Q: It is well-known that Muslim women who perform Hajj should be accompanied by their husbands, sons, fathers, or Muslim brothers to be allowed into the precincts of Al-Haram (the Sacred Mosque in Makkah). But what should be done in a situation like mine: my husband cannot accompany me due to his health condition, (Part No. 11; Page No. 93) my eighteen-year-old son is performing his two-year compulsory military service, and I am forty-eight years old and not guaranteed to live longer than two more years; how can I perform Hajj under these circumstances? Some Muslim brothers told me that it is permissible for me to perform Hajj without a Mahram (spouse or permanently unmarriageable relative), if I can find a group of at least five unmarried women, with one of them being knowledgeable in matters related to Hajj and who knows how to perform the rituals. Others told me that it is permissible for a Muslim woman to travel with a friend or a fellow sister in Islam who wants to perform Hajj with her husband, and that in this situation, the husband looks after both his wife and her friend. I am sure that you will help me by explaining the ruling on this matter.