Q: I have a 12 yr old son. He is mature. In islamically speaking he is baligh. If he is the mahram for my wife will that be permissible.  Every year i take her to her parents house in afghanistan for Eid. Our musjid imaam feel its not a problem if he takes his mother because he is 12.  Your opinion would be appreciated. Jazakallah. (text)

A: Although the 12 year may be termed mature in the strictest sense of the shariah, in reality, we are very aware that today’s 12 year remains very childish and is very seldom responsible. It is more likely, the mother would need to assist him (son). The idea of a mahram during travel is that the muhrim would be able to protect and defend the rights of the person they are to take care off. Today’s 12 year old can barely take care of themselves, let alone make critical travel decisions for another.

Since the aspect of muhrim would be defeated, it would be best that this child not be used for this purpose.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.