Ruling on a Woman Travelling Without a Mahram

✿ 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.