Al-Fiqh: Journal of Contemporary Islamic Law
Vol. 2 No. 1 (2026)

Women on the Move: A Comparative Analysis of Salaf and Contemporary Ulama on Solo Female Travel in Islam

Shofwil Widad (ma'had aly nurul jadid)
Zainuddin Sunarto (Ma’had Aly Nurul Jadid)



Article Info

Publish Date
08 Mar 2026

Abstract

This study aims to examine the views of Salafi and contemporary scholars on the law of women traveling without a mahram in the context of modern travel. The background of this research highlights the tension between classical interpretations that prohibit women from traveling without a mahram and the growing demand for female participation in the global public sphere. The research employs a qualitative approach, using library research and normative and comparative methods to analyse classical and contemporary fiqh texts. The main findings reveal that the differing views between Salafi and contemporary scholars regarding women’s travel without a mahram stem from differences in identifying the ‘illah (legal cause) of the prohibition, with some scholars emphasizing physical protection, while others focus on social safety. While most Salafi scholars view the mahram as mandatory, contemporary scholars argue that modern security systems can replace the mahram’s role. This study contributes by offering a moderate legal synthesis that integrates maqashid al-Shariah with contemporary social realities. It recommends a paradigm shift in understanding the role of mahrams and the collective security system in supporting women’s mobility.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

fiqh

Publisher

Subject

Religion Humanities Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice Social Sciences

Description

AlFiqh Journal of Contemporary Islamic Law focuses on interdisciplinary studies of Islamic law in the context of modern issues and challenges. The journal covers a wide range of topics, including the application of Sharia law in various legal systems, the evolution of fiqh, Islamic law and human ...