What Does Islam Really Say About Women's Independence (financially)
This is a classic example of a ruling being taken out of context and applied overly broadly. The Hadith you’re referring to is likely the one where the Prophet (SAW) said, “It is not permissible for a woman to travel except with a mahram (a close relative).” (Bukhari) However, this ruling was indeed primarily due to safety concerns, as women traveling alone in those times were vulnerable to harm. In today’s context, where safety can be ensured through various means, the ruling can be reevaluated. Many contemporary scholars argue that the underlying principle is to ensure the woman’s safety and dignity, not to restrict her movement. Therefore, if a woman’s safety is guaranteed, and she has a legitimate reason for going out, many scholars would argue that she doesn’t need her husband’s explicit permission.