Umrah without a mahram from Bangladesh

In Islam, a mahram is a male blood relative whom a woman cannot marry, ensuring privacy, protection, and companionship during travel. A mahram plays an important role in ensuring a woman’s safety, security, and guidance during Umrah. Thus, Islam traditionally emphasizes the need for a mahram during travel and pilgrimage. However, the recent declaration by the Saudi Arabian government allows women to perform Umrah without a mahram from Bangladesh under certain conditions.

This blog discusses the Islamic perspective on Umrah without a mahram and provides details of Saudi Arabia's new declaration. By reading this, any doubts you may have will be clarified. So, dive right into the blog!

Can a woman perform Umrah without a mahram in Islam?

In Islam, a woman is traditionally required to have a mahram— a male blood relative guardian, such as a father, husband, or brother— to accompany her during travel, including performing Umrah. This requirement is based on Islamic teachings that emphasize the importance of safety, protection, and privacy for women during their journeys.

Narration of the Quran

“And Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) to the House (Kabah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah for those who can afford the expenses (for one’s conveyance, provisions, and residence).” [Al Imran 3:97]

It can be understood from this verse, that a woman without a mahram is not obligated to perform Hajj and Umrah, as having a mahram is essential for her to fulfill this religious duty. According to Islamic teachings, the ability to perform Hajj and Umrah is one of the conditions for its obligation. According to Islamic teachings, it is essential to be able to perform Hajj and Umrah. And Mahram is included in the ability.

Narration of the Hadith

• Ibn’ Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim, where the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “No man should be alone with a woman unless her mahram is present, and no woman should travel unless she has a mahram with her.”
• A man informed the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) that his wife was going for Hajj while he was enlisted in a campaign. The Prophet advised him to go with her, emphasizing the importance of companionship during such journeys.

Islam says for women who are not mahram

By Allah’s grace, ”if a person intends to perform an act of worship but cannot due to valid reasons, they will still receive the reward as if they had completed it.” (Al-Bukhari, 4423)

Saudi Arabia: Women no longer required to bring mahram to Hajj and Umrah

Saudi Arabia has announced that women can now perform Hajj and Umrah without the requirement of a male guardian, or mahram. This decision was communicated by Tawfiq Al Rabiah, the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, at the Saudi embassy in Cairo, stating that women worldwide are permitted to undertake these pilgrimages independently. This new policy ends decades of restrictive rules that mandated a mahram's presence during the journey.

While Saudi clerics have traditionally upheld the need for a mahram, differing opinions exist among scholars in the broader Muslim community.

Importance of mahram for women on travel/pilgrimage

Having a mahram is essential for women during travel and pilgrimage for various important reasons:

• Safety and security: A mahram ensures a woman’s safety during travel, protecting unfamiliar environments. Their presence mitigates risks and enhances security, making journeys, especially to religious sites, safer and more reassuring for women.
• Cultural and social norms: In many cultures, it is considered inappropriate for women to travel alone. Having a mahram allows women to conform to societal expectations, facilitating smoother interactions and acceptance within diverse communities during their journeys.
• Emotional support and guidance: Travel for religious events can be overwhelming. A mahram offers emotional support, companionship, and guidance, helping to ease anxiety. This support enriches the pilgrimage experience and strengthens the bond between companions.
• Obedience to religious guidelines: Many Islamic scholars emphasize the necessity of having a mahram for women traveling for religious purposes. This adherence reinforces Islamic values of responsibility, care, and respect within family and community structures.

A list of mahram for a woman

Understanding who qualifies as a Mahram is essential for women in Islam regarding pilgrimage and whole life:

• Grandfather (Father’s of father)
• Father
• Brother
• Father-in-law
• Husband
• Son
• Grandson
• Uncle (Paternal)
• Brother's/Sister's son
• Grandfather (Father’s of mother)
• Uncle (Maternal)
• Son-in-law
• Son (By drinking milk)
• Brother (By drinking milk)

Being a woman, are you worried about performing Umrah?

Holy Hajj & Umrah Bangladesh is a well-known Umrah agency in Bangladesh. They provide 100% security for women during the Umrah pilgrimage. Additionally, they offer a complete range of Umrah services, from Umrah training and visa processing to tours of historical sites in Mecca and Medina. Call this agency at 01844-509199 to select an exceptional package.

Common questions and answers