Mahram in Islam for Umrah

by Ady Grewal Content writer

Umrah is a holy Pilgrimage that is a Sunnah of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH). For the Performance of which, Millions of Muslims from all around the world travel to Makkah through their Umrah packages 2020 UK and from other countries. They gather there and offer the holy rituals of umrah individually.

One can go for Umrah all around the year except the days of Hajj. For international pilgrims Umrah is open for almost 9 months; from the start of Moharram till the end of Ramadan. From Shawal (the month after Ramadan) to onwards, umrah is only open for GCC Nationals; people with permanent residency/work permits in the middle eastern or gulf countries.

Men or women, everyone can perform umrah. However, for women, the question of accompanying of Mahram arises. While men can perform Umrah alone.

Definition of Mahram.

In Islam, Mahram for a woman is its legal escort during travel. Specifically, its husband and the people she cannot marry (unmarriageable Kin) i.e. with whom marriage is Haram (illegal) under Islamic teachings.

There are 3 types of Maharam.

1. Through Blood Relations;

Father, Grandfather (and further ancestors), Son, Grandson (and further descendants), Brother, Nephew (sibling’s son and further descendants), Uncle (paternal or maternal and further ancestors).

2. Because of Marriage.

Husband, Father-in-law, Son-in-law, Stepfather (mother’s husband), Stepson (husband’s son).

3. Through Fosterage.

Foster-mother is someone who has breastfed a child within a designated period of 2 ½ years. It’s called Rada.

Saudi Rules regarding Mahram Before 2019.

Previously, it was not possible for a woman to travel alone for Umrah. Accompanying a Mahram was a legal obligation for a woman to enter/leave the kingdom and perform Umrah. In addition, one had to submit the proof of Mahram relation at the time of the visa application also. That is,

• A woman under 45 years of age cannot travel alone. She must remain accompanied by her mahram during the whole umrah trip with also the possession of mahram relation.

• Women over the age of 45 years can travel alone for umrah. However, they must be in organized groups or with their relatives. Secondly, the submission of a notarized NOC (No Objection Certificate) by her Mahram was essential.

Mahram policies under ‘Saudi Vision 2030’ plan.

In late 2019, Saudi Arabia introduced its plan “Saudi Vision 2030”. The plan houses strategies for strengthening the country’s tourism, Health Facilities, education, Infrastructure, and Job facilities. In light of which, Saudia Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah also revised its policies.

As per the new rules, now;

• Women can travel alone for Umrah. They don’t need to be accompanied by Mahram for Umrah Pilgrimage.

• Umrah can also be performed on the Saudi Tourist visa; available through e-services as well as through a 5-30 minute on-arrival procedure.

However, the compulsion of a mahram still remains during Hajj for women.

Hence if you are planning for Umrah, Book Your February Umrah Packages and begin your spiritual journey by reserving your spot in advance.