Must a Mother Follow Her Son’s Safety Advice as a Mahram?

Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Question

As a mahram, is a mother obliged to follow her son’s guidance for her safety during travel, such as avoiding certain places deemed unsafe?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

A mother is not religiously obligated to follow her son’s guidance as her mahram, but mutual respect and cooperation are encouraged, especially when it concerns her safety. Allah (Most High) says,

“And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, ‘My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up when I was small.’” [Quran, 17:24]

The son, as a mahram, is entrusted with protecting and ensuring the well-being of his female relatives. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said,

“Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock.” [Bukhariك Muslim]

While a mother retains her autonomy, her son’s safety recommendations should be viewed as an expression of care and duty, fostering mutual understanding and trust.

Allah knows best.

[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Mohammad Abu Bakr Badhib

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.

Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.

He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.

Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.