Is it permissible for a woman to drive a car out of necessity to avoid harm in Western countries, or if her husband is ill and unable to drive?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The basic principle is that it is permissible for a woman to drive a car, just as it is permissible for her to ride other means of transport. She is allowed to drive a car if it does not expose her to traveling with it or being in seclusion with non- men, especially if there is a need for it, such as her husband's illness or the absence of a mahram to drive for her. If she is exposed to harm by walking, then her driving a car would be more protective and more safeguarding for her.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/38967
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 38967
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy