Thursday | 02 May 2024 | 23 Shawaal 1445

Fatwa Answer

Question ID: 1819 Category: Lifestyle
[Time sensitive] Modesty & HIjab Question

 As-salamu alaykum,

I am a 22-year-old who has worn the physical hijab since I reached puberty at 12 years old. I live in a household with my older sister, her husband, and our mother. I do not have to wear the hijab at home in the presence of my brother-in-law since it would be difficult for me to feel comfortable at home if I have to wear a hijab both outside and inside the house. Is it permissible for me to not wear hijab at home due to these circumstances?

Jazak Allahu khayran,

بسم اللہ الرحمٰن الرحیم

الجواب ومنہ الصواب

The brother-in-law (husband of the sister) is also a “non-mahram” and veil is required in front of him, according to the Shari’ah guidelines. Especially when he asks to remove the hijab or objects to it, it becomes even more dangerous situation. Additional protection should be exercised from such people. Usually where there is no veiling culture within a household between the sister-in-law and other relatives, there are sure to be erroneous temptations. 

Instead of placing a veil on the face, cover your entire body with an outer garment (large sheet of cloth), which covers the face and the entire body. It is not necessary to wear a special veil on the face permanently. Also, don't talk to him unnecessarily. If there is an important matter to speak about, then use firm tone, without creating flexibility and softness in speech, stay in the veil and speak only as much as is necessary, and avoid frankness and humor at all costs.

If it is possible to move to another house, then the location should be changed, but if this is not possible, then stay in a separate room as long as practically possible. 

فقط واللہ اعلم بالصواب