Women Traveling from Jeddah to Makkah with a Trustworthy Man

Question:
The sister questioner, some of whose questions we reviewed in the previous episode, says: Honorable Shaykh, we are a group of sisters. Is it permissible for us to travel from Jeddah to Makkah to perform the prayer or 'Umrah with this trustworthy and pious man? We are about five women. Is that permissible for us?

Answer:
It is better that a mahram (a relative one may not marry) be with you in this case, because you may encounter on the road what you might encounter, and you need a mahram. However, this depends on the distance between Makkah and Jeddah: is it a travel distance? If it is a travel distance, it is not permissible to travel without a mahram. But if it is less than the distance for shortening the prayer, it is better that a mahram be with you as well, but this is not forbidden. As long as the distance is short, it is not forbidden. However, the better and more cautious option for you is to have a mahram with you. Yes.

The presenter:
May Allah reward you and bless you.