Umrah is an essential and blessed ritual of Islam, and every Muslim has a dream and purpose to perform it in their life. In the past years, the Islamic jurisprudence allowed women to perform Umrah with their mahram (a close male relative) for such tours.
But now in 2025, the laws and policies have changed. Now, the women who are 18 or above can perform Umrah without any mahram, yes, independently. The only requirement to perform Umrah independently is a licensed group or tour operator. But a rare question comes to your mind, probably how a woman can perform umrah alone? And what are the policies of Saudi Arabia related to it? Don’t worry, we will address all of these questions and their brief explanation in today’s article.
What is a Mahram?
Mahram is basically a person who is a male and a close relative of a woman, like her husband, siblings, parents, and more. Well, Any male person who is not fall into the category of a mahram is Prohibited for women to perform Umrah or Hajj. Let’s take a look at the category of a mahram:
- Husband
- Father
- Paternal Uncle
- Maternal Uncle
- Father-in-law
- Son
- Grandson (son’s son)
- Grandson (daughter’s son)
- Husband’s son (stepson)
- Son-in-law (daughter’s husband)
- Brother
- Nephew (brother’s son)
- Nephew (sister’s son)
- Muslim women
- Non-Muslim slaves
- Those who are mentally impaired to the extent that they have no awareness of women.
Here is the list of Non-mahram for a Women in Islam
- Uncle’s children (paternal cousins)
- Aunt’s children (maternal cousins)
- Brother-in-law (husband’s brother)
- Sister’s husband
- Sister-in-law’s husband
- Aunt’s husband (maternal uncle by marriage)
- Aunt’s husband (paternal uncle by marriage)
- Husband’s paternal uncle
- Husband’s maternal uncle
- Aunt-in-law’s husband (maternal uncle by marriage)
- Aunt-in-law’s husband (paternal uncle by marriage)
- Husband’s nephew (brother’s son)
- Husband’s nephew (sister’s son)
Can a woman perform Umrah without a mahram in Islam?
We have discuss this situation above but here we will explain in detailed. So, according to the Narrations of the Quran, Hadith, and other research, we finalized that a women must have a mahram while performing Hajj or Umrah. We know that the Saudia policies are changed and Women can do Umrah without a mahram and yes, it’s true. But just think about that you are going for one of the biggest ritual and taking blessings from Allah. So, it will be good if you follow the Quran and the Hadith as well.
Narration of the Quran About Hajj and Umrah
Well, now the verse from the Quran is saying that a woman needs a mahram to perform Hajj and Umrah because the Mahram is essential for her to perform and complete the religious duties.
Narration of the Hadith
According to the Islamic Tradition, a Mahram is required for a woman to perform the Umrah or Hajj, and this statement is based on a true Hadith of Ibn e Abbas (R.A).
The reason behind the importance of a Mahram with a woman is that she needs to travel 48 miles or 77 kilometers, which is too far. That’s why a Mahram will protect the woman, and she will be safe as well. But now the modern perspectives allow Scholars to change their thoughts about this situation because of safe and organized group travel. Now, they said that if a women is in a trusted company or a group, then she can perform Hajj or Umrah without any Mahram.
Key Tips for a Women to Perform Umrah Without a Mahram
As we have discussed the situation in detail, it’s important for us to provide some key tips that ensure your journey will be safe and peaceful.
- It is recommended to choose a trusted and reputable agency like Book Umrah Packages because you will get Umrah Packages each month, a travel guide, and accommodations at 3-star to 5-star luxury hotels.
- Maintain and keep all of your necessary documents, such as your Visa, ID Card, and a fly-to-fly letter if you are going to perform Umrah while Pregnant.
- Keep in contact with your family members or guardians for support and a peaceful journey.
- While you are going to perform Umrah alone, it is better to remember all the Islamic rules of comportment and dress for a better experience.
What are the Saudia Current Policies?
In 2025, Saudia revised its policies related to Women performing Hajj or Umrah without their Mahram. Now, if a woman aged 18 or above is allowed to perform the ritual of Islam without any Mahram or a Male guardian, but she must fulfill the following conditions first.
The eligibility and Visa requirements to perform Umrah include an Umrah-e-Visa or a tourist Visa, and they both are valid up to 90 days. The tourist e-Visa system includes the Umrah and allows a person multiple entries within a year.
It is recommended for a woman to avoid solo travel and find a reputable and trusted licensed Umrah Packages provider for logical support, safety, and companionship.
Also Read: What is Umrah? How do you perform it the Right Way?
Conclusion
Performing Umrah or Hajj is the dream of every Muslim in the world, and it is a ritual in Islam. We discuss every detail related to a woman who can perform Umrah without a Mahram, and we have finalized that, according to the Saudi policies, it is possible, but recommended to avoid solo travel and go with a Licensed Umrah Group.
However, we have also mentioned some of the Narrations of the Quran and Hadith regarding this situation, which revealed that it is better for a woman to go with a Mahram to perform Umrah and Hajj.
FAQS
Can a woman perform Umrah without a Mahram in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, a woman can perform Umrah without a Mahram if her age is 18 or above with a licensed group or tour operator, according to the recent policies.
Is it safe for women to travel for Umrah without a Mahram?
Yes, the policies state that Saudi Arabia has implemented various safety measures like female-only accommodations, transportation, and well-organized support staff.