What is a Mahram (Guardian) in Islam

Who are Guardians to Women and What are the Requirements

Nov 15, 2009

A mahram is a person who can never marry the person they are guardian for. The sole job of the mahram is to protect and maintain the person they are guarding.

A woman may only travel to Hajj if she has a mahram or guardian. According to Arab News, sometimes women will pay hefty fees for the travel company to arrange for a mahram, so the woman may travel to Hajj alone. Half way through the trip, the "arrranged" mahram cannot be found.

A Hajj performed based on false documentation, would not be considered to be a valid Hajj. The money would of been spent for no reason other than a sightseeing trip. Here is a list of people who can be a mahram and therefore entitling the woman to a Hajj "Mabroor" or a completed Hajj journey.

A Man May be a Mahram for Whom

According to a hadith from Al-Bukhari, women who a man is mahram to, include his mother, grandmother, daughter, granddaughter, sister, aunt, grandaunt, niece, grandniece, his father's wife, his wife's daughter, his mother-in-law, his foster mother (the one who nursed him), foster sisters, and any foster relatives that are similar to the above mentioned blood relatives as the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, "What is forbidden by reason of kindship is forbidden by reason of suckling." (Al-Bukhari)

Who is a Man Forbidden to Marry

According to the Quran, the man may not marry the following people listed in the Quranic verses:

"And marry not women whom your fathers married, except what has already passed; indeed it was shameful and most hateful, and an evil way. Forbidden to you (for marriage) are: your mothers, your daughters, your sisters, your father's sisters, your mother's sisters, your brother's daughters, your sister's daughters, your foster mother who gave you suck, your foster milk suckling sisters, your wives' mothers, your step-daughters under your guardianship, born of your wives to whom you have go in - but there is no sin on you if you have not gone in them (to marry their daughters), - the wives of your sons who (spring) from your own loins, and two sisters in wedlock at the same time, except for what has already passed; verily, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (An-Nisa 4:22-23)

By understanding who a man cannot marry, a list of people available to be a mahrah is known. He cannot marry the women in the above list, except for his wife's sister. He may marry the sister, if his wife dies and therefore he would not be able to be a mahram to his wife's sister.

What are the Requirements to be a Mahram or Guardian

The age of a mahram could be a person passed puberty , but the job of the mahram is to protect the woman against attacks and maintain her innocence and a child is unable to do this. It is better to have a mahram that is older, such as a father, husband, brother, etc.

When anyone is contemplating a trip to Hajj, they should seek the pleasure of Allah. By following his exact guidance, they can achieve a completed Hajj or Hajj Mabroor. The ultimate reward of Hajj is heaven, so follow the guidance of the Quran and the hadith in planning the trip to Mecca and Medina.