Fatwa by: Former Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Ibn Baz (may Allah have mercy on him)
Question:
What is the ruling on a woman covering her hands and feet during prayer? Is it obligatory for a woman to cover her hands and feet, or is it permissible to leave them uncovered, especially when no non-mahram men are present or when she is praying with other women?
Answer:
During prayer, it is permissible for a woman to keep her face uncovered in the absence of non-mahram men. As for the feet, although some scholars permit them to remain uncovered, the majority of scholars consider it necessary for the feet to be covered during prayer. This is supported by the narration from Umm Salama (may Allah be pleased with her), in which she was asked about a woman who prays in just a headscarf and a shirt. She replied:
"There is no harm as long as the shirt covers the tops of her feet."
[Reported by Abu Dawood]
Based on this, covering the feet is preferable and recommended for caution. As for the hands, there is some flexibility; it is permissible to leave them uncovered during prayer. However, if a woman chooses to cover her hands, that is also acceptable. Some scholars even consider it preferable to cover them, though it is not obligatory.
And Allah is the Provider of Success.
Question:
What is the ruling on a woman covering her hands and feet during prayer? Is it obligatory for a woman to cover her hands and feet, or is it permissible to leave them uncovered, especially when no non-mahram men are present or when she is praying with other women?
Answer:
During prayer, it is permissible for a woman to keep her face uncovered in the absence of non-mahram men. As for the feet, although some scholars permit them to remain uncovered, the majority of scholars consider it necessary for the feet to be covered during prayer. This is supported by the narration from Umm Salama (may Allah be pleased with her), in which she was asked about a woman who prays in just a headscarf and a shirt. She replied:
"There is no harm as long as the shirt covers the tops of her feet."
[Reported by Abu Dawood]
Based on this, covering the feet is preferable and recommended for caution. As for the hands, there is some flexibility; it is permissible to leave them uncovered during prayer. However, if a woman chooses to cover her hands, that is also acceptable. Some scholars even consider it preferable to cover them, though it is not obligatory.
And Allah is the Provider of Success.