✿ Answer by: Shaykh ʿAbdul Wakeel Nāṣir ḥafiẓahullāh
❖ A Woman Travelling Without a Mahram
It is not permissible in Sharīʿah for a woman to undertake travel without a maḥram. This ruling applies specifically to travel as it is commonly understood in Islamic and social terms.
- Daily local outings, such as going to markets, schools, or nearby places,
are not considered “travel” in the Sharʿī sense.
❖ Sharʿī Definition of Travel
Travel refers to a distance wherein:
- Qasr (shortening) of prayers becomes applicable
- It is generally known and accepted in common understanding as “safar” (travel)
❖ Scholarly Difference on Distance of Travel
There is difference of opinion among scholars regarding the exact distance that qualifies as travel. However:
- The customary understanding (ʿurf) of travel is considered the most practical measure.
❖ Prophetic Instruction
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“لَا يَحِلُّ لِامْرَأَةٍ تُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ أَنْ تُسَافِرَ مَسِيرَةَ يَوْمٍ وَلَيْلَةٍ لَيْسَ مَعَهَا حُرْمَةٌ“
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 1088)
“It is not permissible for a woman who believes in Allah and the Last Day to travel the distance of a day and night unless she is accompanied by a maḥram.”
This ḥadīth clearly indicates that:
- Any journey equivalent to a day and night’s travel
- Without a maḥram, is prohibited for a believing woman.
❖ Summary
✔ Ruling:
A woman must not travel without a maḥram according to the clear text of the Sunnah.
✔ Definition of Travel:
What is commonly recognized as travel, or involves a distance where prayer shortening applies, falls under this ruling.
✔ Short Local Trips:
Routine activities like going to the market or school nearby do not constitute travel in this context.
