In Islam, no one can escape the concept of awra. Indeed, it concerns both women and men. This Arabic term literally means intimate parts or what must be hidden. It thus defines the parts of the body that a person must cover in the presence of others. But for this time, we will focus on a topic that exclusively concerns our akhawat: the awra of women.

Definition and origin of awra for women

This notion has its roots in the Quran and the purified Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. In verse 59 of Surah Al-Ahzab, Allah enjoins believing women to cover themselves to be recognized and respected. This injunction establishes the foundations of what will become the notion of awra for women in Islam.

Awra for women in front of other women

This fiqh question is subject to various interpretations among the scholars of the Ummah. According to Ibn Qudamah, the rules between Muslim women and non-Muslim women are similar. Sheikh bin Baz states that a Muslim woman is not obligated to veil herself in front of non-Muslim women.

However, modesty remains appropriate. Sheikh Salih Al Fawzan emphasizes the importance for Muslim women to show modesty and be a good example for their sisters fillah. He also warns against laxity in exposing the body, which could lead to forbidden behaviors. No reason permits it, not even breastfeeding.

A hadith reported by Al-Bukhari also reminds us that women should not describe the bodies of other women to their husbands, thus emphasizing the importance of modesty even among women.

Awra for women in front of foreign men

The majority of scholars agree that a woman's face and hands are part of the awra in front of foreign men. This opinion is based on several hadiths and interpretations of the Quran. But this opinion does not apply to mahrams.

A hadith reported by Abu Dawood indeed relates that the Messenger of Allah indicated to Asma bint Abi Bakr that a woman who has reached puberty should only show her face and hands.

Ibn Abbas, a companion of the Messenger of Allah, also interpreted verse 31 of Surah An-Nur as referring to hands and face when it comes to adornments that women can show.

The woman is entirely awra - Sheikh Sulaiman Ar-Ruhayli حفظه الله

Diversity of opinions

It should also be noted that there is a diversity of opinions on the extent of awra for women. Some scholars, like Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal, consider that the entire body of a woman, including her nails, is part of it.

In practice, many Muslim women choose to wear the hijab, which covers the hair and neck, while leaving the face uncovered. Others opt for more covering garments such as the 2-piece jilbab or the abaya, often accompanied by a khimar.

A specific garment mentioned in the Quran?

Certainly, scholars have enumerated a series of clothing rules to be applied to women. These are the conditions of the legitimate veil. However, they are not presented in any list format. They are rather deductions after reading the texts.

Allah also did not mention a particular garment, although He used the word qamis to designate the tunic of Prophet Yusuf, alayhi salam. He certainly mentioned the khimar or the hijab, but rather in the sense of a veil. Believing women must above all conform to Islamic law which requires them to cover their awra. How? By opting for long, loose, and opaque clothing. They must also show modesty and their clothing must not be an adornment.

And the Hijrati brand in all this?

The Hijrati brand is committed to respecting the modesty of its sisters. That's why all the clothes we make are specially designed to allow all women who wish to veil themselves to find 100% legitimate clothing. Hijrati combines ethics, modesty, and practicality. The clothes we offer have been designed to meet the needs of modern Muslim women who seek practicality and comfort while being cha3ri.

Visit our Hijrati creation collection, to see our selection.