What is the ruling on a woman sitting in the road, whether at night or during the day, and with a mahram (a relative one may not marry) with her?

The questioner : What is the ruling on a woman sitting in the road, whether at night or during the day, and with a mahram (a relative one may not marry) with her? Please inform us of this, may Allah reward you.

The Shaykh : If a woman sits in the road and she is safe from fitnah (trial, discord or temptation) and her mahram (a relative one may not marry) is with her, then there is nothing wrong with that and no blame on her. However, if she is not safe from fitnah (trial, discord or temptation) and there is a fear of aggression against her, then it is not permissible for her to expose herself to fitnah (trial, discord or temptation) and aggression. Furthermore, it is obligatory for a woman, when she goes out to the markets and roads, not to go out displaying her adornment or wearing perfume. Rather, she should go out in a manner that does not lead to fitnah (trial, discord or temptation), neither in her clothing, nor in her scent, nor in the manner of her walking. For exposing oneself to fitnah (trial, discord or temptation) is dangerous for the woman and for the entire society. And Allah Mighty and Majestic says to the wives of His Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), who are the purest of women: And if this address is directed to the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), then it is all the more so for other women.