Women no longer need a male companion to perform Hajj, Umrah

Makkah: Women can now perform Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages without a male guardian or mahram, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah announced at a press conference held at the Kingdom's Embassy in Cairo.

The decision to allow women to perform pilgrimages without a mahram has been taken based on views of Maliki and Shafi scholars, said Hajj and Umrah Services Adviser Ahmed Saleh Halabi.

Halabi said that a Fatwa in this regard has also been delivered by Abbas Shoman, the supervisor of fatwa at Al-Azhar Al-Sharif in Egypt, in March.

Ponting out the measures the Kingdom has taken to provide security to all, particularly women, writer Faten Ibrahim Hussein, a former adviser to the Minister of Hajj said all those visiting the country for pilgrimages will be provided with all facilities based on Saudi Vision 2030.

"Security has extended throughout the Kingdom and in all means of transportation and at ports, giving women full protection. Moreover, strong infrastructure has been established in legislation, including the anti-harassment system," she said.

Faten Ibrahim Hussein said the ease made over the mandatory male escort rule could give great relief for women, who otherwise have a social and economic situation in finding a mahram or the high cost to be paid for it, despite having a great urge to perform holy pilgrimages.

"Allowing women to perform Umrah without the condition of a mahram makes life easier for them because many have difficult social conditions and may not find a mahram, or it may cost them a lot, while they are eager to perform Umrah," Hussein said.

She linked the increased security in the country to the arrest of social and economic corruption, saying "when corruption is stopped, she explained, security is established."

The event was attended by Saudi Ambassador to Egypt Osama bin Ahmed Nugali and senior officials from the ministry and embassy.