Fatwa ID: 05715

Answered by: Shaykh Ahmed bin Mohamed Umarji

Question:

I’m aware that Islam strictly prohibits women from travelling the distance of 3 days or more without any mahram, such that even hajj wouldn’t be obligatory on her if she doesn’t find any mahram to go with.

My question is: Is the ruling same when it comes to travelling for the distance of 3 days or more, for the purpose of studying deen? Or, is there any permission for that?

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “A woman should not travel for more than three days except with a Dhi-Mahram (unmarriageable kin).” Due to this hadith and others, the Hanafi jurists conclude that it is unlawful for a woman to travel a distance of 3 days or more ( over 48 miles ) without a mahram (unmarriageable kin).

The Hanafi jurists explain that the obligation of hajj will be lifted for a woman who does not have a mahram (unmarriageable kin) to accompany her. “One of the conditions for a woman, whether young or old, to be able to travel for Hajj is that she is accompanied by her Mahram (unmarriageable kin) if the distance between her and Makkah is of three days. If the travelling distance is less than that, then she will perform Hajj without her Mahram (unmarriageable kin).”

Therefore, it will not be permissible for a woman to travel over 48 miles in order to acquire knowledge without a mahram (unmarriageable kin).

Only Allah knows best

Written by Shaykh Ahmed bin Mohamed Umarji

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham