✍ Authored by: Maqbool Ahmed Salafi – Jeddah Da’wah Center, Hayy as-Salamah, Saudi Arabia
A sister asked: “What should a woman keep in mind while walking on the road? Should she walk slowly or is brisk walking permissible? Should her posture be upright or slightly bent? What other etiquettes should she observe?”
This question is both significant and relevant for all Muslim women. Therefore, I have compiled essential guidance from the noble Sharīʿah in response, not only to benefit the questioner but also other sisters who may have similar concerns.
When a woman intends to step outside her home, she should first and foremost adhere to three key principles:
Allah ﷻ has instructed women to remain in their homes unless there is a genuine need to go out:
﴿وَقَرْنَ فِي بُيُوتِكُنَّ وَلَا تَبَرَّجْنَ تَبَرُّجَ الْجَاهِلِيَّةِ الْأُولَىٰ﴾
“And remain in your homes and do not display yourselves as was the display of the former days of ignorance.”
[al-Aḥzāb: 33]
This verse emphasizes two things:
❶ Women are commanded to stay in their homes.
❷ If they must go out, it must not be with the display of adornment (tabarruj), but rather with proper hijāb and modesty.
Even ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb رضي الله عنه was uneasy with women going out unnecessarily. In one incident, Umm al-Mu’minīn Sawdah رضي الله عنها went out for a need, and ʿUmar recognized her by her stature. When he questioned her, she returned home and narrated the incident to the Prophet ﷺ. In response, Allah revealed:
"Indeed, permission has been granted for you to go out for your needs."
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 4795]
Thus, a woman may go out for legitimate needs, such as:
✔ Seeking medical care
✔ Attending prayers
✔ Halal business transactions
✔ Fulfilling rights and obligations
✔ Visiting relatives or neighbors
✔ Other genuine necessities
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"The woman is ʿawrah (a private entity); when she steps out, Shayṭān seeks to exploit her."
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Tirmidhī: 1173]
In another narration:
"A woman is ʿawrah. When she exits, Shayṭān gazes at her. And she is closest to her Lord when in the innermost part of her home."
[Ṣaḥīḥ Ibn Khuzaymah: 1685 | Authenticated by al-Albānī]
When stepping out, a woman must be fully covered, including:
• No display of physical beauty
• No revealing clothing or figure
• No jingling jewelry
• No perfumed fragrance
• No flirtatious gait or demeanor
Mawlānā ʿAbd al-Raḥmān Kīlānī رحمه الله writes that "tabarruj" includes:
Even when women were instructed to attend the ʿĪd prayer, the Prophet ﷺ said:
"If a woman has no outer garment, her sister should cover her."
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 324]
During the Prophet’s time, women used to cover their entire body, even to the extent that their garments dragged on the ground:
"The Prophet ﷺ allowed the Mothers of the Believers to extend their garments by a hand-span, then another, until we used to measure for them a full arm's length."
[Abū Dāwūd: 4119 | Authenticated by al-Albānī]
Another narration shows that women would walk so close to the walls that their garments would brush against them due to shyness.
[Abū Dāwūd: 5272]
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Every eye is inclined to lust, and a woman who applies perfume and passes by people is like a fornicatress."
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Tirmidhī: 2786]
He also said:
"Any woman who has applied incense should not attend ʿIshāʾ prayer with us."
[Ṣaḥīḥ Abī Dāwūd: 4175]
Women must avoid anything that draws attention—be it fragrance, jewelry sounds, or revealing dress.
The Prophet ﷺ said about women who attract or are attracted to men:
"They will not enter Paradise nor smell its fragrance, even though its fragrance can be detected from a great distance."
[Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 2128]
Having established the foundation, here are key etiquettes for walking outdoors:
"It is not appropriate for women to walk in the middle of the road."
[al-Silsilah al-Ṣaḥīḥah: 856]
In one narration, women began walking so close to the walls that their clothes would snag on them.
[Abū Dāwūd: 5272 | Graded ḥasan by al-Albānī]
Allah ﷻ commands:
﴿وَقُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنَاتِ يَغْضُضْنَ مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِنَّ...﴾
"And tell the believing women to lower their gaze..."
[al-Nūr: 31]
This applies in all settings—whether walking, traveling, or in public gatherings.
The Prophet ﷺ would not look around when walking:
"The Prophet ﷺ would not turn around when he walked."
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Jāmiʿ: 4786, 4870]
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 155]
A woman should adopt a modest, focused demeanor, avoid scanning the surroundings, and raise her gaze only when necessary.
﴿وَلَا يَضْرِبْنَ بِأَرْجُلِهِنَّ لِيُعْلَمَ مَا يُخْفِينَ مِن زِينَتِهِنَّ﴾
"And let them not strike their feet to draw attention to their hidden adornments."
[al-Nūr: 31]
A woman’s walk should be dignified, quiet, and modest—free from drawing attention.
Describing the woman who approached Mūsā عليه السلام, Allah says:
﴿فَجَاءَتْهُ إِحْدَاهُمَا تَمْشِي عَلَى ٱسْتِحْيَآءٍ﴾
“Then one of the two women came to him walking with modesty…”
[al-Qaṣaṣ: 25]
"Allah does not like the arrogant walker."
The Prophet ﷺ warned about a man who walked with pride:
"Allah caused the earth to swallow him, and he will continue to sink until the Day of Judgment."
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 5789]
Yes, provided there is no fear of fitnah, salām can be exchanged.
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 6248]
[Ṣaḥīḥ Abī Dāwūd: 5204]
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 6158 – Umm Hāni’ greeted the Prophet ﷺ]
Imām al-Bukhārī included the chapter:
"The greeting of men to women and women to men"
Thus, mutual greetings are permissible when safe, though not obligatory.
Allah has created women with a nature distinct from men. She is a symbol of modesty and concealment, and this should reflect in:
• Her clothing
• Her speech
• Her walk
• Her conduct
• Tight, revealing, or fame-seeking clothes
• High heels or loud footwear
• Clothing that mimics sinful or disbelieving women
• Outfits resembling men's attire
"The Prophet ﷺ cursed men who imitate women and women who imitate men."
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 5885]
• Do not walk while talking loudly on the phone
• Avoid unnecessary chatting or laughing in public
• Do not look at men unnecessarily
• Never ride closely behind non-maḥram men (e.g., on motorcycles)
Even if a destination is nearby, avoid traveling alone, especially to unsafe locations.
May Allah grant Muslim mothers and sisters the ability to live by the Sharīʿah, adhere to proper ḥijāb, and observe His limits in their movement and behavior. Āmīn.
◈ Introduction
A sister asked: “What should a woman keep in mind while walking on the road? Should she walk slowly or is brisk walking permissible? Should her posture be upright or slightly bent? What other etiquettes should she observe?”
This question is both significant and relevant for all Muslim women. Therefore, I have compiled essential guidance from the noble Sharīʿah in response, not only to benefit the questioner but also other sisters who may have similar concerns.
❖ Three Fundamental Principles Before Leaving the Home
When a woman intends to step outside her home, she should first and foremost adhere to three key principles:
① Remaining Indoors Unless Necessary
Allah ﷻ has instructed women to remain in their homes unless there is a genuine need to go out:
﴿وَقَرْنَ فِي بُيُوتِكُنَّ وَلَا تَبَرَّجْنَ تَبَرُّجَ الْجَاهِلِيَّةِ الْأُولَىٰ﴾
“And remain in your homes and do not display yourselves as was the display of the former days of ignorance.”
[al-Aḥzāb: 33]This verse emphasizes two things:
❶ Women are commanded to stay in their homes.
❷ If they must go out, it must not be with the display of adornment (tabarruj), but rather with proper hijāb and modesty.
Even ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb رضي الله عنه was uneasy with women going out unnecessarily. In one incident, Umm al-Mu’minīn Sawdah رضي الله عنها went out for a need, and ʿUmar recognized her by her stature. When he questioned her, she returned home and narrated the incident to the Prophet ﷺ. In response, Allah revealed:
"Indeed, permission has been granted for you to go out for your needs."
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 4795]Thus, a woman may go out for legitimate needs, such as:
✔ Seeking medical care
✔ Attending prayers
✔ Halal business transactions
✔ Fulfilling rights and obligations
✔ Visiting relatives or neighbors
✔ Other genuine necessities
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"The woman is ʿawrah (a private entity); when she steps out, Shayṭān seeks to exploit her."
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Tirmidhī: 1173]In another narration:
"A woman is ʿawrah. When she exits, Shayṭān gazes at her. And she is closest to her Lord when in the innermost part of her home."
[Ṣaḥīḥ Ibn Khuzaymah: 1685 | Authenticated by al-Albānī]② Observing Complete Ḥijāb and Avoiding Display
When stepping out, a woman must be fully covered, including:
• No display of physical beauty
• No revealing clothing or figure
• No jingling jewelry
• No perfumed fragrance
• No flirtatious gait or demeanor
Mawlānā ʿAbd al-Raḥmān Kīlānī رحمه الله writes that "tabarruj" includes:
- Displaying bodily beauty
- Exposing jewelry and its sound
- Wearing attractive clothing
- Walking with flirtatiousness
- Using fragrances that attract strangers
[Tafsīr Taysīr al-Raḥmān]
Even when women were instructed to attend the ʿĪd prayer, the Prophet ﷺ said:
"If a woman has no outer garment, her sister should cover her."
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 324]During the Prophet’s time, women used to cover their entire body, even to the extent that their garments dragged on the ground:
"The Prophet ﷺ allowed the Mothers of the Believers to extend their garments by a hand-span, then another, until we used to measure for them a full arm's length."
[Abū Dāwūd: 4119 | Authenticated by al-Albānī]Another narration shows that women would walk so close to the walls that their garments would brush against them due to shyness.
[Abū Dāwūd: 5272]③ Avoiding Fragrance When Going Out
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Every eye is inclined to lust, and a woman who applies perfume and passes by people is like a fornicatress."
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Tirmidhī: 2786]He also said:
"Any woman who has applied incense should not attend ʿIshāʾ prayer with us."
[Ṣaḥīḥ Abī Dāwūd: 4175]Women must avoid anything that draws attention—be it fragrance, jewelry sounds, or revealing dress.
The Prophet ﷺ said about women who attract or are attracted to men:
"They will not enter Paradise nor smell its fragrance, even though its fragrance can be detected from a great distance."
[Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 2128]❖ Walking Etiquette for Women in Public
Having established the foundation, here are key etiquettes for walking outdoors:
✔ Walk Along the Edge of the Path
"It is not appropriate for women to walk in the middle of the road."
[al-Silsilah al-Ṣaḥīḥah: 856]In one narration, women began walking so close to the walls that their clothes would snag on them.
[Abū Dāwūd: 5272 | Graded ḥasan by al-Albānī]✔ Lower the Gaze
Allah ﷻ commands:
﴿وَقُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنَاتِ يَغْضُضْنَ مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِنَّ...﴾
"And tell the believing women to lower their gaze..."
[al-Nūr: 31]This applies in all settings—whether walking, traveling, or in public gatherings.
✔ Do Not Look Around Unnecessarily
The Prophet ﷺ would not look around when walking:
"The Prophet ﷺ would not turn around when he walked."
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Jāmiʿ: 4786, 4870] [Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 155]A woman should adopt a modest, focused demeanor, avoid scanning the surroundings, and raise her gaze only when necessary.
✔ Do Not Stomp Feet or Walk Loudly
﴿وَلَا يَضْرِبْنَ بِأَرْجُلِهِنَّ لِيُعْلَمَ مَا يُخْفِينَ مِن زِينَتِهِنَّ﴾
"And let them not strike their feet to draw attention to their hidden adornments."
[al-Nūr: 31]A woman’s walk should be dignified, quiet, and modest—free from drawing attention.
✔ Walk with Modesty and Shyness
Describing the woman who approached Mūsā عليه السلام, Allah says:
﴿فَجَاءَتْهُ إِحْدَاهُمَا تَمْشِي عَلَى ٱسْتِحْيَآءٍ﴾
“Then one of the two women came to him walking with modesty…”
[al-Qaṣaṣ: 25]✔ Avoid Pride or Arrogance in Walking
"Allah does not like the arrogant walker."
The Prophet ﷺ warned about a man who walked with pride:
"Allah caused the earth to swallow him, and he will continue to sink until the Day of Judgment."
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 5789]❖ Can Women Exchange Salām with Men on the Street?
Yes, provided there is no fear of fitnah, salām can be exchanged.
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 6248] [Ṣaḥīḥ Abī Dāwūd: 5204] [Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 6158 – Umm Hāni’ greeted the Prophet ﷺ]Imām al-Bukhārī included the chapter:
"The greeting of men to women and women to men"
Thus, mutual greetings are permissible when safe, though not obligatory.
❖ Final Words of Advice
Allah has created women with a nature distinct from men. She is a symbol of modesty and concealment, and this should reflect in:
• Her clothing
• Her speech
• Her walk
• Her conduct
She should not wear:
• Tight, revealing, or fame-seeking clothes
• High heels or loud footwear
• Clothing that mimics sinful or disbelieving women
• Outfits resembling men's attire
"The Prophet ﷺ cursed men who imitate women and women who imitate men."
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 5885]⚠ Important Warnings:
• Do not walk while talking loudly on the phone
• Avoid unnecessary chatting or laughing in public
• Do not look at men unnecessarily
• Never ride closely behind non-maḥram men (e.g., on motorcycles)
Even if a destination is nearby, avoid traveling alone, especially to unsafe locations.
Supplication
May Allah grant Muslim mothers and sisters the ability to live by the Sharīʿah, adhere to proper ḥijāb, and observe His limits in their movement and behavior. Āmīn.
