In Islam, a mahram is someone with whom marriage is forbidden. Women are not required to cover their heads or bodies with a hijab or tunic in the presence of a mahram. It’s prohibited for women to perform Umrah without a mahram, as per Islamic rules and Saudi regulations. Saudi Arabia mandates that women must be accompanied by a male guardian to receive an Umrah visa, and violating this requirement can lead to deportation.
Recent changes in the law now allow women above the age of 45 to travel in groups with a mahram for Umrah. It’s crucial for Muslim women to adhere to regulations and fear Allah, as sincere prayers will be accepted and rewarded by the Almighty.
The concept of a mahram in Islam symbolizes protection and guardianship for women, shielding them from the potentially harmful influences of the world. With the large crowds that gather for Umrah and Hajj, a woman traveling alone is vulnerable to unwanted attention from men, making the presence of a mahram essential for her safety and dignity during the sacred pilgrimage.
Mahram relationships in Islam are defined by blood ties or marriage, prohibiting marriage between certain individuals. These include parents, grandparents, siblings, uncles, nephews, and male in-laws. Mahrams provide protection, companionship, and support to women, particularly during religious pilgrimages like Umrah. They ensure the safety and dignity of women in potentially challenging environments.
- Women must be above 45 years of age and obtain a no-objection certificate from their family to travel in an organized group.
- They are not permitted to perform Ramal or recite Talbiyah loudly like men.
- Women should maintain a safe distance from men, especially in crowded areas such as around the Kaaba.
- It is important for women not to attract the attention of unrelated men and to stay with their group at all times.
- Women must pray in designated areas for females, although they can offer nafl prayers anywhere in Masjid-ul-Haram after completing Tawaf.
- If accompanied by a mahram, women can participate in additional rituals while adhering to the prescribed dress code and staying with their mahram. Regardless of the circumstances, women should make a conscious effort to adhere to the dress code. They should wear an abaya that fully covers their body and conceals the clothing underneath. It’s important to avoid wearing flashy attire, scents, jewelry, or anything that may draw attention from others, as this can distract from the spiritual connection with Allah.
“You are also forbidden to marry your mothers, daughters, sisters, paternal and maternal aunts, nieces, foster mothers and sisters, mothers-in-law, stepdaughters under your guardianship if you have consummated marriage with their mothers—but if you have not, then you can marry them—nor the wives of your own sons, nor two sisters simultaneously—except what has already occurred. Surely Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
Umrah involves strict rules, including the requirement for women to have a mahram for travel. Every female pilgrim must ensure they have a mahram for every step of the journey, adhering to guidelines for a smooth pilgrimage experience in Makkah and Madinah.
