Ibn 'Abbas (RAA) narrated, ‘I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying, “A man must never be alone with a woman unless there is a Mahram with her. A woman also may not travel with anyone except with a Mahram (relative).” A man stood up and asked, ‘O Messenger of Allah! My wife has gone for Hajj while I am enlisted for such and such a battle, what should I do?’ The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) replied, “Go and join your wife in Hajj." Agreed upon, and the wording is from Muslim.
Hadith Commentary: Prohibition of Khalwah and Travel Without Mahram
This noble hadith from Ibn 'Abbas (RAA) establishes two fundamental principles of Islamic conduct: the prohibition of khalwah (seclusion) between non-mahram men and women, and the requirement of mahram accompaniment for women traveling. The Prophet (ﷺ) explicitly states "A man must never be alone with a woman unless there is a Mahram with her" - this prohibition safeguards against fitnah and preserves modesty, as seclusion can lead to temptation.
The Mahram Requirement for Women's Travel
The second portion "A woman also may not travel with anyone except with a Mahram" demonstrates the Shari'ah's protective nature toward women. A mahram - a male relative whom she cannot marry - provides physical security and maintains her honor during journeys. This ruling applies to all travels exceeding the distance requiring shortening of prayers (approximately 48 miles).
The Exception: Marital Rights Over Voluntary Jihad
When the companion inquired about his wife performing Hajj while he was enlisted for battle, the Prophet (ﷺ) prioritized his marital obligation. This demonstrates that fulfilling one's duties toward family, especially accompanying one's wife for obligatory Hajj, takes precedence over voluntary military expeditions. The Prophet's command "Go and join your wife in Hajj" emphasizes that protecting one's wife and ensuring she performs Hajj properly is a religious obligation.
Scholarly Consensus and Application
This hadith is recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, indicating its highest level of authenticity. Scholars unanimously agree on the prohibition of khalwah and the mahram requirement for women's travel. The ruling applies to all Muslim women regardless of age or status, though some scholars make exceptions for extremely safe travel conditions in modern times. The hadith's inclusion in Bulugh al-Maram 718 under Hajj rulings highlights its importance in pilgrimage contexts.