Scholars divided on women attempting Haj without ‘mehram’
The recommendation of the Central Haj Committee to the Ministry of Minority Affairs to allow women in groups of four above the age of 45 years of age to travel for Haj without a mehram (a close male relative), has led to several Muslim scholars to oppose it, saying Islam does not permit. The recommendations were submitted for the drafting of the new Haj Policy of 2018-22.
Uzma Naheed, part of the Markazi Majlis-e-Amla (Central Working Committee) of the All India Muslim Majlis Mushawarat (AIMMM), feels that the move might prove to be problematic for women.
“Travel to Haj is not easy. It requires a lot of physical exertion, and is one of the main reasons why women prefer having a male companion,” said Naheed.
Maulana Wali Rehman of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) said that the controversy is unnecessary. “Some schools of thought allow women to travel without a mehram while others do not. The report of the Central Haj Committee does not compel anyone,” said Rehman.
Kamal Farooqui of the AIMPLB, who was part of the Central Haj Committee, says that there is no compulsion. “Saudi Arabia allows women to travel alone, and there has been no compulsion on …read more
