This is a thoughtful question. However, the reality is that there is no genuine contradiction between these hadiths. The confusion only arises when each narration is viewed in isolation, whereas considering all the relevant texts together makes the matter clear.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

"A woman should not travel except with a mahram." (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)

This is the general principle established by Islamic law, intended to ensure a woman's safety, dignity, and well-being. A general legal ruling is not considered abrogated simply because there are certain exceptional cases or unique circumstances.

1. The Mothers of the Believers (رضي الله عنهن) performing Hajj after the Prophet ﷺ passed away

This does not contradict the hadith because they were not travelling alone. They travelled with an official and secure Hajj caravan under the supervision of senior Companions. Furthermore, the Mothers of the Believers held a unique status that no other women share. For this reason, many scholars regarded this as a special and exceptional circumstance rather than a general ruling for all women.

2. The hadith stating that a time will come when a woman will travel safely alone from one place to another

This hadith is a prophecy, not a legal command. The Prophet ﷺ foretold that Islam would spread to such an extent that peace and security would become so widespread that a woman could travel alone without fear.

In other words, this narration is simply describing a future reality; it is not saying that the general ruling requiring a mahram has been revoked.

For example, if the Prophet ﷺ foretold that a time would come when wealth would become abundant, that would not mean that zakat or other rulings related to wealth had been abolished. Likewise, predicting a future state of security is different from issuing a legal ruling.

3. If travel is safe today, why does the mahram requirement still exist?

Many scholars have explained that the wisdom behind the mahram requirement is not limited to protection from robbers or physical danger. It also includes preserving a woman's dignity, ensuring assistance during travel, providing support in emergencies, and fulfilling other important objectives of the Shariah. Even if one wisdom is less relevant in a particular time or place, the ruling itself does not cease to apply unless there is clear evidence that it has been changed.

For this reason, while scholars have differed regarding certain details of modern travel (such as air travel), there is no contradiction between the hadiths themselves.