Guidelines and Rulings on a Woman Going Out

Question:
Is it obligatory for a woman to go out to the market to meet her needs without a mahram? And is it permissible for the driver, which has become widespread in this recent period, to take women along without a mahram?

Answer:
A woman going out is subject to detail. If she goes out for her need, covered, and taking care of herself, then there is no harm in her going out. The women used to go out in the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and the time of the Companions for their needs. So if she goes out with care, covering, and hijab, there is no blame on her.
However, she should, in any case, reduce her going out and be wary of its dire consequences. The awliya (close friends of Allah) of the woman—her husband, her brother, and her father—should, as much as possible, meet her needs. Especially in this age where evil, corruption, and women’s exposure to corruption have increased, she should reduce her going out and be wary of its evil. The awliya should meet the woman’s needs so that they can spare her the burden of going out, as much as possible. Her going out does not require a mahram, because it is not travel; the mahram is for travel.