Yes, according to some interpretations, it is permissible for a married woman to go to Umrah without her husband, provided certain conditions are met concerning her safety and security during the journey.
While traditionally, it was strongly recommended that a woman travel with a Mahram (a close male relative she cannot marry, such as a husband, father, brother, or son), recent interpretations and rulings offer more flexibility.
Here's a breakdown of the considerations:
-
Safety and Security: The primary concern revolves around the woman's safety and security during the journey and while performing Umrah. If she feels confident in her safety travelling alone, or with a group of trustworthy women, this is permissible.
-
Presence of a Mahram: While the presence of a Mahram has traditionally been emphasized, some scholars permit a woman to travel without one for obligatory pilgrimages like Hajj or Umrah, especially if it's difficult or impossible to secure a Mahram.
-
Traveling with a Group of Trustworthy Women: Traveling with a group of reliable and trustworthy women is often considered an acceptable alternative to traveling with a Mahram.
-
Contemporary Rulings: Many modern scholars, acknowledging contemporary travel conditions and improved safety measures, have relaxed the strict requirement of a Mahram for women performing Umrah or Hajj. They emphasize the importance of safety and security above all else.
In Summary: While the traditional recommendation favored a Mahram, it is now considered permissible for a married woman to perform Umrah without her husband if she is confident in her safety and security, whether traveling alone, with trustworthy women, or by other means.
