What is the ruling on wearing the abaya on the shoulder

Question : Shaykh Muhammad, may Allah preserve you, this woman is also inquiring about wearing the abaya on the shoulder. Perhaps you have some guidance on this as well?

Answer : Wearing the abaya on the shoulder in the market and in front of people, we see, opens the door to the causes of fitnah (trial, discord or temptation) that follow. Therefore, we do not see that a woman should wear her abaya on her shoulder while walking in the market, or among men, or among women, if there is a fear that other women will imitate her and go out to the market in these abayas. In reality, these abayas reveal more of the woman than the customary abayas we have in our lands. Furthermore, if the door is opened for women to be expansive in their clothing, they will descend to a matter whose prohibition is indisputable. Sadding the means (sadd al-dhara'i') is one of the legitimate legal methods. However, the question is frequently asked about a woman wearing her abaya on her shoulder while praying. This is permissible if she is praying, because having her abaya on her head while praying causes her hardship during prostration and when standing up. It is also the custom of women, for a long time, to place the abaya on their shoulders during prayer. In summary, placing the abaya on the shoulder during prayer is permissible, if Allah wills. As for other than prayer, we do not see that as permissible.