Can a Minor Boy Serve as a Mahram for Travel?

Q. As-salaamu Alaykum. Insha’Allah, I plan on going for Umrah with my sister and my nephew, who will be our Mahram. I have a 10-year-old son and an 8-year-old daughter. Would my daughter be able to accompany us? The Mahram for my sister and me would be my nephew, who is Baaligh. My daughter is 8 years old (not Baaligh), and my son is 10 years old. Can my 10-year-old son serve as a Mahram for my 8-year-old daughter? JazakAllah.

A. A boy may serve as a Mahram for his aunt, mother, or sister, provided he is 12 lunar years of age and has become mature (Baaligh) by experiencing a wet dream or ejaculation. If no such signs appear by age 15 lunar years, a boy will automatically be considered mature (Baaligh) and may serve as a Mahram.

However, for travel purposes specifically, a boy who has not reached full maturity may still serve as a Mahram for his aunt, mother, or sister, provided that he has sexual awareness or understanding (Muraahiq). The Jurists (Fuqaha) have stipulated this minimum age at 10 lunar years.

Hence, if your son is 10 years of age and has sexual understanding or awareness, he is considered close to maturity (Muraahiq) and may serve as a Mahram for travel purposes only. (Al-Lubaab 1/274)

Accordingly, your 10-year-old son may serve as a Mahram for you and your 8-year-old daughter for travel purposes.

N.B. The general laws that apply to a mature (Baaligh) person will only apply to such a boy after he reaches the age of 12 lunar years and experiences a wet dream or ejaculation, or after the age of 15 lunar years (automatic maturity).

Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

Mufti Ismaeel Bassa

themufti.com