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Can a woman perform Umrah without a mahram?

20 June 2026 416 views
ZM
Mufti Zaheer Mangerah
Islamic Scholar · South Africa

Answer

According to the predominant view of the majority of scholars (the four madhahib), a woman is required to travel for Umrah with a mahram. This is based on the hadith prohibiting a woman from travelling the distance of three days except with a mahram. Some contemporary scholars, such as the Saudi Grand Mufti, have permitted a woman to perform Umrah without a mahram if she is travelling in a safe, organised group of women with secure arrangements. If a mahram is genuinely not available, I recommend joining a reliable, supervised group and consulting your local scholar. Allah knows best.

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Disclaimer: The answers provided are for general Islamic guidance on Hajj and Umrah and reflect the opinion of the answering scholar. They should not replace personal consultation for complex religious, legal, or medical matters.