Warning Women Against Tabarruj (Displaying Adornment)

Question : The questioner asks: What is the ruling on a woman exposing her forearms, covering her face with a veil, and exposing her eyes and part of her face?

Answer : If this is in the presence of mahram (close relatives), there is nothing wrong with it. However, if it is in the presence of non-mahram, it is not permissible. It is not permissible for a woman to expose any part of her face to non-mahram, nor is it permissible for her to expose any part of her forearms or legs to non-mahram. And if we say that it is permissible to expose the forearm or leg, that does not mean we are allowing a woman to wear a short garment that reaches only to the upper arm or only to the knee. Because clothing is one thing, and exposing what is covered is another. If, for example, a woman covers herself completely with her garment, and then a part of her leg becomes visible in the presence of her mahram, or a part of her forearm becomes visible in the presence of her mahram, there is no harm in that. As for women using short garments, this falls under the prohibition and warning of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), where he said: "Two types of people from the people of the Fire whom I have not yet seen: men carrying whips like the tails of cattle with which they strike people, and women who are clothed yet naked, swaying and causing others to sway. They will not enter Paradise and will not even smell its scent."