Is it permissible for females to drive?
Question
Assalaam-u-alaikum!
Kindly let me know how far it is permissible for a woman to drive without a mehram inside or outside her city’s limits.
Answer
In principle, a female should stay within the confines of her home. It is not permissible for her to emerge from her home without dire need and necessity and without observing Hijaab.
In dire need and necessity (approved by the Shari’ah), it is permissible for a female to drive within 88 km. with the following conditions:
i) There is no alternative,
ii) There is no apparent fear of life/respect; and,
iii) Adhering to the laws of Hijaab.
(Al-Ashbah Wannazaair pg.252; Idaratul Qur’ aan)
It is not permissible for a female to drive in the absence of any one of the abovementioned conditions.
And Allah Knows Best
- Answered by
- Mufti Ebrahim Desai
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