Fatwa ID: 02170

Answered by Ustaadha Bint Salih. 

Question:

I have heard that as the whole body of a women is satar so it is forbidden for them to ride a vehicle whether they have worn hijab or not. Please guide me for the following.
Jazak Allah

Answer:

In the name of Allah the most Beneficent, the most Merciful

The awrah (nakedness) of a woman in front of a non-mahram (those with whom marriage is lawful) consists of the whole body except the face, hands and feet.
(Raddul Muhtar p.531 v.9)

Niqaab (face cover) according to the scholars is not part of the awrah. However, wherever there is an apprehension of fitnah or temptation then it will be compulsory for a woman to cover her face.

Allahmah Ibn AbeedeenShami  has said: (“A young woman will be prevented from exposing her face) not because it is part of the awrah, rather (for the fear of temptation.”) (Raddul Muhtar P.532 V.9)

In regards to riding a vehicle (modern day driving etc) a woman would be allowed as long as she is observing the hijab and rulings of awrah mentioned above, doing it out of necessity and with the permission of her husband (if married) or parents (if not married). It must be noted that there must be no risk of danger to the woman and she is not to travel more than 48 miles without the company of a mahram.

Only Allah knows best.

Ustaadha Bint Salih.  

DarulIfta Birmingham.

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah