To what extent does necessity permit a woman to go to the market alone or with other women, if her husband is only available for that at the end of the week?

It is not a condition for a woman to have a mahram (unmarriageable kinsman) to go to the souk (marketplace) if it is within the city and not a journey. However, she must have her husband's permission. It is preferable for a Muslim woman to minimize her outings from the home as much as possible, especially if the souk is mixed and unsafe from harassment; in such cases, she should not go out except with a mahram.

Ibn Uthaymeen holds that a man must be protective of his mahrams and ensure that a woman, especially a young one, does not go to the souk alone, as it poses a danger to her and to others. To solve the problem of girls going to souks, it is necessary to cultivate sound creed and a love for chastity in them, and to prevent them from going out unless there is a need that cannot be fulfilled by anyone else. The man should be their protector (qawwam), and the woman should stay in her home, in accordance with the Almighty's saying: "And stay in your houses."

The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta' has issued a fatwa permitting a woman to go to the souk if her husband permits it and there is an urgent need that no one else can fulfill; otherwise, it is better for her to remain in her home. Al-Fawzan mentioned that a woman's staying in her home is preferable to going out to discover new goods, because the danger is great in these times. It is preferable for a woman to go with another trustworthy woman if a mahram is not available.

Ibn Jibreen states that going to the souk is not permissible except out of severe necessity, with complete modesty, full body covering, and without displaying any adornment or perfume. She must be accompanied by a mahram; it may be permissible with trustworthy women, provided modesty and safety are observed.

It is advised that the wife go to the souk with her husband, and she can buy all her needs with him at the end of the week. If something urgent arises, she can go with her husband's permission, while adhering to the aforementioned conditions.