What Is a Mahram and Why It Matters in Islam
A Mahram is a genetically connected male who is close to a woman and cannot be married in the Islam faith. That is her father, her brother, her husband, her son or her uncle. Under the Islamic tradition, women would normally need to go on long trips or religious trips such as Hajj and Umrah By Bus From Dubai with a Mahram. This rule was meant to guarantee safety, honor and well being of women during travel. Saudi Arabia adhered to this rule throughout decades. Females who had the desire to attend Hajj or Umrah needed to chase the accompanying Mahram. In absence of them, they could not enter the country or carry out the pilgrimage. This was particularly a challenge to widows, unmarried women or those with no Mahram to cover them.
What Do Saudi Arabia’s New Rules Say for Women Without Mahram
Saudi Arabia has undertaken significant moves in recent years to make Umrah and Hajj reachable by all people, particularly women. As per the new regulations, the women can complete Umrah without a Mahram however this could be performed under some conditions. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia stated that females above the age of 18 are permitted to perform Umrah without a Mahram by applying and obtaining Umrah visa with a group or via an Umrah licensed tourist agency. This ruling has benefited a number of women who were earlier not able to travel because of the mahram rule. The Saudi government however recommends that women accompany other persons in order to get support and security in their stay in the Kingdom.
What Are the Requirements for Women Traveling Alone for Umrah
The need of a Mahram is eliminated, but nevertheless there are several key provisions which a woman should adhere to in order to be able to complete Umrah without a Mahram. To begin with, the woman should be 18 years, and above. Children still require the presence of a Mahram or a guardian. The person should possess a valid passport, an Umrah visa and must have bookings of confirmed amounts in Makkah and Madinah. She will also have to pass through a registered and trusted Umrah agency that will assist her in paper work, bookings, and general assistance. These agencies tend to prepare group packages, especially for women, so that they can travel in a security group. Women in Saudi Arabia are also invited to use official mobile applications such as the one called Nusuk which will help them register, book an appointment and follow up the local guidelines.
Read Also >>> The Complete Europe Backpacking Packing list
How Travel Agencies Support Women Going for Umrah Alone
Travel companies have also taken a very large role in assisting women to undertake Umrah. Most of the licensed Umrah travel agents provide special women packages. These are the packages that comprise travel, hotel, local guides and transport within cities. The women who lack a Mahram can also participate in these group packs so that they can have safety and support. Other agencies also offer female group leaders / guides, who assist pilgrims when they perform Tawaf, Sa, and Ziarat. This makes the travel more comfortable and stress free. The agencies also deal with visa requests and ensure that the women have fulfilled all their entry into the country and health requirements. Due to the assistance of such professional services, women are now able to undertake Umrah without any doubts about the lack of a Mahram.
Conclusion: Yes, Women Can Perform Umrah Without a Mahram
Finally, the answer is yes, a woman can travel to Umrah without a Mahram because of the existing Saudi regulations. The rules have been changed and now Muslim women almost all over the globe can get their spiritual duty easier. Through a duly registered Umrah agent and provided that the woman is 18years and above, an Umrah package from Dubai can carry out the pilgrimage without any problem of legality. This is a rather large and a welcome change among many Muslim women. Nevertheless, one should keep up with the recent instructions and find an experienced travel organizing company that will assist with the plans. It may be with a group or on a personal basis, but it is so much easier than ever currently to perform Umrah for women all over the world.