Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah radiyallahu anhu reported that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “Three supplications are answered, without any doubt; that of a parent, that of a traveller and that of one who has been wronged.” [Abu Dawood]
Question:
What is the reason behind the requirement for a woman to travel with a mahram?
(Question published as received)
Answer:
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
Fatwa Department
Jamiatul Ulama (KZN)
(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.)