Is it permissible for a woman to expose her feet in prayer?

Question:
A woman asks: Is it permissible to expose the feet in prayer?

Answer:
The majority of scholars hold that she must cover them in prayer; a woman covers her feet in prayer. There is a report from Umm Salamah that she was asked about this: a woman prays in a long robe and a head covering. She said (may Allah be pleased with her): "If the robe is long enough to cover the backs of her feet." This was reported as marfu' (traced to the Prophet) from her, and as mawquf (stopping at her), and the mawquf is more authentic according to the scholars. Therefore, what is prescribed for her is to cover her feet with covering clothes or socks. This is the most cautious course for her, and it is what she should do, and it is obligatory according to the majority of scholars.
As for the two hands: their matter is broader. If she covers them, that is better, and if she exposes them in prayer along with her face, there is no harm.
As for the face: the Sunnah is for a woman to expose it in prayer, unless there is a non-mahram (unrelated man) present, in which case she covers it. But if she has only her mahrams (close relatives), or women, or no one at all; the Sunnah is to expose the face.
As for the hands—the two hands—covering them is better, and if she exposes them, the prayer is valid according to the correct view. As for the feet, it is obligatory to cover them; this is the position of the majority of scholars.