Is a woman, 56 years of age, required to have a mahram to travel for Hajj? Is her Hajj valid without one? Is it Islamically correct that if a woman reaches a certain age, a mahram is no longer required for her?

Scholars have differed on the condition of a mahram for a woman to perform Hajj, with several opinions:

First Opinion: The Hanafis and Hanbalis stipulate the presence of a mahram or husband for Hajj to be obligatory, citing hadiths that prohibit a woman from traveling without a mahram, due to her need for assistance during travel. Second Opinion: The Shafi'is do not stipulate the presence of a mahram or husband. The presence of trustworthy women or a reliable company is sufficient, because it is an obligatory journey for which a mahram is not a condition. Third Opinion: The Malikis believe in the obligation of a husband or mahram. If they are not present or refuse, a reliable company of men or women is permissible, with the best option being a mixed group, provided the woman feels safe.

Ibn Taymiyyah held the view that it is permissible for a woman to travel for obligatory Hajj without a mahram—if one is unavailable—provided she is safe. Imam Ahmad differentiated between a young woman and an old woman.

The aforementioned difference of opinion applies specifically to obligatory Hajj, not supererogatory Hajj. The preponderant view is the permissibility of a woman traveling for Hajj with a reliable company when there is no fear of fitna. The safety from fitna is determined by the time, place, means of travel, companionship, and the woman's condition.

Therefore, woman's's Hajj is valid, Allah willing, because the presence of a mahram is not a condition for the validity of Hajj, but rather for its obligation according to those who hold that view.