Q: please clariffy for me, i heard that woman of 35 does not need a mahram and can go for hajj alone, some say 40, some 45, what is correct? My cousin went at 25 from college. Many groups take woman alone. Some hajj directors say they old so even they men they can become the mahram for the woman. Its so confusing. Help clearify.
A: The requirement for a woman to have a mahram (a male relative, like a father, brother, or husband, etc.) when performing Hajj has been considered the safest opinion. It’s important to note that Hajj is not a holiday; rather, it is a religious requirement with associated laws. All scholars agree that it is recommended and considered more appropriate for a woman to have a mahram when undertaking the pilgrimage, upon her qualifying to do so. This is viewed as the most virtuous course of action, serving as a safety measure and a means of providing support and guidance during the journey, all of which are religiously sanctioned.
Some scholars who have provided an age at which a woman can go alone also should emphasize the additional conditions associated with it. They correctly also suggest that if a woman travels without a mahram, she should be in the company of older women in the group who are modest, fulfill other religious requirements related to but not merely only limited to age, and ensure there is no possibility of fitna (temptation or discord). Therefore, it is not solely an age-related issue but also encompasses other aspects that must be taken into account.
No, a mere old man cannot just become a mahram for woman going for hajj. I have NEVER seen a fatwa with Quranic references or hadith allowing for this, more so, without extenuating circumstances.
In light of these considerations, individuals are encouraged to reflect on whether Allah (SWT) has made Hajj obligatory for them and, if so, under what conditions. It’s essential to consider the safest opinion in religion. Regarding Umrah and Hajj groups, as a sign of Qiyamah, they appear to fulfill the dollar requirement for Hajj operators than sharia requirements.
May Allah (SWT) protect everyone.
Allah Certainly Knows Best.