What is a Mahram
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A mahram is a person who can never marry the person for whom they act as a guardian. The sole job of the mahram is to protect and maintain the person they are guarding.
A woman may only travel to Hajj — a religious pilgrimage — if she has a mahram or guardian. According to Arab News, some women will pay hefty fees so a travel company will arrange for a mahram, so the woman may travel to Hajj. But recently, women have found that half way through the trip, the "arrranged" mahram disappears. A Hajj performed using 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, thereby enabling the woman to accomplish a Hajj "Mabroor" – a completed Hajj journey. Who Can Serve as a Mahram? According to a hadith from Al-Bukhari, a man can serve as mahram to an array of female family members. A man can serve as a mahram to his mother, grandmother, daughter, granddaughter, sister, aunt, grandaunt, niece, grandniece, his father's wife, his wife's daughter and his mother-in-law. In addition, a Muslim man can also serve as a mahram for his foster mother (the one who nursed him), foster sisters, and any other foster relatives. Foster relatives are similar to the above mentioned blood relatives, according to the Prophet (Peace be upon him*) who said, "What is forbidden by reason of kinship is forbidden by reason of suckling." (Al-Bukhari) Who is a Muslim 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 serve as a mahram to his wife's sister.
What are the Requirements to be a Mahram or Guardian?
According to Fatwa-online.com, a mahram must meet two conditions:
The age of a mahram varies; the important requisite involves completing puberty. The job of the mahram is to protect the woman against attacks and to maintain her innocence; a child would be unable to do this in an effective manner, so he must pass through puberty before he is considered a suitable mahram. Muslims believe it is best to have a mahram who is older, such as a father, husband or brother, among others.
When anyone is contemplating a trip to Hajj, Muslims believe that 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.
* Muslims invoke Allah's blessings on the Prophet Muhammad whenever this name is mentioned.
Resources:
TurnToIslam.com
Read More: A Woman Cannot go to Hajj Without a Mahram and How to Perform Hajj
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 serve as a mahram to his wife's sister.
What are the Requirements to be a Mahram or Guardian?
According to Fatwa-online.com, a mahram must meet two conditions:
- To be past puberty; and
- Have a sound mind.
The age of a mahram varies; the important requisite involves completing puberty. The job of the mahram is to protect the woman against attacks and to maintain her innocence; a child would be unable to do this in an effective manner, so he must pass through puberty before he is considered a suitable mahram. Muslims believe it is best to have a mahram who is older, such as a father, husband or brother, among others.
When anyone is contemplating a trip to Hajj, Muslims believe that 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.
* Muslims invoke Allah's blessings on the Prophet Muhammad whenever this name is mentioned.
Resources:
TurnToIslam.com
Read More: A Woman Cannot go to Hajj Without a Mahram and How to Perform Hajj