Question:

I once heard from a Shaykh that when a female is travelling, the duty of her mahram companion is to ensure her safety. Thus if this is the basis for a female travelling with a mahram, and this requirement is met (i.e. the mahram ensures she is in a safe place and no harm will come to her), then the condition of travelling with a mahram is lifted since the reason behind the rule is non-existent.

This answer was given in the following context: A woman wants to travel to another a country. So then, the mahram takes her there and drops her off and returns. When she wants to travel more than 48 miles then she will again have to be accompanied by a mahram, but for as long as she resides in the locality which her mahram left her without exceeding the 48 mile limit, she is free to do as she wills.

I ask this as many sisters in the UK want to study at universities away from home. If the ruling is valid in the above circumstance then will it be valid in this situation too? Meaning, the sister's family will drop her and bring her from university. And she will reside on campus which is regarded as a safe place to be.

Answer:

Provided the requirement of a Mahram is met in travelling it is permitted to travel for a woman and stay in the place even if the Mahram does not reside there with her. Note the condition of the accompanying of a mahram is only for the duration of the journey and not, as it seems from what you have written, perpetually. Furthermore, a person is not free to do what they wish; it goes without saying that wherever a person be he or she must live according to Islamic ettiquttes and requirements such as the laws of Hijab etc. Finally, if a sister is intending to go to university she should choose one nearer to home and where her family resides as there are other considerations due to which a sister should not be alone in a place; for example it will ensure that people are not be able to slander her, she will also be more protected from the tricks of Shaytan etc.

Mufti Mohammed Sajjad

Wallahu Aalam bis-sawab

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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.