Title: Traveling alone to Ka`bah Question: My question is regarding women traveling alone to perform Hajj. I am a single, working woman who has had a chance to travel all over the world because of the nature of my work. I am upset at the fact that I have not been able to travel to Mecca for either Hajj or Umra because a mehram has not been available. It is upsetting that I can fly around the world but not go to the place most worthy of visiting. My question is... does Shari`ah outrule my traveling alone to Kaaba or is it purely a handicap of the systems that are followed? Did Hazrat Ayesha (ra) perform Hajj alone? Why? Your comments would be highly appreciated. Your are doing a great job! Wish you all the success. Regards, Ayesha Hassan Pakistan Answer: For our opinion on the issue, please refer to one of our previous responses to a related question titled " Can a Woman go to Hajj with her Sister and Brother-in-Law? ". Keeping in view the explanation provided in the referred response, it is clear that in our opinion, the Shari'ah does not hinder women from performing Hajj without being accompanied by a Mehram relation. The Prophet (pbuh) recommended women to avoid traveling alone. This commendation is not principally related to traveling for Hajj rather it is a social advice he gave keeping in view certain perspectives. A study of all the traditions leads to the conclusion that the Prophet (pbuh) recommended women not to travel alone because of the grave dangers the task entailed. Such a journey could endanger a woman's life and repute. The circumstances at that time were not conducive for even men to set out on journeys easily. It could provide evil elements in the society to spread bad words about women and, thereby, mar their repute. The former factor may not be present today with the development of organized and disciplined means of transportation but the latter cannot be removed. Therefore, it would still be prudent that woman, if forced by the circumstances to undertake a journey alone should adopt an effective measure, forming female groups for instance, to avoid any undesired consequences. The foregoing should clarify my understanding of the issue. However, this does not alter any thing for you, as, according to my information, women - without the company of Mehram relations - are generally refused visa for Hajj and/or Umrah by the Saudi government. Tariq Mahmood Hashmi February 13, 2003