Mufti Saheb, If a woman feels all conditions for hajj or umra wajib are fulfilled, but she does not have a mahram to go along with her, then is the hajj/umra still wajib for her? Or must she go with group of women?
Bismillahi Ta’ala
Walaikum Assalam Warahmatullah,
Sayiduna Abdullah b. Umar (raḍiyallāhu ‘anhu) reported that Rasūlullāh ﷺ said, “It is not lawful for a woman who believes in Allah and the Hereafter to travel for more than three nights journey except when there is a Mahram with her.” (Muslim)
Based on this, the Ḥanafī fuqahā’ have clearly stated that along with the standard conditions for the obligation of Ḥajj, the additional condition of husband or male maḥram available to participate in the journey applies to women. In the absence of a husband or male maḥram, Ḥajj in and of itself becomes obligatory on a woman but its performance is not. Rather, she will wait until she gets married or a maḥram is able to accompany her on the journey. In the absence of this, she will leave a waṣiyyah (bequest) that Ḥajj Badal be performed on her behalf.
As for ‘umrah, it is sunnah, not wājib. As with Ḥajj, a woman must perform ‘umrah with her husband or a male maḥram. Going with a group of women is impermissible.
We acknowledge that there is the natural desire in the heart of every Muslim to visit the blessed precincts of the Ḥaramayn. This desire undoubtedly stems from the love of Allāh. However, true love is demonstrated through obedience, though it may be difficult.
Wallahu A’lam
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Muftī Mohammed Wahaajuddin
Farmington Hills, Michigan, USA
Checked and Approved by
Mufti Faisal al-Mahmudi