Woman riding an electric bike

Q: Can women wearing full abaya, niqab and gloves, drive an electric bike? As otherwise she needs to book a ride everytime to visit a hospital, go for urgent grocery needs, etc. Is it ok Islamically? 

Note: she cannot afford to buy a car at this time.

A: The woman's original place is the house. Without any valid reason, she should not venture out of the house. If she has to go out of the home, then she should be accompanied by a mahram and dressed in unattractive, loose fitting and unrevealing clothing. 

On account of the abundant fitnah and immorality prevalent everywhere, our Ulama have discouraged women from driving or riding a bike.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

 

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)