Fatwa ID: 08779

 

 

Answered by Muftiyah Shireen Mangera-Badat

 

Question:

 

I keep reading that women should only go out due to need, but what exactly is a need? Can women go out for a walk for fresh air? My mother feels suffocated staying home so long, and takes walks occasionally in full hijab. Is this an issue?

 

Also does going out also include going out to your own backyard? Do you have to have a valid reason to go out to your own backyard?

 

 

 

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

 

Answer:

 

The idea of a woman going out is largely regulated by modesty, purpose, and safety in Hanafi Fiqh. Although women are generally encouraged to stay at home, there are differing opinions about what, within the parameters of Shariah, is a legitimate need (ḥajah) and what a woman may leave the house for.[1]

 

1. What Qualifies as a “Need” (ḥajah)?

 

According to Islamic jurisprudence, a need (ḥajah) is something that is required for one’s safety, well-being, religious duties, or material needs. According to Hanafi scholars, a woman may need to leave the house in the following situations:

 

Religious duties: For instance, going to the mosque to pray, even though this is frequently viewed as a choice for women.[2]

 

For health reasons: pursuing physical activity or medical care.

 

Social obligations: Paying family visits, especially during emergencies or for required social ties.

 

Emotional and mental health: It is acceptable to leave the house if remaining inside causes discomfort.

 

All of this contributes to her well being of hifz Aql, which is important for herself.[3]

 

Your mother appears to be exercising for mental health and fresh air, which is a reasonable and valid need in this situation. As long as she keeps the following in mind, it won’t be a problem:

 

She is appropriately covered by her full hijab.[4]

 

She stays away from situations that could lead to needless contact with men who are not Mahram.

 

She stays away from places where fitnah (temptation) might occur.

 

In this sense, going for walks for mental and physical well-being is generally acceptable and consistent with Islamic teachings.

 

 

2. Does Entering Your Own Backyard Qualify as “Going Out”?

 

According to Hanafi Fiqh, your backyard is typically regarded as a part of the house ,if it is private and enclosed. You don’t need a special reason to enter your own backyard because it isn’t considered going outside.

 

The decision in this case is unambiguous: if the backyard is private and there are no chances of fitnah or public exposure, it does not qualify as leaving the house.

 

The same restrictions that apply to leaving the house and entering public areas do not apply to private areas such as rooftops or enclosed gardens, according to Islamic scholars.

 

 

When Can I Leave the House?

 

Islam acknowledges the need for balance while highlighting the value of modesty (ḥaya’) and staying at home. The following are some requirements for women to leave the house:Purposeful need: A person must have a good reason for going out, such as their mental health, family responsibilities, religious obligations, or general health.
And when she does, she maintains haya and modesty.

 

 

 

References:

 

[1] “‏ إِنَّهُ قَدْ أُذِنَ لَكُنَّ أَنْ تَخْرُجْنَ لِحَاجَتِكُنَّ

Muslim 2170

 

[2] حَدَّثَنَا إِسْحَاقُ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، قَالَ أَنْبَأَنَا سُفْيَانُ، عَنِ الزُّهْرِيِّ، عَنْ سَالِمٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ “‏ إِذَا اسْتَأْذَنَتِ امْرَأَةُ أَحَدِكُمْ إِلَى الْمَسْجِدِ فَلاَ يَمْنَعْهَا ‏

Nasai 706

 

مقاصد الشريعة، ص،٢٩ [3]

 

[4] وَقُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنَـٰتِ يَغْضُضْنَ مِنْ أَبْصَـٰرِهِنَّ وَيَحْفَظْنَ فُرُوجَهُنَّ وَلَا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا ۖ وَلْيَضْرِبْنَ بِخُمُرِهِنَّ عَلَىٰ جُيُوبِهِنَّ ۖ وَلَا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا لِبُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ ءَابَآئِهِنَّ أَوْ ءَابَآءِ بُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ أَبْنَآئِهِنَّ أَوْ أَبْنَآءِ بُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ إِخْوَٰنِهِنَّ أَوْ بَنِىٓ إِخْوَٰنِهِنَّ أَوْ بَنِىٓ أَخَوَٰتِهِنَّ أَوْ نِسَآئِهِنَّ أَوْ مَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَـٰنُهُنَّ أَوِ ٱلتَّـٰبِعِينَ غَيْرِ أُو۟لِى ٱلْإِرْبَةِ مِنَ ٱلرِّجَالِ أَوِ ٱلطِّفْلِ ٱلَّذِينَ لَمْ يَظْهَرُوا۟ عَلَىٰ عَوْرَٰتِ ٱلنِّسَآءِ ۖ وَلَا يَضْرِبْنَ بِأَرْجُلِهِنَّ لِيُعْلَمَ مَا يُخْفِينَ مِن زِينَتِهِنَّ ۚ وَتُوبُوٓا۟ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ جَمِيعًا أَيُّهَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ

 

Surah Nur:31

 

 

Only Allah knows best.

Written by Muftiyah Shireen Mangera-Badat

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham