What is the ruling on the lawful dress of a woman, given that there are sisters who leave their faces uncovered and say that when Asma’ entered upon the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), he turned away from her and said to her: “When a woman reaches the age of menstruation, nothing of her should be seen except her face and hands.” Is this hadith authentic or not?

The questioner : What is the ruling on the lawful dress of a woman, given that there are sisters who leave their faces uncovered and say: “When Asma’ entered upon the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), he turned away from her and said to her: ‘When a woman reaches the age of menstruation, nothing of her should be seen except her face and hands.’” Is this hadith authentic or not?

The Shaykh : This hadith is not authentic; it is weak in its chain and weak in its text, and it also contains a break in the chain. Therefore, it is not permissible for it to be used as a proof to establish important legal rulings like this one. It is not reasonable that Asma’ bint Abi Bakr (may Allah be pleased with her) would enter upon him wearing thin clothes through which the skin is visible, considering who she is in terms of her religion and intellect, and considering who the one she entered upon is: he is the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him and his family). We say: this hadith is false in its text and weak in its chain, and it is not a valid proof.

The questioner : May Allah reward you with good.