The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) in Pakistan has approved the idea of women performing Hajj without a mahram under certain conditions. The CII stated that women can do so if their parents or husband provide permission and if they do not encounter any danger or harm during their trip. However, if they cannot find a mahram, some Islamic schools of thought, such as the Hanafi and Hanbali, suggest that a woman does not have to perform Hajj.
The CII advised the Ministry of Religious Affairs to ensure that the group that a woman intends to join for Hajj without a mahram is reliable and trustworthy. Last year, Saudi Arabia also allowed women from all over the world to perform Hajj and Umrah without a mahram or male guardian if they are accompanied by trustworthy ladies or a security company.
Ahmed Saleh Halabi, the Hajj and Umrah Services Advisor, stated that this viewpoint is shared by the Maliki and Shafi’i scholars.
According to Faten Ibrahim Hussein, a former adviser to the Minister of Hajj, allowing women to perform Umrah without a mahram makes life easier for them, especially if they face challenging social circumstances or cannot find a mahram.
This decision by the CII and Saudi Arabia provides greater freedom for women, allowing them to pursue their religious duties in Hajj and Umrah without traditional restrictions. The Ministry of Religious Affairs in Pakistan has sought guidance from the CII on this issue, and this decision will likely impact women’s ability to perform Hajj and Umrah in the future.
