structured itineraries that ensure women are never isolated. Third, consult a trusted scholar familiar with your personal circumstances for a specific ruling. The question of traveling without a mahram involves individual factors — age, health, destination conditions, and the specific arrangements available — that affect the ruling. Fourth, research the current visa requirements for your country, as these change periodically. Fifth, ensure you have comprehensive travel documentation, الطوارئ contacts, health insurance, and communication means. Regardless of the scholarly position you follow, preparation and safety planning are essential for every woman undertaking this journey.

It is important to understand the spirit underlying this entire scholarly discussion. The mahram requirement was never intended to prevent women from performing الحج — it was intended to protect them during travel. Every scholar who has written on this topic, regardless of their conclusion, has been motivated by concern for women's safety and well-being alongside the desire to ensure women have access to this fundamental pillar of Islam. Women who feel excluded from الحج due to the absence of a mahram should know that major scholarly voices across Islamic تاريخ have provided pathways for them. At the same time, women who follow the Hanafi or Hanbali position should not feel pressured to abandon their school's ruling — following a trusted scholarly tradition is itself an act of worship. The diversity of scholarly opinion on this matter reflects the richness of Islamic jurisprudence and its ability to address varied circumstances. What all scholars agree on is that الحج is a profound obligation and blessing, and that every Muslim who is able — man or woman — should strive to perform it at least once in their lifetime. The practical barriers should be addressed thoughtfully, with scholarly guidance, and with trust in Allah's wisdom and mercy. Consult your scholar for personal rulings specific to your situation and circumstances.