Can a Muslim woman study abroad without a mahram?
The question of whether a Muslim woman can study abroad without a mahram involves differing views within Islamic scholarship.
According to Sunni scholarship, it is generally considered impermissible for a woman to travel without a mahram. The Prophet ﷺ stated: It is not permissible for a woman who believes in Allah and the Last Day to travel for a day and a night without having a mahram (guardian) with her.
Sahih al-Bukhari 18:9 This indicates the emphasis placed on having a mahram accompany a woman during travel to ensure her safety and uphold Islamic guidelines regarding gender interactions.
On the other hand, Shia scholarship presents a more lenient view. In Al-Kafi, it is narrated regarding a woman wanting to perform Hajj without a mahram: He said, 'Yes, if she is trustworthy.'
Al-Kafi 3:280 This suggests that if a woman is deemed trustworthy, she may travel without a mahram for her studies or other purposes, reflecting a more flexible interpretation of the rules regarding travel for women.
For a ruling that applies to your specific situation, consult a qualified local scholar.
Sources
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Sahih al-Bukhari 18:9
Sahih al-Bukhari · Book 18, Hadith 9 · Narrated by Abu Huraira
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: It is not permissible for a woman who believes in Allah and the Last Day to travel for a day and a night without having a mahram (guardian) with her.
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Al-Kafi 3:280
Al-Kafi · Book 3, Hadith 280
If the deceased is weak and helpless, say, 'O Allah, forgive those who repented and followed Your path, and protect them from the punishment of Hell.' And if you do not know his condition, say, 'O Allah, if he cherished goodness and its people, forgive him, have mercy on him, and overlook his faults; and if he was oppressed by You in any way, then seek forgiveness for him by way of intercession, not by way of guardianship.' — OR — Regarding a woman wanting to perform Hajj without a mahram: Is it valid for her to perform Hajj? He said, 'Yes, if she is trustworthy.' — OR — I asked Abu Ja'far about a man who married a woman on the basis of her judgment (her stipulated dowry). He said, "Her judgment shall not exceed the dowries of the family of Muhammad (peace be upon them): twelve uqiyyahs and a nassh, which is the weight of five hundred dirhams of silver." I asked, "What if he married her on the basis of his own judgment and she agreed to it?" He said, "Whatever amount he judges is permissible for her, whether small or large." I said, "Then why do you not allow her judgment over him, while you approve his judgment over her?" He said, "Because he judged her, and she had no right to accept anything beyond what the Messenger of Allah prescribed. He married his wives according to that, so I returned her dowry to the Sunnah. But since she judged him, and committed the matter of dowry to him, and consented to his judgment, it is incumbent upon her to accept his judgment, whether it be small or large." — OR — I asked Abu Abdullah about a slave who falsely accuses a free man. He said: He is flogged eighty lashes.
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