However, the correct view is otherwise: a man is a mahram for a woman who shares his religion. Thus, if the father of a non-Muslim woman is himself a non-Muslim, he is her mahram, and we would not prevent him, for example, from travelling with his daughter. If she differs from him in religion, then if his religion is higher—such as a Muslim man with a non-Muslim woman—he is undoubtedly her mahram. But if his religion is lower—such as a non-Muslim man with a Muslim woman—then he is her mahram, provided that she is safe with him.

If she is not safe with him, then he is not a mahram, and she must not be allowed to travel with him.

Second: He must have reached adulthood. A minor is not sufficient as a mahram, because the purpose of a mahram is to protect and safeguard the woman, and this is not attained through one who has not reached adulthood.

Third: He must be of sound mind. An insane person cannot serve as a mahram, even if he has reached adulthood, because an insane person cannot provide the woman with protection and safeguarding.

If no adult, sane, Muslim mahram is available to her, then Hajj is not obligatory upon her. Likewise, if such a mahram is available but refuses to travel with her, Hajj is not obligatory upon her. But if she offers to cover his expenses—that is, the expenses of Hajj—is he required to perform Hajj with her?

The answer is: No, he is not required to do so, because this is an obligation upon someone else.

Some scholars, however, said that he is required to do so. They cited the following evidence:

First: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said to the man who stated, “O Messenger of Allah, my wife has set out for Hajj, while I have enlisted for such-and-such a military expedition.” He said: