Steffi Montoya
Travelling alone can be a daunting and dangerous endeavour, and this is especially true for women. In Islam, there is a difference of opinion among scholars as to whether a Muslim woman may travel without a husband or mahram (a non-marriageable male relative). While some contemporary scholars have given preference to the opinion that women can travel without a mahram but with safe company, others maintain that a woman must be accompanied by a mahram, as indicated in prophetic statements. This is because travelling alone can expose women to danger and temptation, and they may be approached by men who wish to do them harm. However, this rule is not exclusive to women, as men are also encouraged to travel in groups. In fact, it is proven that Prophet Muhammad forbade men to travel alone in several Hadiths, as travelling alone can lead to men being tempted and misled by the Shaytan.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can a man travel alone? | Yes, but only on busy routes where there is no risk of getting lost and there are likely to be helpers and companions. |
| What does the Prophet say about travelling alone? | "If people knew what I know about being alone, no rider would travel at night by himself." |
| What does Imam Ahmad say? | "I prefer him to avoid that." |
| What does Al-Tabarani say? | "If people knew what I know about being alone, no rider would travel at night by himself and no man would sleep in a house by himself." |
| What does Al-Hafidh Ibn Hajar say? | "The one who travels alone in the wilderness and the one who stays alone in a house has no guarantee that he will not feel lonely, especially if he had bad thoughts and is weak in faith." |
| What does Shaykh Ibn Uthaymin say? | "This points to the warning against travelling alone, but that applies to journeys where the route is not travelled by many." |
| What does Shaykh Al-Albani say? | "Perhaps the Hadith refers to travelling in the deserts or wilderness where the traveller rarely sees anyone. It does not include travel nowadays on paved and well-travelled roads." |
What You'll Learn
Travelling alone is forbidden for men in certain situations
Firstly, travelling alone is forbidden for men if it involves spending the night alone. This is based on several Hadiths, including one narrated by Al-Bukhari, which states that the Prophet forbade a man from travelling or spending the night alone. However, this prohibition may be limited to specific circumstances, such as when there is a risk of getting lost or being in remote and empty areas.
Secondly, travelling alone is discouraged for men when it may lead to temptation or sin. This is based on the interpretation of a Hadith that states: "The (lone) rider is a devil, two riders are two devils and three are a travelling party." Scholars interpret this to mean that travelling alone can lead to temptation, especially in remote areas, and that having companions can help maintain piety and provide protection from potential dangers.
Thirdly, travelling alone can be forbidden for men in situations where it may pose a risk to their safety. This is based on the principle of avoiding unnecessary danger and the interpretation of Hadiths that emphasise the dangers of travelling alone. For example, Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymin states that the prohibition on travelling alone applies specifically to journeys on routes that are not travelled by many, as there is a greater risk of getting lost or facing other dangers.
In conclusion, while there is no blanket prohibition on men travelling alone in Islam, it is forbidden or discouraged in certain situations. These include when it involves spending the night alone, leads to temptation or sin, or poses a risk to the traveller's safety.
Can E2 Visa Holders Travel? Here's What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Men are encouraged to travel in groups
In the Hadith, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "A single rider is (accompanied with) Satan and two riders are (accompanied with) two Satans. Three riders form a group." (At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud). This is because, as the Prophet also said, "Were people to know of what I know about the dangers of travelling alone, no rider would travel alone at night." (Bukhari).
The risks of travelling alone are further emphasised by Imam Ahmad, who said: "I prefer him to avoid that" (Al-Adab Ash-Shar`iyyah (1/428)), when asked about a man spending the night alone.
The risks of travelling alone are clear, and it is therefore considered wise to travel in a group of at least three. This is especially important when travelling by night, or on empty and remote routes. Travelling in a group will help to protect against the dangers of the road, and also against the temptations of the Shaytan.
Al-Hafidh Ibn Hajar said: "At-Tabari said: This is a rebuke aimed at disciplining and guiding because of the fear of loneliness for one, but it is not prohibited. The one who travels alone in the wilderness and the one who stays alone in a house has no guarantee that he will not feel lonely, especially if he had bad thoughts and is weak in faith."
Traveling with Firearms: American Airlines
You may want to see also
Travelling alone is forbidden for women
There are many hadiths that speak of the prohibition on a woman travelling without a mahram; they are general in meaning and include all kinds of travel. This is because travel usually causes exhaustion and hardship, and because women are considered to be weak and in need of someone to look after them and stay with them. If a woman travels alone, she may also be approached and tempted to do evil, especially when there is a great deal of corruption.
Some scholars have given preference to the opinion that allows women to travel without a husband or mahram but with safe company, such as on modern forms of transport like trains and planes. However, there are other more conservative groups of scholars who stipulate the company of a husband or mahram as mentioned in the prophetic statements.
In conclusion, while there may be some differences of opinion among scholars, the majority view is that travelling alone is forbidden for women in Islam, and that a woman should be accompanied by a mahram during her journey.
Understanding If the Bank of America Travel Cash Back Applies to Uber Rides
You may want to see also
Women must be accompanied by a Dhu-Mahram
In Islam, a woman must be accompanied by a Dhu-Mahram (a close male relative) when travelling. This is based on several Hadiths in which the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said that a woman should not travel without a Mahram.
According to the Hanafi school of Islamic law, a woman must not travel for more than three days without her husband or a Mahram. This is supported by several narrations of the Prophet Muhammad, including:
> "Let no woman travel for more than three days unless her husband or a Mahram is with her." (Sahih Muslim)
> "A woman must not travel for three days except with a Mahram." (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
> "It is unlawful for a woman who believes in Allah and the last day to travel the distance of one day and night without a Mahram accompanying her." (Sahih al-Bukhari)
> "'A woman must not travel except with a Mahram and a man must not enter upon her except if she has a Mahram." (Sahih al-Bukhari)
The Maliki and Shafi'i schools of law also agree that a woman must be accompanied by a Mahram when travelling, except when performing Hajj or Umrah. In these cases, a group of trustworthy women may accompany her instead.
The purpose of having a Mahram present is to protect and look after the woman during her travels, as she may be approached and tempted to do evil, especially in times of corruption. Travelling can also be exhausting and cause hardship, and women may need someone to stay with them and look after them.
It is important to note that the requirement for a woman to be accompanied by a Mahram does not apply if she is travelling in modern times by plane, car, bus, or ship, as these modes of transportation usually gather large groups of people and reduce the risk of being alone.
Discover the Ultimate Luxury Destinations to Travel and Live like Royalty
You may want to see also
The safety of women is the primary concern
Islam's teachings on travel are ultimately a mercy from the Creator, Allah Almighty, and are designed to protect from potential harm. The safety, protection, and honour of women are the primary concern.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “A woman should not travel except with a Dhu-Mahram [her husband or a man with whom that woman cannot marry according to Islamic Jurisprudence], , and no man may visit her except in the presence of a Dhu-Mahram.” This is because travel usually causes exhaustion and hardship, and because women are weak and need someone to look after them and stay with them.
In the modern world, a woman may travel without a husband or mahram but with safe company, as in the case of trains and planes. However, some scholars argue that a woman should not travel without a husband or mahram, as stated in the prophetic statements.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said: "Were people to know of what I know about the dangers of travelling alone, no rider would travel alone at night." This warning applies to both men and women, as men are also encouraged to travel in groups.
Islam teaches that men and women are allies of one another, and that they should help each other. Allah created men and women to help one another, and the way he planned this is the purest and most noble way for both of them.
Family Feud: Does the Popular Game Show Cover Travel Expenses for Contestants?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, men can travel alone, but it is discouraged if the journey is dangerous or the man is likely to be alone.
The Prophet is quoted as saying: "Were people to know of what I know about the dangers of travelling alone, no rider would travel alone at night."
Travelling in groups is safer, and men are more likely to be tempted by the Shaytan when alone.
The Hadith indicates that it is disliked for men to be alone when they fear for their safety or are more susceptible to being led astray.
Travelling alone on well-travelled routes, such as busy roads or on public transport, is not considered to be travelling alone in the sense that is forbidden.
