Is it permissible for a woman to travel alone from one country to another to her husband who cannot come, or for childbirth in her country?
A woman's travel without a mahram is forbidden and impermissible, based on the hadiths of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, however, held the view that it is permissible for a woman to travel with a trustworthy group for a journey of obedience. It is not permissible for a wife to travel without a mahram except in cases of extreme necessity, such as if she would be harmed by remaining alone and it is impossible for her to be accompanied by a mahram, or if her husband refuses to accompany her. It is not permissible for a husband to permit his wife to travel to him without a mahram unless he is unable to go to her due to fear or financial inability. However, if he is able to travel to her, he must accompany her or hire a mahram for her. Providing the ticket fare is not an excuse, nor is a woman's travel to give birth among her family considered one of the necessities that permit travel without a mahram.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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