Fatwaa ID: 1171

Question:
Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu
Is it permissible in Islam to send our daughters on their own to another city or even overseas for higher education?

Answer:
In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salaamu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullaahi wa-barakaatuh.

Shari’ah has emphasized the importance of protecting women and ensuring their safety at all times. The laws of Shari’ah, which are from al-Hakeem, the All-Wise, are in place for our own benefit. Rasulullah ﷺ said,

لا تسافر المرأة ثلاثا إلا ومعها ذو محرم.
“A woman cannot travel (a distance of) three (days) unless she is accompanied by a mahram.” (Muslim)

لا يحل لامرأة تؤمن بالله واليوم الآخر تسافر مسيرة ثلاث ليال إلا ومعها ذو محرم.
“It is prohibited for a woman who believes in Allaah and the Last Day to travel a distance of three nights unless she is accompanied by a mahram.” (Muslim)

Being a true believer demands that one adheres to the above prohibitions. Accordingly, it is impermissible for a woman to travel alone without a mahram and it is also impermissible for her to live alone without a mahram, be it in another city or overseas. This is irrespective of whether the travels and stay is for leisure or for studies. A mahram must always remain within the safar distance from a woman. This is for her own benefit and protection. If she is unable to obtain higher education without violating the laws of Allaah Ta’aala, then there is no need for her to do so. There are alternatives that she may consider.

And Allaah Ta’aala knows best.
Mufti Muajul I. Chowdhury
Darul Iftaa New York
https://askthemufti.us/

وصل اللهم وسلم وبارك على سيدنا محمد وعلى ءاله وصحبه أجمعين

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