Fatwa ID: 04961

Answered by: Maulana Nabil Khan

Question:

Is Abayah compulsory in Islam?

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

Answer:

The Quran commands women to be modest and to cover themselves in a specific way. Allah says in Surah Ahzab verse 59, ”O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.”

This verse along with many others let alone the authentic hadith that have profusely mentioned this topic have stated the requirements needed to be adopted in women’s clothing.

However, in regards to your question, there is no requirement of wearing an Abaya always, even though it is very beneficial to do so. With that being said a few conditions need to be followed whether wearing an abaya or any other type of clothing.

• The awrah is covered; everything except the face, hands, and feet. Face preferably covered in fear of fitnah like youthful or beautiful women.
• The clothing must be loose and not stuck to the body so the body parts of a woman are not evident.
• The clothing must not be seen through nor excessively thin.

Clothing that fits within these conditions may be worn even if they are not an abaya per se.

Reference:

Al-Fatawa Al-Hindiyyah volume 1 pg 64

Fathul Mulhim

Only Allah knows best

Written by Maulana Nabil Khan

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham