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Covering at home

Last updated: 13th August 2026
Question ID: #13365
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Assalamu alaikum wa Rahmatullah What Must a Woman Cover When Alone at home or in her room? What must a woman cover in front of mahram men?



بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

الجواب حامداومصليا

It is stated in al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya:

“It is okay for a man to see from his mother, mature daughter, sister and all other Mahram women such as grandmothers, grandchildren, paternal and maternal aunts, at their: hair, chest, locks, breasts, forearms (shoulders) and shins. It is not permissible to look at their back, stomach and the area between the navel and (including the) knees.”(Al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya, 5/328)

Having said that, it should always be remembered that a legal ruling also has a spirit attached to it. What the jurists (fuqaha) have explained is the basic and absolute minimum that a woman must cover in the presence of Mahram men. However, this does not mean she goes around the house exposing her legs chest and breasts, just like a man is not supposed to wonder around in front of his sister and daughter bare-chested. As such, although the chest and breasts are not in strict terms part of her Awra in front of Mahram men, the spirit of Shariah requires that she does not expose these parts unless there is a genuine need.

daruliftaa.com/womens-issue/are-a-womans-breasts-part-of-...

And Allah knows best.

01 Rabiul Awwal 1448/ 15 August 2026

Mufti
Answer last updated on:
16th August 2026
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Ulamaa ID 04
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