Answer
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
In this fatwa:
A woman may leave Muzdalifah at night during Hajj if she has a valid reason, such as illness, old age, pregnancy, or caring for children. Muslim scholars state that her Mahram should accompany her, even if he does not share the same excuse.
Responding to your question, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and an Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states:
Yes, a woman or those who are physically challenged can leave Muzdalifah at night for valid reasons. These include age, illness, fear, pregnancy, or caring for children. Importantly, her Mahram must accompany her, even if he does not have these same reasons to leave early.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) allowed vulnerable family members to depart at night due to hardship and crowding.
Scholars like Ibn Qudamah, Ibn Taymiyyah, and Ibn Baz agree that a Mahram should accompany a woman for her protection. A woman should not travel alone when a Mahram is available. This practice follows Prophetic guidance and scholarly agreement, ensuring both ease and safety.
- Spending the Night in Muzdalifah
- Muzdalifah: What Is the Ruling on Staying the Night There?
- Is Staying at Arafah Essential in Hajj?
- Essential, Obligatory, and Sunnah Actions of Hajj
Almighty Allah knows best.