Questions Related to Hijab, Dress
and Adornment
Ruling Concerning a Woman Uncovering Her Face in Front of Her Husband's Relatives
and a Boy Sleeping with His Mother or Sister
Question:Is it legally permissible for a woman to uncover in front of her
husband's brothers and cousins? Is it allowed for a boy to sleep in the same bed
with his mother or sister after he has reached the age of puberty?
Response: First, the brothers and cousins of the husband are not mahram for
hiswife simply because they are his brothers or cousins. Therefore, it is not
allowed for his wife to uncover in front of them what she cannot uncover in front
of non-mahram men. This is true even if they are very pious and trustworthy.
Allah has delineated whom a woman may expose her beauty to in the verse,
"[Tell the believing women] not to reveal their adornments except to their
husbands, their fathers, their husband's fathers, their sons, their husband's sons,
their brothers or their brother's sons, or their sister's sons, or their (Muslim)
women or the (female) slaves, or old male servants who lack vigor, or small
children who have no sense of the shame of sex" (al-Nur 31).
Therefore, neither the brothers of the husband nor the children of the brothers of
the husband nor the husband's cousins are from that group, even though they are
related to him. Allah makes no distinction in this matter between pious people and
others. This is safer for the honor of people. It also blocks the road to sin and
evil. It is confirmed in authentic Hadith that the Prophet (peace be upon him) was
asked about the male in-laws1 and he said,
"The in-laws are death."2
The in-laws are the brother of the husband and so forth. They are not mahram for
the wife. A Muslim must protect his religion and safeguard his honor.
Second, it is not allowed for male children, if they have reached the age of
puberty or are ten years old or more, to sleep with their mothers or sisters in
the same bedding or mattress. This safeguards chastity and keeps the person away
from temptation. It also closes the door to evil. The Prophet (peace be upon him)
ordered that the children be separated in their bedding when they reach the age of
ten. He said,
"Order your children to pray when they are seven years old. And spank them [to
exhort them] to do it by the age of ten and separate them in their bedding."3
Those who are not approaching the age of puberty still must ask permission to enter
upon their parents at three times during the day. These are the times in which one
is more likely to be taking off his clothing and exposing the parts that are usually
covered. This has been stressed by them being called times of privacy. Allah says
in the Quran,
"O you who believe! Let your slaves and those among you who have not come to the
age of puberty ask permission [before they come to your presence] on three occasions:
before morning prayer, and while you put off your clothes for the noonday [rest] and
after the Isha [Night] Prayer. [These] three times are times of privacy for you.
Other than those times there is no sin for you or for them to move about, attending
to each other. Thus Allah makes clear His signs to you. And Allah is All-Knowing,
All-Wise" (al-Nur 58).
However, those who are past the age of puberty must seek permission to enter at all
times of the day. Allah says,
"And when the children among you reach the age of puberty, then let them (also) ask
for permission, as those senior to them (in age ask permission). Thus Allah makes
clear His signs for you. And Allah is Al-Knowing A-Wise" (al-Nur 59).
All of this is to avoid any kinds of problems and temptations and to safeguard honors.
It also brings an end to the means that lead to evil.
As for the child who is less than ten years old, it is permissible for him to sleep
with his mother and sister in their bedding if there is some need to look after him
and if there is no fear of temptation. They may also all sleep in the same area, in
their own bedding, if they are of the age of puberty if there is no fear of temptation.
The Standing Committee
Footnote:
- Other than the husband's father or sons.
- Recorded by al-Bukhari and Muslim. It implies that such close relations can
easily lead to adultery which has the death penalty.
- Recorded by Abu Dawud and Ahmad. Al-Albani has graded it hasan. Al-Albani,
Sahih al-Jami, vol. 2, p. 1021.
It is Not Allowed for a Woman to Shake the Hand of a
Non-Mahram Man
Question: Some tribes have customs that go against the pure Shariah. For example,
in some places it is customary for the guest to shake the hands of the female host.
If he does not do so, it will lead to lots of problems and people will understand
it in different ways. What is the best practice to follow given those circumstances?
Response: Shaking the hands of a woman for whom one is not mahram is not allowed.
This is based on what is confirmed from the Prophet (peace be upon him) Who said,
when the women were giving the pledge of allegiance to him,
"I do not shake the hands of women."1
It is also confirmed that Aisha said, "By Allah, the hand of the Messenger of Allah
(peace be upon him) never touched another woman [other than his wives]. He used to
take their pledges verbally only."2 Allah has said,
"Indeed in the Messenger of Allah you have a good example to follow for him who
hopes in [the meeting with] Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much"
(al-Ahzab 21).
Furthermore, shaking hands by women with men that are not mahram is one of the means
that leads to temptation for both of them and it is obligatory to avoid it.
There is no harm in saying greetings without shaking hands. Any speech of a question
able nature or soft speech must be avoided. This is based on Allah's statement,
"O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women. If you keep your duty
[to Allah, then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease should
be moved with desire, but speak in an honorable manner" (al-Ahzab 32).
During the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him) the women would greet him and
ask him questions that were concerning them. This is also how the women used to ask
the Companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) questions concerning matters of
concern to them.
There is no harm in women shaking hands with mahram men, such as their fathers,
paternal uncles, Maternal Uncles and so forth.
Shaikh ibn Baz
Footnote:
- Recorded by Malik, Ahmad, al-Nasal, al-Tirmidhi and ibn Majah. Al-Albani has
graded it sahih. Al-Albani, Sahih al-Jami, vol1 p. 494.
- Recorded by al-Bukhari and Muslim.
Ruling Concerning Ridiculing a Woman who Wears the
Proper Hijab and Covers Her Face
Question: What is the ruling concerning one who ridicules those who wear the proper
hijab and cover their faces and hands?
Response: Whoever ridicules a Muslim woman or man for sticking to and applying the
teachings of Islam is a disbeliever. This is regardless of whether it is concerning
woman's hijab or any other matter of the Shariah. This is based on the following
narration from ibn Umar: At a gathering during the Battle of Tabuk, one man said,
"I have not seen anyone like our Quranic readers who is more desirous of food, more
lying in speech and more cowardly when meeting the enemy." A man said, "You have
lied and you are a liar. I shall definitely tell the Messenger of Allah (peace be
upon him) about that." That news was conveyed to the Messenger of Allah and the
Quran was revealed. Abdullah ibn Umar added, "I saw the man holding on to the bag
of the camel of the Messenger of Allah and the dust was striking him while he was
saying, 'O Messenger of Allah, we were just joking and playing. The Messenger of
Allah (peace be upon him) was simply saying the verse of the Quran],
"Was it Allah, and His Signs and His Messenger you were mocking? Make no excuse,
you have disbelieved after you had believed. If We pardon some of you, We will
punish others among you because they were sinners" (al-Tauba 65-66).1
So ridiculing believers has been equated with ridiculing Allah, His Signs and His
Messenger.
The Standing Committee
Footnote:
- This narration may be found in al-Tabari and numerous other books of tafseer.
There are some problems with every chain by which this and similar reports have
been narrated. Muhammad Ibrahim and Abdul Munim Ibrahim did not make any clear
conclusion regarding this report. However, based on supporting evidence, Alawi
al-Saqaaf and Muqbil alWadi concluded that it Is authentic. Allah knows best. See
Abdul Munim Ibrahim and Muhammad Ibrahim, Fath Dhi al-Jalaal fi Takhreej Ahadeeth
al-Dhilaal (Makkah: Maktaba Nazaar Mustafa al-Baz, 1995), vol. 2, pp. 817-818;
Alawi al-Saqaaf, Takhreej Ahadeeth wa Athaar Kitaab fi Dhilaal al-Quraan li-Sayyid
Qutb (Riyadh: Dar al-Hijra, 1991), p. 177; Muqbil bin Hadi al-Wadii, al-Sahih
al-Musnad min Asbaab al-Nuzool (al-Maktab al-Salafi, 1401 A.H.), p. 71.
The Hijab of a Young Girl
Question: What is the ruling concerning the young girls who have not reached the age
of puberty? Is it allowed for them to go out without covering themselves? Can they
pray without wearing a head covering?
Response: It is a must that their guardians bring them up and teach them the manners
of Islam. They should tell them not to go outside unless their bodies are covered.
This is in order to avoid any temptation and to get them used to the virtuous manners
so that they will not be a source of spreading evil. They should be ordered to pray
with head coverings. If they pray without it, their prayers are sound. This is
because the Prophet (peace be upon him) said,
"Allah does not accept the prayer of a female who has reached the age of puberty
except if she is wearing a head covering (khimaar)."
This was recorded by al-Tirmidhi, Ahmad, Abu Dawud and ibn Majah.1
The Standing Committee
Footnote:
- According to al-Albani, this hadith is sahih. Al-Albani, Sahih al-Jami, vol. 2,
p. 1280.
Hijab of an Elderly Woman
Question: Is it allowed for a woman advanced in age, say 70 or 90 years old, to
uncover her face in front of relatives who are not mahram?
Response: Allah says,
"And as for women past child-bearing who do not expect marriage, it is no sin upon
them if they discard their (outer) clothing in such a way as not to show their
adornment. But to refrain is better for them. And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower"
(al-Nur 60).
So there is no harm if the menopausal women who are not seeking marriage and are
not displaying their adornments uncover their faces in front of non-related men.
However, for them to remain covered is still better for Allah has said in the verse,
"But to refrain is better for them."
This is because some of them, when they are seen, may be a source of temptation due
to their beautiful faces even though they are elderly and not displaying their
adornments. However, if she is going to be having adornments [such as make-up and
jewelry], she may not take off her outer covering. Having adornments includes
beautifying the face with kohl and so forth.
Shaikh ibn Baz
The Hijab of a Female Servant
Question: Is it necessary for a female servant who works in the house to wear hijab
in front of her employer?
Response: Yes, she must wear hijab in front of him and she may not display her
adornments in front of him. Also, it is forbidden for them to be in private due to
the generality of the evidences. This is because if she does not wear hijab or she
displays her adornments, she will be a source of temptation for him. Similarly,
being in private is an opportunity for Satan to make them alluring and tempting
Shaikh ibn Baz
A Muslim Woman Does Not Wear Hijab in Front of Non-Muslim Women
Question: We have non-Muslim female servants in our house. Is it obligatory upon us
to wear hijab in front of them? Is it allowed for me to give them my clothes to
wash and then I pray in them? Is it allowed for me to explain the falsehood of
their religion to them and to explain the distinguishing features of our pure
religion?
Response: First, it is not obligatory to wear hijab in front of them. They are like
any other women according to the strongest of the two opinions among the scholars.
There is no harm in them washing your clothing or utensils. However, it is obligatory
to put an end to their contract because they have not embraced Islam. This is because
in the Arabian Peninsula it is not allowed to have anyone except Muslims. Only Muslims
may be hired in this Peninsula, regardless if it be workers, servants or whatever,
regardless if they be men or women. This is because the Prophet (peace be upon him)
ordered that the polytheists be expelled from this Peninsula and that there not be
left two religions herein. This is because it was the cradle of Islam and the place
of the rise of the Message. It is not allowed except for the religion of truth, the
religion of Islam, to be left in this Peninsula. May Allah grant Muslims the following
of truth and steadfastness in it. May Allah also guide the others to enter into Islam
and leave what goes against it.
Second, it is sanctioned for you to call them to Islam and to explain to them its
excellence. You may also show them what is wrong with their religion and how it
opposes the truth. Also explain to them that the Law of Islam abrogates all previous
laws. Tell them that Islam is the religion of truth that Allah sent all of His
messengers with and by which were revealed the Books. Allah has said,
"Truly, the Religion in the sight of Allah is Islam" (al-lmran 19).
Allah also says,
"And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him and
in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers" (ali-Imran 85).
However, you have no right to speak about that except on the basis of knowledge and
understanding. Speaking about Allah's religion without knowledge is a great evil.
Allah has stated,
"Say: The things that my Lord has forbidden are illicit acts, whether committed
openly or secretly, sins [of all kinds], un-righteous oppression, joining partners
[in worship] with Allah for which He has given no authority, and saying things
about Allah of which you have no knowledge" (al-Araf 33).
Allah has put the gravity of speaking about Him without knowledge above all of the
acts mentioned in the verse. This indicates how greatly forbidden it is and what a
great sin it is. Allah also says,
"Say: This is my way, I invite unto Allah with sure knowledge, I and whosoever
follows me [must also invite with sure knowledge]. Glorified be Allah. And I am not
one of the idolaters" (Yusuf 108).
In Surah al-Baqara, Allah states that speaking about Allah without knowledge is one
of the actions that is ordered by Satan:
"O mankind! Eat of that which is lawful and good on the Earth, and follow not the
footsteps of Satan. Verily, he is to you an open enemy. (Satan) commands you only
what is evil and sinful, and that you should say against Allah what you know not"
(al-Baqara 168-169).
I ask Allah for me and you support, guidance and goodness.
Shaikh ibn Baz
Ruling Concerning Wearing Hijab in the Presence of
the Son-in-Law
Question: Some women wear hijab in front of their son-in-laws and they refuse to
greet them by shaking their hands. Is this allowed for them or not?
Response: The son-in-law is a mahram for the woman due to marriage. It is allowed
for him to see of her what he can see of his mother, sister, daughter and other
mahram women. Covering her face, hair, forearms and so forth from her son-in-law
is a type of extremism in the religion. Refusing to shake his hand when meeting him
is also a kind of extremism. That may lead to hard feelings and cutting off of
relations between them. Therefore, she should not be extreme in this matter, unless
she has some suspicion about him or she does not like the way he looks at her. In
that case, what she is doing is acceptable.
The Standing Committee
Ruling Concerning a Woman Riding with a non-Mahram Chauffeur
Question: What is the ruling concerning a woman riding into town alone with a
chauffeur who is not mahram to her? What is the ruling concerning a group of women
riding in a car with a driver who is not mahram for them?
Response: It is not allowed for a woman to ride alone with a driver and nobody else
present, as this is considered the same as being in privacy. It is confirmed that
the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said,
"A man cannot be alone with a woman unless with her is one of her male relatives
(mahram)."1
The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said,
"A man is never alone with a woman except that Satan is the third."2
However, if another man or more is with them or one or more other women is with
them, then there is no harm in that as long as there is no mom for any suspicious
activity. It is no longer considered privacy when there is a third or more present.
This is for cases other than traveling. As for traveling, a woman may not travel
except with a mahram. The Prophet (peace be upon him) has said,
"A woman does not travel except with a mahram."
This was recorded by al-Bukhari and Muslim. It makes no difference whether that
traveling is by land, air or sea.
Shaikh ibn Baz
Footnote:
- Recorded by Muslim.
- Recorded by Ahmad and al-Tirmidhi. Al-Albani says it is sahih. Al-
Albani, Sahih al-Jami, vol. 1, p. 234.-JZ
A Woman Does not Act as a Mahram for Another Woman
Question: Can a woman be considered a mahram for a woman she is not related to for
purposes of traveling or sitting with others?
Response: A woman cannot be a mahram for another. The one who is considered mahram
is a man that a woman cannot marry due to blood relations, such as her father and
her brother, or a man related to her due to marriage, such as her husband, her
father-in-law and her step-son, or a man related due to breast feeding, such as
her father from breast feeding and so forth.
It is not allowed for a man to be in private with a woman he is not related to nor
can he travel with her. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said,
"A woman does not travel except with a mahram."
This was recorded by al-Bukhari and Muslim. The Prophet (peace be upon him)
also said,
"A man is never alone with a woman except that Satan is the third."
This was recorded by Imam Ahmad and others from the hadith of Umar with a sahih
chain.
Shaikh ibn Baz
Ruling Concerning Wearing Anklets
Question: What is the ruling concerning wearing anklets in front of one's husband
only?
Response: There is no harm in wearing such in front of one's husband, women and
mahram men. That is because it is a type of jewelry that a woman wears on her legs.
Shaikh ibn Baz
Ruling Concerning a Woman Cutting Her Hair
Question: I hope you will help me concerning cutting my hair from the front of it in
a certain style wherein the hair sometimes falls down over the eyebrows of a Muslim
woman. Is this allowed or not? May Allah reward you.
Response: I do not know of anything [wrong] in cutting a woman's hair. It is not
allowed to shave all of it off. You cannot shave off the hair of your head but you
may shorten its length. I do not know of anything wrong with that. However, that
should be done in a good way that is pleasing to you and your husband. You should
agree upon how it is going to be done. Also, it should not be in imitation of the
disbelieving women. If you leave it long, it makes it more difficult to wash it and
tend to it. If it is long or thick and a women cuts it short or layers it, there is
nothing wrong with that. Or she may cut part of it short to make herself more beautiful
to herself and her husband. I do not know of anything wrong with that. However, one may
not shave all of it off. This is not allowed except in the case of some disease or
problem.
Shaikh ibn Baz
Ruling Concerning Wearing a Wig
Question: What is the ruling concerning a woman wearing a wig in order to beautify
herself for her husband?
Response: Each spouse must beautify himself or herself for the other, in a way that is
pleasing to the other and strengthens the feelings between the two. However, this must
be done in a way that is within the limits of the Shariah and is not forbidden. The
wearing of a wig is something that began among non-Muslim women and became a popular
way for them to beautify themselves. If a Muslim woman wears one and beautifies herself
with it, even if just for her husband, she is imitating the disbelieving women and the
Prophet has forbidden that. He said,
"Whoever imitates a people is one of them."1
Furthermore, it takes on the same ruling as "artificially adding hair o one's hair".
The Prophet (peace be upon him) has forbidden that act and cursed the one who did
such.2
The Standing Committee
Ruling Concerning Shortening Eyebrows, Letting Fingernails
Grow Long and Using Nail Polish
Question:
- What is the ruling concerning shortening extra eyebrow hairs?
- What is the ruling concerning letting fingernails grow long and putting on
finger nail polish, given that I make ablution before putting them on and it stays
for twenty-four hours and then remove it?
- Is it allowed for a woman to wear hijab without covering her face when she
travels abroad?
Response:
- It is not allowed to remove or shorten eyebrow hairs. It is confirmed that the
Prophet (peace be upon him) cursed the one who has them removed and the one who
removed them. The scholars have stated that the hadith is in reference to those who
remove eyebrow hairs.
- Letting the fingernails grow is something that goes against the sunnah of the
Prophet (peace be upon him). He said,
"From the acts of nature are five: circumcision, removing pubic hairs, trimming
the mustache, cutting the nails and plucking the hair from under the armpits."1
It is not allowed to leave them for more than forty nights. This is based on the
Hadith of Anas who said, "The Messenger of Allah set a time limit for us for
trimming the mustache, trimming nails, removing armpit hairs and removing pubic
hairs. They cannot be left for more than forty nights."2 Letting them grow long
resembles animals and some of the disbelievers.
As for nail polish, it is better to avoid it. One must remove it when making
ablution since it prevents water from reaching the nails.
- It is obligatory for women to wear hijab in front of non mahram men both inside
and outside of the country. Allah has said,
"And when you ask them, ask them from behind a screen, that is proper for your
hearts and for their hearts" (al-Ahzab 53).
This verse refers to the face and the rest of the body. In fact, the face is the
distinguishing part of the woman and it is her most alluring aspect. Allah also
says,
"O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to
draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies. That will be better, that they
should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allah is
Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful" (al-Ahzab 59).
Another verse states,
"[Tell the believing women] not to reveal their adornments except to their husbands,
their fathers, their husband's fathers," (al-Nur 31).
This verse indicates that hijab is obligatory upon a woman both inside and outside
of the country, in front of the Muslims and the non-Muslims. It is not allowed for
any woman who believes in Allah and the Hereafter to be lax in this matter as such
is an act of disobedience to Allah and His Messengers. Furthermore, it leads
temptation regardless if it be in or outside the country.
Shaikh ibn Baz
Footnote:
- Recorded by al-Bukhari and Muslim.
- Recorded by Muslim
Ruling Concerning Circular Shaped Gold Jewelry
Question: What is the ruling concerning circular shaped gold jewelry?1
Response: It is permissible for women to wear either circular shaped or
non-circular shaped gold jewelry. This is based on the general meaning of the verse,
"[Do they then like for Allah] a creature who is brought up in adornments [wearing
silk and gold ornaments, i.e., women] and in dispute cannot make herself clear?"
(al-Zukhruf 18).
Allah has mentioned that wearing jewelry is a characteristic of women. This is
general and covers gold as well as other jewelry. Furthermore, Ahmad, Abu Dawud and
al-Nasai record with a good chain from the Leader of the Faithful Ali ibn Abu Talib
that the Prophet (peace be upon him) took silk in his right hand and gold in his
left and then said,
"These two are forbidden for the males of my Nation."
In the narration by ibn Majah, it ends,
"And permissible for its women."
Also, Ahmad, al-Nasai, al-Tirmidhi-- who said it is sahih-- Abu Dawud, al-Hakim--
who also called it sahih-- al-Tabarani and ibn Hazm- who again said it is sahih--
all record from Abu Musa al-Ashari that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said,
"Gold and silk have been made permissible for the females of my Nation and forbidden
for its males."
Shaikh ibn Baz
Footnote:
- This question may sound strange at first glance. However, the obvious reason
behind it is that some scholars are of the opinion that such jewelry is not allowed
for women although women may wear gold jewelry of other shapes.
Ruling Concerning High-Heeled Shoes
Question: What is the Islamic ruling concerning wearing high-heeled shoes?
Response: The least that can be said is that it is disliked. First, it is a kind
of deception because it makes the woman look taller than she is. Second, it is
dangerous for the woman because it is easy to fall in them. Third, it has negative
health consequences as the doctors have concluded.
Shaikh ibn Baz
Ruling Concerning Women Using Incens1 when They are Going to the Mosque
Question: During Ramadhan, some women use incense in the mosque. We advised them to
stop but to no avail. We want from you, dear Shaikh, to make this issue clear to
them and to us.
Response: It is not allowed for women to use incense when they go out to the mosque
or inside the mosque. This is because they become a temptation, then, when they
return to their homes. It has been authentically reported from the Prophet (peace
be upon him) that he prohibited women from using any kind of perfume when leaving
their house to go to the mosque. He said,
"Any woman who has incense over her should not attend the Isha Prayer with us."2
The same applies to them using such fragrances in the mosque because then they go
outside to the market while being scented. The same is the ruling for their using
it when they go some place other than the mosque.
Shaikh ibn Baz
Footnote:
- In many parts of the Middle East, the burning incense is passed around among the
people and its scent gets clearly and noticeably attached to the clothing, skin,
beard and so forth. This is the kind of incense use that is being described here.
If the incense is used in a room and there is no lingering smell upon the clothing
or person of a woman, then there is no harm in her using it.
- Recorded by Muslim.
Verily, Allah is Beautiful and He Loves Beauty
Question: My dear friend is a very good person, applying her religion and loving to
do what is good. However, she has one thing about her: She always loves to be
distinguished from her friends. For example, in her dress, she likes to be
different from the others, while being properly covered, of course. She does not
want anyone to be like her. It is so bad that if she finds out that one of her
friends has bought the same outfit she has, she will never wear it again. The same
is true for how she dresses her children and with respect to their furniture. She
cannot stand to see anyone else having the same thing she has. However, at the same
time, she is not envious against anyone nor does she wish that others would not
have such bounties, even if it is more beautiful than what she possesses. The only
thing she cares about is to be different from the others. Is this envy or arrogance,
as we dislike this characteristic of her very much?
Response: I do not know what is in the heart of that lady that makes her behave in
that way. If it is envy, it is forbidden. But envy implies wishing that others
would lose the bounty they possess and even working to destroy it. She does not do
that. If it is arrogance and having an aversion for others sharing with her, then
it is also forbidden. But the arrogance that is blameworthy is to reject the truth
and look down upon people, that is, be little them. It does not include liking good
clothes for oneself. Verily, Allah is beautiful and He loves beauty. Perhaps she
simply likes to be different from others and have notoriety in her appearance. So
one must look to see what is the cause for that. This might just be part of her
character that sets in the hearts of some people without there being a forbidden
cause behind it. Allah knows best.
Shaikh ibn Jibreen
No Harm in the Presence of a Blind Man
Question: Is it allowed for a woman to uncover her face in the presence of a blind
man? If she cannot uncover her face, what is the legal reason preventing her to do
so?
Response: The correct opinion is that there is no harm in a woman uncovering her
face in the presence of a blind man. A woman is ordered to cover herself in front
of those who can see her in order for no temptation to arise. A blind man cannot
see what is in front of him and he cannot look at what will excite him in a woman,
nor is he conscious of it. There is the hadith that is recorded by al-Tirmidhi, who
called it sahih, concerning the story of ibn Umm Maktum, where the Prophet (peace
be upon him) [told Umm Salama and Maimuna] to wear hijab in front of him. [When
they asked about it] he said,
"Are you two blind? Do you not see him?"
However, this hadith is considered weak by some scholars. Even assuming it is
authentic, it is concerned with the woman looking at the man. Women are also
ordered to lower their gaze and it is not allowed for a woman to look at a man if
her desires may be stirred, regardless of whether he be blind or seeing. In fact,
she should not, in that case, even look at pictures in the newspapers or in the
movies if such may occur.
Shaikh ibn Jibreen
A Muslim Woman May Uncover Her Hair in
Front of Non-Muslim Women
Question: Is it allowed for a Muslim woman to uncover her hair in front of
non-Muslim women, especially if she describes the Muslim women to her male
non-Muslim relatives?
Response: This question revolves around a difference of opinion concerning the
interpretation of the verse:
"Tell the believing women to lower their gaze and protect their private parts and
not to show off their adornments except that which is apparent and to draw their
veils over necks and bosoms and not to reveal their adornments except to their
husbands, their fathers, their husband's fathers, their sons, their husband's sons,
their brothers or their brother's sons, or their sister's sons, or their women or
the (female) slaves, or old male servants who lack vigor, or small children who
have no sense of the shame of sex" (al-Nur 31).
There is a difference of opinion concerning the referent of the pronoun in the
phrase, "their women." Some say that it refers to the class of women as a whole.
Some say that it refers to the described women only, that is, the believing women.
According to the first opinion, a woman may uncover her face and hands in front of
a non-Muslim woman. According to the second opinion, a Muslim woman may not do so.
I am more inclined to the first pinion and believe it is more likely to be correct.
That is because then a woman is in the presence of a another woman, it makes no
difference if that woman is a Muslim or not, as long as there is no kind of
temptation involved. However, if one fears something of that nature, such as the
woman describing the Muslim women to her male relatives, then one must avoid such
a cause and then the woman should not uncover her face or any part of her body in
front of such a woman. This is true regardless of whether that troublesome woman
is a Muslim or a non-Muslim.
Shaikh ibn Uthaimin
Ruling Concerning Wearing a Face Veil
Question: What is the ruling concerning women wearing clothing that has written on
it verses of the Quran or statements like, 'There is no God except Allah, Muhammad
is the Messenger of Allah"? What is the Islamic ruling concerning wearing a burqa'?
Response: There is nothing wrong with wearing such clothing. However, one must make
sure that there is no sense of disrespect or disdain shown to what is written. For
example, she should not sleep in it or sit upon the part in which any of the names
of Allah is written. She also should not wear it into the bathroom. If she is in
need of that clothing for such purposes, she should first wipe away the respected
names on it and then she may use it.
A burqa' is a type of face veil that opens for the eyes to look out from. This is
allowed and there is nothing wrong with it except when one is in the state of
ihram [for the Hajj or Umra]. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said,
"Women are not to wear the face veil (niqaab)."1
This refers to the one performing the pilgrimage. She is not to wear a face veil
(niqaab) which is the same as a burqa'. This indicates that such is permissible for
the woman who is not making the Hajj. However, it is not allowed to widen the open
space for the eyes, such that the nose and eyebrows become visible, for example.
In this way, she becomes a temptation for those who see her. In addition, one must
wear above the burqa', a light head covering that does not prevent one from seeing
and which will cover the rest of the face that is left uncovered by the face veil
Shaikh ibn Jibreen
Footnote:
- 1. Recorded by al-Bukhari and Muslim.
The Wife of the Maternal Uncle is not Mahram
Question: Some of the older women believe that it is allowed for young men to sit
with the wives of their maternal uncles and treat them like their own aunts. They
say, "You accept our uncles but do not accept your aunts!" I have tried to convince
them that they are wrong and that the verse is clear about who and who is not
mahram. I could not convince them. Could you say something to them?
Response: There is no doubt that the wife of the maternal uncle is not mahram for
the nephew. It is permissible for the nephew to marry her if they should be
separated. Therefore, it is not allowed for her to appear in front of him with her
face uncovered. It is also not allowed for the two of them to be in private or for
him to look at what she must cover, such as her face and her beauty. He is not
mentioned among the mahram in the verse of the Quran,
"[Tell the believing women] not to reveal their adornments except to their husbands,
their fathers, their husband's fathers," (al-Nur 31).
She is not mentioned along with those that he cannot marry in this verse,
"Forbidden to you (for marriage) are: your mothers..." (al-Nisa 23).
Therefore, the belief that they are mahram has no basis to it and me must avoid it.
Shaikh ibn Jibreen
Ruling Concerning Wearing Light Colored Clothing,
such as White or Yellow and Ruling Concerning Wearing Short Dresses
Question: What is the ruling concerning wearing light colored clothing, such as
yellow, white or red, but which covers the body? What is the ruling concerning
wearing short clothing that expose the legs?
Response: It is allowed for a woman to wear whatever clothing is normal for the
women to wear, as long as it is not something to be specifically recognized as that
for men. In that case, a woman should not wear it as the Prophet (peace be upon him)
cursed the women who imitate men and vice-versa.
A woman must wear clothing that covers her entire body if she is in the presence
of men she is not related to. She may not uncover anything of her body to them,
not her face, hands or feet except in cases of need, such as handing or taking
something and so forth. She also cannot wear tight clothing that shows her body
shape or the size of parts of her body, such as her breasts, shoulders, chest,
buttocks and so forth. One must also bring up one's children accustomed to wearing
long, flowing garments. If a child grows up accustomed to something, it is very
difficult to get them away from it when they get older. If the dress is short, it
may show the attractiveness of her body and shows to men what will be temptation
or cause of temptation for them. There is no harm if a woman, in her house and in
the presence of her relatives, wears a short dress due to some need, even if it
shows her shins or upper arm, as women usually wear when they have to work.
Shaikh ibn Jibreen
Fear and Obey Allah as Much as You are Able
Question: I am a young girl in a very perplexing situation. I live with my family
that has some very strange, distorted ideas. I used to wear hijab. I found great
opposition and ridicule from my family. It reached the point that they physically
beat me and prevented me from leaving my house. They forced me to take off the
hijab and simply wear a long cloak but with my face uncovered. What should I do?
Should I leave the house although untrustworthy people are many?
Response: This question involves two basic issues.
The family that did such an evil to this young lady have to be one of two cases:
either they are ignorant of the truth or they are arrogantly refusing to follow the
truth. This is very vicious and unruly behavior. They have no right to behave this
way. Hijab is not something improper or ill-mannered. Humans are free within the
limits of the Shariah.
If they did not know that hijab is obligatory upon the woman, they must be taught
that. They must be taught that it is obligatory according to the Quran and sunnah.
However, if they were knowledgeable but simply arrogantly refused to submit, then
the crime is even greater. As a poet once said, "If you were unaware, it is a great
misfortune. But if you were aware, then the misfortune is even greater."
The second issue is with respect to this young lady. We say to her that it is
obligatory upon her to obey and fear Allah as much as she is able to. If she is
able to wear hijab without her family noticing that, she should do so. However, if
they beat her or force her to take it off, there is no sin upon her. Allah has said,
"Whoever disbelieved in Allah after his belief, except him who is forced thereto
and whose heart is at rest with Faith-but such as open their breasts to disbelief,
on them is Wrath from Allah and theirs will be a great torment" (al-Nahl 106).
Another verse states,
"There is no sin for you if you make a mistake therein, except in regard to what
your hearts deliberately intended. And Allah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful"
(al-Ahzab 5).
But fear and obey Allah to the best of your ability. If your family does not
understand the wisdom behind the obligation of hijab, say to them: It is obligatory
upon the believer to submit to any order from Allah and His Messenger, regardless
if they do or don't understand the wisdom behind it. This is because the act of
submission itself is an act of wisdom. Allah says,
"It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decreed
a matter that they should have any option in their decision. And whosoever disobeys
Allah and His Messenger, he has indeed strayed in a plain error" (al-Ahzab 36).
When Aisha was asked about the situation of the menstruating woman, why she makes
up her fasts but not her prayers, she answered, "That happened to us during the
time of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and we were ordered to make up
our fasts and we were not ordered to make up our prayers." Hence, she equated the
order as being the wisdom in itself. Even given that, the wisdom behind the hijab
is very clear as a woman displaying her beauty is a source of temptation. When
temptation occurs, sin and lewdness occur. If sin and lewdness spread, that means
that destruction and ruin are on the way.
Shaikh ibn Uthaimin
Ruling Concerning Wearing Gloves
Question: Is wearing socks or gloves on the hands in order to cover them an
innovation or is it permissible? Is it forbidden for a non-mahram male to see a
woman's hand if there is no adornment on it? Is it permissible for one spouse to
prevent the other from fulfilling his or her natural right [to sexual intercourse]
for a lengthy period of time without any acceptable Shariah excuse?
Response: It is obligatory upon a woman to wear whatever covers her body and
private parts, especially if she is going out to the market or some place similar.
Therefore, she may wear socks over her feet and gloves over her hands so that
nothing that could be a temptation may be seen of her. However, exposing the hand
without a glove on it is permissible if there is some need, as long as the hand is
not adorned with dye, jewelry or anything of that nature. This is the case since
hands almost all look alike among the people.
There is no doubt that there is a psychological need for sexual contact between the
two spouses. Usually, the wants of the two differ, based on different levels of
desire between the man and the woman. Usually the man's desire is stronger.
Therefore, he is usually the one desiring the act more. In fact, many wives
complain about their husbands and the extent to which they desire sexual contact,
to the point that it harms the woman.
As for avoiding such contact for a long time, this is not allowed. The woman has a
right to have her needs fulfilled. The most that a woman can be asked to be patient
for is four months. Therefore, the desires and needs of both should be met. The
desires, abilities and shortcomings of both parties should be taken into
consideration without either party being harmed.
Shaikh ibn Jibreen
Short Dresses for Young Children
Question: Some women, may Allah guide them, dress their young daughters in short
dresses that display the shins. When we advise those women, they answer, "We used to
wear those when we were young and they did not cause us any harm when we got older."
What is your opinion of that?
Response: I am of the opinion that a person should not dress his daughter in such
clothing while she is young. This is because if she grows accustomed to it, she will
stick with it and she will consider it a light matter. However, if you trained her
properly to be bashful when she was young, she would continue in that proper manner
when she gets older. I advise my Muslim sisters to leave the dress of the foreigners
who are the enemies of the religion and to bring up their children wearing clothes
that cover their bodies and to teach them modesty, for modesty is part of faith.
Shaikh ibn Uthaimin
Uncovering the Hand and Foot
Question: Is it allowed for me to uncover my hand only in front of my brother-in-law?
Is the ruling different if my husband is also present?
Response: The woman should cover all of herself in front of non-mahram men, even if
it be a husband's brother, sister's husband, cousin or others, and regardless if it
be in the presence of mahram men or not. That is to cover her beauty and the cause of
temptation, be it her face, arms, shin, chest and so forth. As for the hand or foot,
apparently, it is allowed to show them for some need, such as when giving something
to someone or receiving something and so forth. However, if one fears some kind of
temptation, then they must remain covered. For example, that would be the case if a
woman notices a non-related man gazing at a woman and not moving his eyes from her.
This also means that mixing or sitting with non-mahram men is also forbidden if one
fears any harmful consequences. Allah knows best.
Shaikh ibn Jibreen
Ruling Concerning Buying and Possessing Fashion
Magazines
Question: What is the ruling concerning fashion magazines, like Burda, in order to
benefit from them concerning new women's fashions and accessories. What is the ruling
concerning keeping them after one has already benefited from them while they are
filled with pictures of women?
Response: There is no doubt that buying magazines that just contain pictures is
forbidden. This is because possessing pictures is forbidden, based on the statement of
the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him)
"The angels do not enter a house which contains pictures."1
When the Prophet (peace be upon him) saw a picture on a cushion with Aisha, he stood
and did not enter the room. His dislike could be seen on his face. Those fashion
magazines must be looked into to see what they contain as not every fashion is
permissible. The fashions might be such that they show the woman's body, due to their
tightness or for other reasons. The fashions could be the dresses of the disbelievers
that are particular to them. Imitating the disbelievers is forbidden, since the
Prophet (peace be upon him) said,
"Whoever imitates a people is one of them."2
I advise my Muslim brothers in general and my Muslim sisters in particular to avoid
those fashions as either they are imitation of non-Muslims or they display what the
woman should be concealing. If women follow every new fashion, then it means, in
general, that our customs that have come from our religion will be changed for customs
that have been taken from non-Muslims.
Shaikh ibn Uthaimin
Footnote:
- Recorded by al-Bukhari and Muslim.
- Recorded by Abu Dawud. Al-Albani has graded it sahih. Al-Albani, Sahih al-Jami,
vol. 2, p. 1058.
The Islamic Hijab
Question: What is the Islamic hijab?
Response: The Islamic hijab is for the women to cover everything that is forbidden
for her to expose. That is, she covers everything that she must cover. The first of
those bodily parts that she must cover is her face. It is the source of temptation
and the source of people desiring her. Therefore, the woman must cover her face in
front of those men that are not mahram. As for those of who claim that the Islamic
hijab is to cover the head, shoulders, back, feet, shin and forearms while allowing
her to uncover her face and hands, this is a very amazing claim. This is because it
is well-known that the source of temptation and looking is the face. How can one
say that the Shariah does not allow the exposure of the foot of the woman while it
allows her to uncover her face? It is not possible that there could be in the
Esteemed, Wise and Noble Shariah a contradiction. Yet everyone knows that the
temptation from uncovering the face is much greater than the temptation that
results from the uncovering of the feet. Everyone also knows that the most sought
after aspect of the woman for men is the face. If you told a prospective groom that
a woman's face is ugly but her feet are beautiful, he would not propose to such a
woman. However, if you told him that her face was beautiful but her hands, palms,
or shins were less than beautiful, he would still propose to her. From this one can
conclude that the face is the first thing that must be covered. There are also
evidences from the Book of Allah and the sunnah of our Prophet (peace be upon him).
There are also statements from the Companions, the leading Imams and the great
scholars of Islam that indicate that it is obligatory for the woman to cover all
of her body in the presence of non-mahram men. This obviously indicates that it is
obligatory upon the woman to cover her face in front of such men. However, this is
not the place to quote all those authorities. And Allah knows best.
Shaikh ibn Uthaimin
Ruling Concerning Wearing Ankle Bracelets
Question: What is the ruling concerning wearing ankle bracelets as a type of
beautification?
Response: It is allowed to wear ankle bracelets for beautification. However, one is
not allowed to shake them in the presence of non-mahram men in order to alert them
to such jewelry. Allah has said,
"And let them [women] not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their
adornment" (al-Nur 31).
Shaikh ibn Jibreen
Removing the Head Covering
Question: I have a skin disease on my head. The doctor told me to remove the head
covering that I wear on my head and that is truly harming me at the present time.
Do I have the right to do that? What shall I do?
Response: Yes, you have the right to remove your head covering from your head if
you are not in the presence of non-mahram men, such as when you are with your
husband, mahram men or women only with no men present. However, when you go to the
marketplace or in the presence of non-mahram men, it is obligatory upon you to
cover your head and your face as well the rest of your body.1
Shaikh ibn Uthaimin
Footnote:
- May Allah reward Shaikh ibn Uthaimin for his efforts for the sake of Allah. On
this particular point, however, it seems that he has ignored the law of necessity.
If the action is truly harming the woman, then it is difficult to side along with
ibn Uthaimin's response to this question. Perhaps, it would have been best to reply
that this sister should look for other ways by which she may cover herself and, at
the same time, not cause herself any physical harm. Allah knows best.
First, Make Your Wife Stick to the Verse
Question: I am married to a woman who wears, praise to Allah, hijab. However, as is
the custom in my country, she does not wear hijab in front of her sister's husband
and her sister does not wear hijab in my presence. This is the custom. Furthermore,
my wife does not wear hijab in the presence of my brother or her cousins. Does this
go against the Shariah and religion? What can I do while it has become the custom
in my country not to wear hijab in the presence of those people that I mentioned.
If I tell my wife to wear hijab in front of those people, she will accuse me of not
trusting her and being suspicious about her and so forth.
Response: All of those groups of men that you mentioned in the question are not
mahram for her. It is not allowed for her to uncover her face and beauty in front
of them. Allah has only allowed her to uncover in front of the mahram men mentioned
in the verse in surah al-Nur,
"[Tell the believing women] not to reveal their adornments except to their husbands,
their fathers ," (al-Nur 31).
First, you should convince your wife that it is forbidden to uncover her face in
front of non-mahram men. Make her abide by that even if it goes against the customs
of your people and even if she makes accusations against you. You should also make
this point clear to your close relatives that you mentioned, that is, the brethren
of the husband, the husband of the sister, the cousins and so forth. All of them
are non-mahram and they all may marry her if she gets divorced.
Shaikh ibn Jibreen
May I Request My Husband to get Independent Living
Quarters?
Question: My husband's brother wanted to get married and live with us in our house.
I do not uncover my face in front of him nor do I sit with him nor have I ever seen
him. He then did get married. Due to the difficult circumstances that this leads to,
would my requesting from my husband independent living quarters be considered a type
of causing separation between two brothers? Would that be forbidden or not? You
should also know that my husband also feels that such would be best but it is my
husband's mother, who lives with us, who wants them all to be together.
Response: In that situation, if the women are completely wearing hijab and there is
no cases of privacy [with the other's husband], then staying together would be best
in order to please the mother of the two husbands. However, if that is not the case,
then it would be best to live separately. [Living separately would be better] if,
for example, one of the woman is lax and uncovers herself in front of her
brother-in-law or she stays alone with him in the house. [Similarly, separation
would be best] if one of the husbands is not to be trusted with respect to the wife
of his brother.
That is, he follows her and tries to get an opportunity to see her, enters upon her
without asking permission first, tries to see what is under her clothing and so
forth. In that case, it would be best to seek independent living quarters in order
to escape from the tightness and possible problems.
Shaikh ibn Jibreen
Uncovering One's Face in Front of the Husband's "Foster Father"
Question: What is the ruling concerning a woman uncovering her face in front of her
husband's "foster father" [that the husband of the woman who breast fed her husband]?
Response: It is not allowed for a woman to uncover her face in the presence of her
husband's "foster father" according to the strongest opinion and the chosen opinion
of Shaikh al-Islam n Taimiya. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) has said,
"Foster relationships forbid what blood relationships forbid."1
The father-in-law is not disallowed for marriage with his daughter-in-law due to
blood relationship but due to marriage relationship only. Allah has said in the
Quran,
"[Forbidden to you in marriage are...] the wives of your sons who (spring) from
your loins" (al-Nisa 23).
The "foster son" is not from the loins of the father. Therefore, if a woman is
married to a man who has a "foster father," she must wear hijab in front of him and
not uncover her face in front of him. If it were the case that she became separated
from that man's foster son", it still would not be permissible for him to marry her
as a precautionary measure, since that is the opinion of the majority of the
scholars. Shaikh ibn Jibreen
Footnote:
- Recorded by al-Bukhari and Muslim with a slightly different wording.
Ruling Concerning Wearing Nose rings
Question: What is the ruling concerning wearing nose rings for beautification?
Response: It is permissible for a woman to beautify herself according to what is
customary, even if that means she has to pierce part of her body, such as is the
case with earrings. Perhaps, nose rings are permissible since it is allowed to
pierce a camel's nose and put a ridle through it and that is not considered
mutilation.
Shaikh ibn Jibreen
Ruling Concerning Wearing Wigs
Question: Is it allowed for a woman to use a wig to beautify herself for her
husband? Is this considered part of the prohibition of adding hair to one's hair?
Response: Wigs are forbidden and are considered a type of adding hair to one's hair.
Although it is not exactly that, it makes the woman's hair look longer than it is
and becomes similar to adding hair. The Prophet (peace be upon him) cursed the one
who does the adding of hair as well as the one who requested it. However, if the
woman does not have any hair upon her head, for example, if she is bald, then she
may use a wig to cover up that blemish as it is considered permissible to remove
blemishes. For example, the Prophet (peace be upon him) allowed the man who had
his nose cut off during a battle to wear a fake nose of gold. The matter is more
flexible than that. It might also include the question of having plastic surgery
to fix a small nose and so forth. However, beautification is not the same as
removing a blemish. If the matter is that of removing a blemish, there is no harm
in it, such as when the nose is crooked and needs to be straightened or the removal
of a beauty mark. There is no harm in such acts. But it is not to remove a blemish,
such as tattooing or removing eyebrow hairs, then it is forbidden. Using a wig,
even with the permission and approval of the husband, is forbidden for there is
permission or approval in matters that Allah has forbidden.
Shaikh ibn Uthaimin
The Great Uncles are Mahram
Question: Is it allowed for a woman to uncover her face in the presence of her
maternal and paternal great uncles? That is, are they considered mahram to her?
Response: Yes, if the woman's mother or father has maternal or paternal uncles they
are considered mahram for that woman. This is because the paternal uncle of your
father is your uncle and the maternal uncle of your father is your uncle. Similarly,
the paternal uncle of your mother and maternal uncle of your mother are related to
you and are considered your paternal and maternal uncles.
Shaikh ibn Uthaimin
The Muslim Women of that Land Must Not Obey Its Rulers
Question: A law was passed by the rulers of a Muslim land forcing the young women
and all women to remove their hijabs, in particular their face coverings. Is it
permissible for me to execute that order? You should also realize that the one who
refuses to obey that command will be punished by, for example, removal from work or
school or imprisonment.
Response: This trial that has be fallen your land is from those events by which the
servants are tested and tried. Allah has said in the Quran,
"Do people think that they will be left alone because they say, 'We believe,' and
will not be tested. And We indeed tested those who were before them. And Allah will
certainly make [it] known [the truth of] those who are true, and will certainly
make [it] known [the falsehood of] those who are liars" (al-Ankabut 2-3).
In my opinion, it is obligatory upon the Muslim sisters of that land to refuse to
obey the rulers in that evil order. This is because there is no obedience to evil,
rejected orders. Allah says,
"O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those of you who are in
authority" (al-Nisa 59).
If one ponders over this verse, one notes that Allah has stated,
"Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those of you who are in authority"
(al-Nisa 59).
That is, the word "obey" is not repeated directly before "those of ,you who are in
authority". This indicates that obedience to those in authority is conditional upon
obedience to Allah and obedience His Messenger. If their orders are in
contradiction to obedience to Allah and His Messenger, then they are not listened
to or obeyed in that matter that they have ordered.
"There is no obedience to the created if it involves disobedience to the Creator."1
The hurt that these women face in this matter is part of what one must be patient
with. They must seek Allah's help in being patient. We ask Allah to guide their
leaders to the truth.
I do not think that such a compulsion can exist unless the woman leaves her house.
In her house, it is not possible that they could force such a thing upon her.
Hence, the sisters should try to stay in their houses until the matter is rectified.
If her studies involve a disobedience to Allah, then her studies are not
permissible. Instead, she should study what she needs for her religion and worldly
needs and, usually, this can be done in her household. In sum, it is never allowed
to obey the rulers in a command that is an evil and wrong in itself.
Shaikh ibn Uthaimin
Footnote:
- With this wording, this is a hadith recorded by Ahmad. However, Muslim has
something very close to it.
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