An Elderly Woman Performing Hajj Without a Mahram

Question

A woman named Hinda is 55 years old; she is a widow who observes seclusion. Among her heirs there is only one son, who is in employment; the son has a daughter who is unmarried, and besides her there are also two small children and a wife. In such a situation, may Hinda go for Hajj with a “ghayr kuf’” (lit. “non-equal”) (?) or not?

Answer

It is not permissible. As long as no mahram is with her, travelling even for Hajj is a sin. However, if she has performed Hajj, the Hajj will be valid. [ar]الرابع المحرم أو الزوج لامرأة بالغة ولو عجوزا ومعها غيرها من النساء الثقات والرجال الصالحين[/ar] “The fourth is a mahram or husband for an adult woman, even if she is an old woman and even if other trustworthy women and…

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

Preview. The full text opens with JavaScript enabled.