Gavin Howe
Umrah is a spiritual journey that Muslims embark on to the sacred cities of Mecca and Medina. It is a pilgrimage that over 750,000 people undertake annually. While it is a rewarding experience for individuals, it is also a fulfilling experience for families. However, there are certain restrictions on children and women travelling without a male companion. According to Sharia law, a woman cannot travel more than 48 miles or 78 kilometres without a male companion or a 'mehram'. This also applies to Umrah, and children must be accompanied by their own 'mehram'. So, can you go on Umrah with your daughter-in-law?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can a woman go to Umrah with her daughter? | No, according to Shari'ah, it is prohibited for a woman to travel more than 48 miles (78 km or 92 km as per different sources) without a mehram. |
| Who is considered a mehram? | A husband or a male blood relative. |
| Minimum age for Umrah | The Saudi Government has announced that pilgrims aged 12 and above can perform Umrah. |
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What You'll Learn
A daughter-in-law is not a mahram
In Islam, a mahram is a person with whom one cannot marry or be alone with in a closed room, except for one's spouse. Mahrams include one's father, husband, son, brother, and others.
A daughter-in-law is not considered a mahram. However, a father-in-law is considered a mahram for his son's wife, and a wife is a mahram for her husband's father. This is known as a mahram by marriage or mahram bil hukmi. This means that a woman can be alone with her father-in-law and can shake his hand.
It is important to note that the relationship between a father-in-law and his son's wife is established as soon as the marriage contract is conducted and is not subject to the condition that the marriage is consummated. This is in contrast to the relationship between a stepfather and his stepdaughter, which only becomes a mahram relationship after the marriage is consummated.
The concept of mahram is important in Islam, as it dictates certain rules and restrictions regarding interactions and relationships between individuals. For example, a woman is required to observe full hijab in front of men who are not her mahrams. This means that she must cover her hair, body, and face in their presence.
In conclusion, while a daughter-in-law is not considered a mahram, a father-in-law is a mahram for his son's wife, and this relationship is established as soon as the marriage contract is conducted.
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A woman cannot travel without a mahram
In Islam, a woman is not permitted to travel without a mahram, whether the trip is for worship, to visit family, or for any other purpose. This is indicated by various texts and hadiths, including the saying of the Prophet: "A woman is not to travel except with a mahram."
The restriction of travelling with a mahram applies to journeys exceeding the distance usually covered by walking or on an animal in three days and three nights, which is approximately 48 miles. This is based on the understanding that travel can cause exhaustion and hardship, and women may need someone to look after them and protect them. Additionally, a woman travelling alone may be tempted to do evil or be approached by someone who does not fear Allah and may lead her astray.
The presence of a mahram is intended to provide safety and protection for a woman during travel. It is considered unsafe for a woman to travel without a mahram, and this fear for her safety is increased when she is in a group. Therefore, it is also impermissible for a man to be in seclusion with a non-mahram woman, even if she is accompanied by another woman.
In the context of Umrah, which is a spiritual pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina, it is recommended that children who are aware of its importance accompany their parents. The Saudi Government has announced that pilgrims aged 12 and above can perform Umrah, provided they are vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19. Thus, a woman travelling for Umrah with her daughter-in-law would need to ensure that her daughter-in-law is over 12 years old and meets the vaccination requirements. Additionally, both the woman and her daughter-in-law would need to be accompanied by a mahram, typically their husband or another close male relative, throughout the journey.
While there are differing opinions among scholars regarding exceptional cases, the general consensus is that a woman must not travel without a mahram. This includes travel for religious purposes such as Hajj and Umrah, as indicated by the Messenger of Allah: "Verily, a woman must not travel for Hajj except that her Mahram is accompanying her." Therefore, a woman intending to perform Umrah should ensure that she is accompanied by her husband or a mahram to comply with the religious guidelines.
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A mother cannot take her daughter to Umrah
According to Islamic law, a mother cannot take her daughter to Umrah without the presence of a male guardian, known as a 'mehram'. This restriction applies to any woman travelling more than 48 miles (some sources state 78km or 92km) without a male chaperone, and it is not limited to the journey to Umrah.
The requirement for a mehram is based on the Hanafi Madhab interpretation of Shari'ah law. A mehram is typically a male family member, such as a father, brother, uncle, son, or nephew. A son-in-law can also be a mehram if he is also the woman's nephew.
The presence of a mehram is considered essential for a woman's safe travel and spiritual journey. The requirement is especially important for the Umrah pilgrimage, which is considered one of the holiest Muslim pilgrimages.
While it is possible for children to accompany their parents on the Umrah pilgrimage, and this can be a fulfilling experience for both parents and children, the current Saudi Arabian regulations state that only pilgrims aged 12 and above are permitted to perform Umrah. This rule may pose a further restriction on a mother's ability to take her young daughter to Umrah.
Therefore, a mother cannot take her daughter to Umrah without a male guardian, and she must wait until her daughter is old enough to perform the pilgrimage.
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The minimum age for Umrah is 12 years
The minimum age for performing Umrah is 12 years, according to the Saudi Government. This means that pilgrims below 12 years of age cannot perform Umrah. However, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia has stated that the minimum age to obtain an Umrah permit is 5 years, provided that the child is not infected with or has been in close contact with a Coronavirus patient.
It is important to note that the rules and regulations regarding the minimum age for Umrah have evolved over time. Previously, children who had reached the age of wisdom, which was considered to be 7 years old, could accompany their parents on this spiritual pilgrimage. However, the Saudi Government has recently updated the minimum age to 12 years, which means that only those above this age can perform the rituals of Umrah.
The change in the minimum age requirement may have been implemented to ensure the safety and well-being of younger children, as the Umrah pilgrimage can be physically and mentally demanding. By setting the minimum age at 12 years, the Saudi Government ensures that pilgrims are mature enough to understand the significance of the rituals and are physically capable of completing the journey.
For those travelling with children below the age of 12, it is recommended to book accommodation close to Haram to facilitate a comfortable and peaceful experience for both children and parents. Immunization and necessary vaccinations are crucial when planning an Umrah trip with infants or young children. It is also advisable to be prepared for any potential health issues, such as fevers, and to carry a first aid kit with essential medications.
While the minimum age for performing Umrah is 12 years, it is important for parents to educate their children about the importance of this spiritual journey. This can be done through children's books that provide religious education and by practising Sai and Tawahu. By involving children in the preparation process and helping them understand the significance of Umrah, families can still create a meaningful and fulfilling experience even if the children are below the minimum age requirement.
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Vaccinations are required for Umrah
It is essential to be up to date with your vaccinations when planning to go to Umrah, especially if you are travelling with children. The Saudi Ministry of Health has established several health requirements for visitors to obtain an Entry Visa for Umrah.
Firstly, all visitors are required to submit a certificate of vaccination with the quadrivalent (ACYW135) vaccine against meningitis, issued no more than 3 years and no less than 10 days before arriving in Saudi Arabia. This requirement applies to adults and children over the age of 2.
Secondly, the Ministry of Health recommends that international pilgrims, especially those at increased risk, be vaccinated against seasonal influenza before arrival. This includes pregnant women, children under 5, the elderly, and individuals with underlying health conditions such as HIV/AIDS, asthma, and chronic heart or lung diseases.
Additionally, travellers arriving from countries or areas at risk of yellow fever must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. This certificate should show that the individual was vaccinated at least 10 days and no more than 10 years before arrival. In the absence of this certificate, the person will be placed under strict surveillance for 6 days from the date of vaccination or the last date of potential exposure to infection.
Other recommended vaccinations for travellers to Saudi Arabia include Cholera, Hepatitis A and B, Japanese encephalitis, Polio (adult booster dose), Typhoid fever, Rabies, and routine vaccines such as Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Measles, Mumps, and Rubella.
It is also important to note that the Saudi Ministry of Health advises individuals with certain health conditions, including the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic diseases, to postpone their Umrah plans for their own safety.
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Frequently asked questions
According to Shari'ah law, a woman cannot travel a distance of 48 miles or 78 kilometres without a male guardian or "mehram".
A "mehram" is a male guardian and can be a woman's husband, son, brother, father, nephew, or son-in-law.
The Saudi Government has announced that pilgrims must be 12 or above to perform Umrah.
It is recommended that you visit your neighbours, friends, mentors, and teachers to seek forgiveness for any past wrongdoings. You should also ensure that you and your daughter-in-law have the necessary and up-to-date vaccinations.
Children under the age of 12 can accompany their parents on the Umrah pilgrimage. However, strollers are prohibited at Masjid Nabawi and Masjid Al-Haram.
