The Concept of Mehram for Hajj & Umrah: A Complete Guide for UK Pilgrims

Performing Hajj or Umrah is one of the most profound spiritual journeys a Muslim can undertake. As a UK resident preparing for this sacred pilgrimage, you may have heard the term Mehram frequently. Understanding the concept of Mehram is crucial, especially if you’re a woman planning your trip for the first time.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain what a Mehram is, who qualifies as a Mehram, and how the concept affects your ability to travel for Hajj and Umrah. We will also cover the recent changes to the Mehram requirement and what that means for UK women pilgrims.

1. What is a Mehram?

In Islamic terminology, a Mehram is a male relative with whom marriage is permanently forbidden due to close kinship ties. Mehram includes fathers, brothers, sons, uncles, and husbands. The term “Mehram” is essential in the context of Hajj and Umrah because, traditionally, women are required to be accompanied by a Mehram during their pilgrimage for their protection and well-being.

2. The Role of a Mehram in Hajj and Umrah

For women, the Mehram serves as a safeguard during the journey. Given the challenging nature of travel, especially for international pilgrimages like Hajj and Umrah, having a Mehram ensures that women are protected throughout the trip. This includes assistance with the pilgrimage rituals and navigation of crowded areas such as the Masjid al-Haram (where the Kaaba is located) and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina.

The Mehram’s role extends beyond just travel companionship. He is responsible for helping with the rites of Hajj and Umrah, ensuring that the woman can perform the rituals safely and correctly.

3. Who Can Be Considered a Mehram?

The following male relatives are classified as Mehram for women:

• Father
• Brother
• Son
• Uncle (paternal or maternal)
• Grandfather
• Husband

A Mehram does not include non-relatives or distant relatives, such as cousins. The relationship must be close enough that marriage between the woman and the male relative is forbidden in Islam.

Special Case for Women Without a Mehram

Historically, women were required to be accompanied by a Mehram to travel for Hajj or Umrah. However, as of 2022, Saudi Arabia lifted the Mehram requirement for women travelling for Umrah and Hajj, offering more flexibility for female pilgrims.

4. No Mandatory Mehram Requirement (As of 2022-2026)

In a significant move towards greater inclusivity, Saudi Arabia made the decision in 2022 to allow women to perform Hajj or Umrah without a Mehram. This decision applies to women aged 18 and above, regardless of marital status.

This change is particularly beneficial for UK women pilgrims, as it allows for more flexibility when planning their pilgrimage. Now, women can travel alone, in women-only groups, or with other female companions, without needing a male relative to accompany them.

How This Affects UK Pilgrims

This policy change provides UK women with more autonomy when planning their pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. Whether you are single, married, divorced, or widowed, you can now apply for an Umrah visa and perform the pilgrimage independently, as long as you are travelling with a licensed travel agency or in an organised group.

At Makkah Tour, we offer women-only packages designed to accommodate this policy change, ensuring that your journey is safe, spiritually fulfilling, and compliant with all travel regulations.

5. Travelling with or Without a Mehram: What to Consider

Travelling with a Mehram

If you prefer to travel with a Mehram, you can still choose a traditional package that includes your Mehram. Travelling with a Mehram can provide comfort and added security, especially for first-time pilgrims. Whether it’s your husband, father, brother, or another male relative, your Mehram will be by your side, assisting you throughout the pilgrimage.

Travelling Without a Mehram

For women choosing to travel without a Mehram, there are several options available:

• Women-only groups: Many Hajj and Umrah packages now cater specifically to women, allowing them to travel together in a safe, organised environment. These groups are ideal for women who want to meet the Mehram requirement through their travel arrangement, not a male relative.
• Solo travel: Women who are 18 and older can also choose to travel solo. As long as they are part of a regulated and trusted travel agency, they can perform the pilgrimage independently, provided all logistics, accommodation, and transportation are arranged by the agency.

At Makkah Tour, we take extra care to ensure that solo female travellers have everything they need for a seamless, safe pilgrimage experience.

6. Importance of Licensed Travel Agencies for Women Pilgrims

While the Mehram requirement is no longer mandatory for women, it’s still crucial to book your pilgrimage through a licensed travel agency. Agencies like Makkah Tour offer full-package services for UK women pilgrims, ensuring that all elements of the journey are taken care of, including:

• Visa processing
• Flight bookings
• Accommodation
• Transportation
• Group coordination and guidance

With Makkah Tour, you can rest assured that your Hajj or Umrah package is fully compliant with Saudi regulations and that your safety and comfort are prioritised.

7. Conclusion

The concept of Mehram is central to Hajj and Umrah. Still, with recent changes in Saudi Arabia’s travel regulations, UK women now have more freedom than ever to embark on their pilgrimage. Whether you choose to travel with a Mehram, as part of a women-only group, or on your own, your journey to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina can be both spiritually enriching and safe.

Makkah Tour is here to help UK pilgrims navigate these changes and provide tailored packages that suit every need. Contact us today to learn more about our women-only Hajj and Umrah packages and to start planning your once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage.