Women driving debate evokes mixed reactions

Saudi women have begun driving across roads of the Kingdom, but the debates sparked by controversies surrounding the decision is far from over. While many women defended their right to travel without a mahram (male guide), a few cited religious guidelines that forbade women from

Editorial Team Legacy

Published 26 June 2018, 8:00 · Updated 22:03

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Women driving debate evokes mixed reactions

Islamic scholar Shaikh Dr Abdul Aziz Al Fawzan said religious learnings forbade women from traveling without a mahram. “According to hadeeth of Ibn Abbas, a woman should not travel without a mahram even if her destination is Mecca, where Hajj pilgrimage is held.” However, he said there can be exceptions considering the present living conditions. “A male’s requirement is to ensure the woman’s safety.”

Meanwhile, many women defended their right to travel alone, by airing their views on social media. “I don’t find it difficult to travel without a male guide,” said Khawla Al Hassan. Yasmin Mufid said: “The men’s driving there is reckless, I can not keep up with them.”

Women driving debate evokes mixed reactions

Editorial Team Legacy

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