This article is based on the book "500 Questions and Answers for Women," which compiles fatwas from the scholars of the Haramain. The translation has been done by Hafiz Abdullah Saleem.
Question:
Is it permissible for a woman to enter a bathhouse (hammam) alone or with a group of women for treatment or other purposes?Answer:
- Entering for Medical Treatment:
- There is no harm in a woman entering a bathhouse for medical purposes, such as taking steam or bathing for health-related treatments.
- Entering for Other Purposes:
- Entering a bathhouse for reasons other than treatment is discouraged unless there is a necessity.
- Aisha (RA) referenced the following hadith as evidence against women undressing outside their husband's home:
أيما امرأة وضعت ثيابها في غير بيت زوجها فقد هتكت ستر ما بينها وبين الله
(“Any woman who removes her clothes outside her husband’s house has lifted the veil between herself and Allah.”)
[Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith No. 3750, Authentic] - Aisha (RA) used this hadith to prohibit women from entering public bathhouses.
- General prohibitions regarding women entering bathhouses are also found in several other narrations.
- Exceptions for Necessities:
- If entering a bathhouse is necessary, such as for medical treatment or an unavoidable reason, it is permissible.
- In such cases, the woman must adhere to the guidelines of modesty and conceal her private areas as required by Islamic teachings.
Conclusion:
- Permissible: Entering a bathhouse for medical treatment or a genuine necessity.
- Prohibited: Entering for unnecessary reasons, as it compromises modesty and violates the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).