Is it permissible for a woman to go to the markets to buy her needs for food and drink?

The questioner: Oh, my Shaykh, is it permissible for her to go out to the markets, meaning to procure her needs for food and drink?

The Shaykh: Within the limits of what has been mentioned, either out of dire necessity or pressing need, at most. And this, of course, means that if there is someone from her relatives, such as her husband, her brother, or a mahram (a relative one may not marry), who can purchase these needs, she should not go out, because the original ruling is that she should remain in her home and not leave it. If no one is available, then there is no power or ability [to do otherwise]. However, making this a habit like men do, which also leads to free mixing of men and women in the workplace, is not permissible.