Is a woman's travel with a safe official delegation, which includes high-ranking female figures, for a short period not exceeding four days, and on a work assignment, with a direct supervisor who is mindful of her situation, considered forbidden travel?
Previous fatwas have mentioned the jurists' disagreement regarding a woman traveling without a mahram. They favored an absolute prohibition based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "A woman shall not travel except with a mahram." This is the view of the Hanafis, Hanbalis, and Zahiris. In contrast, the Malikis and Shafi'is permitted it if there was no fear of fitna (temptation or disorder). A Muslim should ask people of knowledge about the preponderant opinion. It must be ensured that a woman's work adheres to the controls of Islamic law.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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