An elderly woman traveling without a Mahram

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Q: I have an elderly grandmother living in an Arab country. She wants to travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, but officials refuse to allow her into the country without a Mahram (spouse or permanently unmarriageable relative). She has only one son who lives with her and has a wife and seven children. Is it permissible to gain access into the country for her by way of bribery? (Part No. 17; Page No. 326) You should know that she has committed an act of major Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship) which takes a person out of Islam, Allah forbid. She is ignorant of this, so I want to bring her here to teach her the true religion. She also suffers from serious diseases. Kindly respond to my question. May Allah reward you.

A: It is not permissible for a woman to travel except with a Mahram. If it is possible to go and accompany her or let any Mahram escort her by an Islamically acceptable way, this is best because bribery is not permissible. You must pray to Allah to guide your grandmother, and you may also send her some tapes of religious sermons and lectures. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet, his family and Companions.