What Is The Ruling On A Woman Riding In a Taxi Or Uber?

Question: Salam wa alakium, what is the ruling on women being in a taxi or a uber ? JazakAllahu Khairun

Summary:

It is permissible for a woman to ride in a taxi or Uber provided that there is no unlawful khalwah (seclusion), she is safe, she observes proper hijab and modesty, and the journey is not considered Islamic travel requiring a mahram. However, if she is alone with a non-mahram driver in a situation that constitutes khalwah, then it is not permissible.

Answer:

First: Evidence from the Quran

From the Qur'an:

Surah Al-Isra :32
"And do not go near zina. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is an evil way."
This verse forbids zina and every means that leads to it, including being in seclusion with a non-mahram woman.
Surah An-Nur :30
"Tell the believing men to lower their gaze..."
Surah An-Nur :31
"And tell the believing women to lower their gaze..."

Second: Evidence from the Sunnah

From the Sunnah:

Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim.It is narrated from Abdullah bin Abbas رضي الله عنهما that the Prophet ﷺ said:
"No man should be alone with a woman unless she has a mahram with her."
Narrated by At-Tirmidhi and authenticated by Al-Albani رحمه الله.It is also narrated from Umar bin Al-Khattab رضي الله عنه that the Prophet ﷺ said:
"No man is alone with a woman except that the third among them is Shaytan."
These two hadith establish the prohibition of a man being in seclusion with a non-mahram woman.

Third: Statements of the Scholars

From the Scholars:

Shaykh Abd Al-Aziz bin Baz رحمه الله
"It is not permissible for a woman to ride alone with a driver because it constitutes khalwah... Rather, there must be a third person with them so that the khalwah no longer exists."
He also said:
"If there are two women or more present, and there is no cause for suspicion, then there is no harm in that... But if she is alone, then it is not permissible."

Application of the Ruling to Taxis and Uber: The Islamic ruling does not differ based on the name of the mode of transportation. Taxis, Uber, and similar services all share the same ruling. If a woman rides alone with a non-mahram driver in a situation that constitutes khalwah, then it is not permissible. If there is no khalwah, such as when another woman, a mahram, or other passengers are present so that khalwah does not exist, then there is no harm, provided she observes hijab, lowers her gaze, and there is no fear of temptation. If the journey is considered Islamic travel, then it is not permissible except with a mahram, due to the textual evidence concerning that. Conclusion: The basic ruling is that it is not permissible for a woman to ride alone with a non-mahram driver in a taxi or Uber if doing so results in unlawful khalwah, due to the general prohibition of the Prophet ﷺ regarding seclusion. However, if khalwah is absent, there is no fear of temptation, and the Islamic guidelines are observed, then there is no harm in doing so, provided that the journey is not one that requires the presence of a mahram.

And Allah knows best.

← Back to Questions