A woman wearing Hijab in the presence of the husband of her cousin or of her sister

476

Q 3: My niece and I are married to two brothers who are my cousins. We have all been living together since a long time ago. I sit with my brother-in-law wearing semi Hijab (veil), i.e. revealing my face but fully and modestly dressed without any Tabarruj (woman’s public display of her adornment or charms). What is the ruling on this?

A: It is Wajib (obligatory) on women to cover their faces in the presence of the husbands of their cousins, their sisters, and their nieces. This is because (Part No. 17; Page No. 161) all the foregoing are amongst non-Mahrams (not spouses or unmarriageable relatives) that women are not allowed to reveal their faces in their presence. It is noteworthy that the face is one of the most important parts of `Awrah (parts of the body that must be covered in public) that must be hidden in the presence of non-Mahrams. It is the object of temptation and invites looking at. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.