And it is well known that the entire body of a woman is 'awrah (the part of the body that must be covered), except for her face and hands in prayer. From this, we understand that the legs are 'awrah, but I see that most women do not
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The questioner : This message reached us from the listener, who says: Your daughter, K. Peace be upon you. It is well known that the entire body of a woman is 'awrah (the part of the body that must be covered), except for her face and hands in prayer. From this, we understand that the legs are 'awrah, but I see that most women do not cover their legs when they pray. Also, the hair shows through no matter how it is covered with a scarf, because it is very thin. Is this permissible? Are there schools of jurisprudence that allow the legs and hair to be exposed in prayer, and other schools that do not allow it, such as the Shafi'i school, for example, or others? Please issue a ruling for us. May Allah reward you with good.
The Shaykh : Yes, there are schools of jurisprudence that allow a woman to expose her feet and hands in prayer.
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : They hold that this is not 'awrah (the part of the body that must be covered), but rather that it is better to cover it, and it is not obligatory. There is no doubt that covering it is more preferable and safer, but if she does not cover it and prays, we hope that her prayer is valid, if Allah wills. As for the hair, the scarf she wears must be thick enough so that the hair is not visible through it.
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : Yes.
The Shaykh : Yes, there are schools of jurisprudence that allow a woman to expose her feet and hands in prayer.
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : They hold that this is not 'awrah (the part of the body that must be covered), but rather that it is better to cover it, and it is not obligatory. There is no doubt that covering it is more preferable and safer, but if she does not cover it and prays, we hope that her prayer is valid, if Allah wills. As for the hair, the scarf she wears must be thick enough so that the hair is not visible through it.
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : Yes.