What is the permissible amount a woman may expose in front of her mahrams (relatives one may not marry) in terms of quantity? Is it permissible up to the middle of the forearm? Likewise, the neck area before the breasts, and the chest—I mean the opening of the chest—is it permissible to expose the beginning of the breasts from there? Also, the openings at the bottom of the garment? And what is permissible to expose in front of women from the aforementioned items? And what is the ruling on exposing oneself to a female doctor or nurse who is a disbeliever?

The questioner : He says: What is the permissible amount a woman may expose in front of her mahrams (relatives one may not marry) in terms of quantity? Is it permissible up to the middle of the forearm? The neck area before the breasts, and the chest—I mean the opening of the chest—is it permissible to expose the beginning of the breasts from there? Also, the openings at the bottom of the garment? And what is permissible to expose in front of women from the aforementioned items? And what is the ruling on exposing oneself to a female doctor or nurse who is a disbeliever?

The Shaykh : This is a long and broad question, but we say: The women of the Companions wore garments that covered them from the ankle to the hand in the house. As for outside, the hadith of Umm Salama (may Allah be pleased with her) is known, in which the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) spoke about the hems of women’s garments, meaning the ends of the clothes that drag on the ground. When he said: This indicates that a woman must cover even her feet when she goes out to the market. As for in the house and with women, the matter is certainly easier. A woman may expose her head, face, hands, and forearms without blame. However, the garments must be loose. If a woman wears loose garments and exposes her forearms for some work, and there are women or mahrams around her, there is no harm. But we do not permit short garments at all. There is a difference between exposing the forearm, or the neck, or the head, or the upper chest, or the like, and wearing garments that are torn, light, tight, or short. Evidence indicates that this type of garment is forbidden, based on the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): Yes.