of danger and misbehaviour is vital for every Islamic sister. However, there is no limit to risks of danger and misbehaviour. Never mind non-Maḥram men, even Maḥram men may be risky. Not only in solitude in fact there are risks even in public places. Even though the ruling for an Islamic sister sitting alone in a taxi with a non-Maḥram driver is not exactly the same as seclusion (with a man in a house) but both situations are similar, and there are more possibilities of danger in vehicles like a taxi where the passenger cannot easily be seen and heard by people. News about people being kidnapped by drivers are common.

It is especially dangerous when the driver’s identity, residence, background etc. are unknown. In big cities, there is usually no familiarity between drivers and passengers. In reality, women are sensitive and usually the focus of male attention; these days times are so bad that the only reason for many people refraining from sins is the absence of sin-opportunities, but if they ever get the chance to sin they will leap to it. In such unfavourable times, it is the personal responsibility of all Islamic sisters to live cautious lifestyles. Therefore, it is safer for a young woman to not travel alone, even in her own city, in a rickshaw or taxi without a Maḥram man or a safe and reliable woman. The more the risk of trouble increases, the more the need for caution increases.

Question: If the driver is a reliable non-Maḥram close relative, is the Islamic sister still not allowed to travel alone with him in a taxi or car within her city in case of necessity?

Answer: It is permissible for an Islamic sister to travel alone with a reliable non-Maḥram close relative within her city in case of necessity, but if she is young then extreme caution must be taken. Even when travelling with a close non-Maḥram male relative, she should try to