Assalaamu alaikum president Waheed, Did you know that we are presently in, what is called the months of Hajj, (Al Quran 2:197)? Yes, the months of Hajj are Shawwal, Dhul Qadah, and the 1st 10 days of Dhul Hijjah. Our teacher says that when these months of hajj begin, then the OBLIGATION of hajj comes into focus! As the Hajj season is approaching, I thought wed clear the air on a question which always seems to stir up a bit of controversy. Can women go to perform the HAJJ alone or must they be accompanied by a husband or mahram? 1. HANAFI Madhab Our teacher explained that for the purposes of Hajj, according to the Hanafi school of thought, a female is to be accompanied by her husband or a mahram, the latter being a male with whom she is permanently prohibited from marrying, for example her father, brother, son, uncle, nephew, son in law. The exception to this rule is for females who live in Makkah, in which case they need not be accompanied by anyone. 2. SHAFII Madhab The Shafii school of thought says that a female can go to perform the hajj without her husband or mahram, once she is in a group of women, some of whom are accompanied by their husbands or mahrams. It seems that the Saudi officials may have adopted Imam Shafiis stance somewhat by allowing women 45 years and over to go unaccompanied but with an authorisation letter. Off course, you must check to see what is Saudi Arabias official rulings in any given year, and how you are affected. ORDINARY TRAVEL Now, what about ordinary travel for WORK or VACATION etc., must women be accompanied by their husbands or mahrams as well? 1. NOT a Musaafir Well, as I understand it, once a woman is NOT a musaafir, then she can travel alone as is necessary. Our country of Trinidad and Tobago is so small, that there are only a few examples of travel within it which might qualify one as a musaafir, maybe from Port of Spain to Icacos? Remember a person becomes a musaafir from the time he leaves his hometown or village intending to travel for 48 miles or more. He ceases to be a musaafir when he returns to his hometown, OR if having arrived at the particular destination, his intention is to stay for 15 days or more there. 2. MUSAAFIR Now, if a woman is a Musaafir travelling for work or vacation, then there is NO CONSENSUS on whether she needs to be accompanied by a husband or mahram for the duration of the trip. Until next time Insha Allah, remember that we have no classes on Sunday 24th August 2014. Insha Allah, we are heading to Guyana for the 14th International Qaseeda Competition and the 2nd Qiraatul- Quran Competition where we do hope to cop some of the prizes and trophies. If anyone asks, I am going for the delicious tasting meats. My Guyanese sources have indicated that theres just something different about the taste of the meat itself, before adding any seasonings! Was-salaam, Hannah
Posted on: Sun, 17 Aug 2014 17:27:24 +0000