Some women, when they are in school or in the open, pray and place their abaya over their shoulders. Is this permissible?
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The questioner : It is said: Some women, when they are in school or in the open, pray and place their abaya over their shoulders. Is this permissible?
The Shaykh : Yes, that is fine. What is wrong with it? Since ancient times, when a woman prays, she places the abaya over her shoulders. This is not considered imitating men, because this is women's clothing. Imitation occurs when something is specific to the other party and the imitator does not do it. However, if it is well-known among both parties, then there is no imitation in it. So we see no harm in this. Also, the way a woman wears her head covering is not like the way a man wears his ghutrah. This attire is not similar to the woman's attire in every aspect, so I see no harm in it, if Allah wills.
Yes.
The Shaykh : Yes, that is fine. What is wrong with it? Since ancient times, when a woman prays, she places the abaya over her shoulders. This is not considered imitating men, because this is women's clothing. Imitation occurs when something is specific to the other party and the imitator does not do it. However, if it is well-known among both parties, then there is no imitation in it. So we see no harm in this. Also, the way a woman wears her head covering is not like the way a man wears his ghutrah. This attire is not similar to the woman's attire in every aspect, so I see no harm in it, if Allah wills.
Yes.