🏡 Rights & responsibilities · #49
A wife's job requires her to travel out of town or abroad without her husband. What is the ruling?
According to the Shafi'i school, a woman does not travel long distances without her husband or a mahram, except in circumstances some Shafi'i scholars permit, namely an obligatory journey with trustworthy female companions in safe conditions; for work, many contemporary scholars allow some leeway where safety is assured.
The Prophet ﷺ said that a woman should not travel except with a mahram (Sahih al-Bukhari 1862). Scholars understand the purpose of the prohibition as safety and dignity, so they discuss circumstances such as a group of trustworthy women, safe transport and secure accommodation. If work often requires travel, discuss it with your husband and employer: limit trips, travel in groups, or have your husband accompany you when possible. The husband's permission is also needed as it involves time apart. Ask the religious office about specific situations. See Mahram.
The Prophet ﷺ said that a woman should not travel except with a mahram (Sahih al-Bukhari 1862). Scholars understand the purpose of the prohibition as safety and dignity, so they discuss circumstances such as a group of trustworthy women, safe transport and secure accommodation. If work often requires travel, discuss it with your husband and employer: limit trips, travel in groups, or have your husband accompany you when possible. The husband's permission is also needed as it involves time apart. Ask the religious office about specific situations. See Mahram.
Sources
Sahih al-Bukhari 1862Surah al-Baqarah 2:185Surah an-Nisa' 4:34