Question:

Shaykh, I wanted to know the ruling if three women decide to travel abroad. I know it is not right due mehrem..but I am not a scholar and so would like to hear the ruling The scenario is that they plan a trip to Spain. The three women are cousins and all unmarried and in their early to late 20's. A mehram is not going on the trip and they are staying for a week or two Is this permissible or haraam? If it is haraam could I have the daleel, I dont normally ask for daleel as my mind cant comprehend or understand hadith, however I would like to present it to them.

Answer:

It is a clear violation of the teachings of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings upon him. There are many hadith that prohibit a woman traveling what is the equivalent of 48 miles without her Mahram. For example, in Abu Daud, it is narrated that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings upon him, said: "It is unlawful for any woman that she travels for a night unless she be accompanied by a male Mahram." There are deep wisdoms for these social restrictions. The most obvious wisdom behind this ruling is to protect women. Furthermore, the Islamic Society is firmly based on the family system which requires, for its healthiness, that the home be a harmonious environment. One the main causes of the breakdown of society and the increase in delinquency is because homes no longer have a proper manager and caretaker. Thus it has been decided by Allah taala the Almighty that the real sphere of activity for women is the home and not in offices, factories and serving behind tills. Allah taala says in the Holy Qur'an, addressing the believing women: "Stay in your homes and do not display your finery as women used to do in the days of ignorance," 33:32-33. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "The woman is the ruler over the house of her husband and she will be answerable for her duties," (Bukhari) Rather, it is the duty of the men folk, husbands, fathers, brothers etc, to take care of the needs of women in a manner that safeguards society from the problems we face today. Thus, for the sisters to embark on such a trip is against the teachings of the Religion and is unlawful. Having said this, Islam is not against clean recreation and nor is the commandment to stay in their homes absolute (rather, in genuine need they may leave), thus it would be permitted for a married couple to take such a trip.

Mufti Mohammed Sajjad

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The answer to this question is the opinion of the scholar and does not reflect the opinion of other scholars of As-Suffa Institute and As-Suffa Institute as an organisation.