The ruling on a woman covering her hands and feet in prayer

Question:
Sister H. N. from Riyadh, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, asks: What is the ruling on covering the hands and feet in prayer? Is it obligatory for a woman? Or is it permissible to leave them uncovered, especially if there are no non-mahram men present, or if she is praying with other women?

Answer:
As for the face, the recommended practice is to leave it uncovered in prayer if there are no non-mahram men present. As for the feet, the majority of scholars hold that it is obligatory to cover them. Some scholars are lenient regarding uncovering the feet, but the majority view is that it is prohibited and that it is obligatory to cover them. For this reason, Abu Dawud narrated from Umm Salama (may Allah be pleased with her) that she was asked about a woman praying in a head covering and a shirt. She said: There is no harm if the shirt covers the backs of her feet.
Therefore, covering the feet is preferable and more cautious in every case. As for the palms, the matter is more lenient; if you leave them uncovered, there is no harm, and if you cover them, there is no harm. Some scholars hold that covering them is preferable. And success is from Allah.