Source: http://qa.muftisays.com/?12656
Question ID: #12656
 
Question: How do we know which needs women can go out for and which they cannot?
It is stated that women should not go out of the house unless there is a need. However, the need referred to in the Hadith was to relieve themselves as there weren’t any inside toilets at that time! There’s also proof that women are allowed to go outside to visit the mosque! But apart from these two examples how do we know that women are allowed to go out to visit friends and family like female cousins even though these might not be considered needs? I read on one websites that women can go to visit their parents often but apart from that they can only go to meet other relatives once or twice a year as more than this is not a need. So if I want to go to visit my female cousins more often like twice or thrice a week, even if it isn’t a need, will this be allowed or will I be sinful for going out without a need?
 
 
Answered by: Ulamaa ID 04 (London)
Date: 23/01/2026 22:08pm

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

الجواب حامداومصليا

According to Shariah, it is allowed for women to visit her family members but wearing Hijab and covering themselves. Also, She can go out for her needs if it is less than 48 miles without a Mahram. However, as time and environment can change if there’s Fitna and corruption then she should go out with a Mahram.

‎قوله في سفر هو ثلاثة أيام ولياليها فيباح لها الخروج إلي مادونه لحاجة بغير محرم بحر …..وينبغي أن يكون الفتوي عليه لفساد الزمان شرح اللباب ويؤيده حديث الصحيحين
‎(الدرالمختارمع ردالمحتار ٢/٤٦٤،سعيد)

And Allah knows best

26 Rajab 1447/ 15 January 2026
Mufti Qamruzzaman

London, UK
 
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