Q 2: Here in Sudan, it is circulated that the Sudanese attire for women, which is composed of a dress and cloak, is the prescribed Islamic Hijab (veil); is this correct? What are the conditions of Islamic attire?

A: It is not sufficient for women to wear a dress and a cloak; they should also cover their faces in the presence of non-Mahram men (spouse or permanently unmarriageable relative). Allah (Exalted be He) says: O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). And: ...and to draw their veils all over Juyûbihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms) Khimar (veil covering to the waist) is a cover for the head that Allah (Glorified be He) ordered women to draw over their chest, and this necessitates covering the face. It is reported by `Aishah that when the women were Muhrims (pilgrims in the ritual state for Hajj and `Umrah) in the company of the Prophet (peace be upon him), they were to draw their Khimar over their faces when men passed by them. It is also obligatory that the dress be loose and long, covering the women's bodies (Part No. 11; Page No. 319) and legs. It should be loose, so that their figures will not be discernible. It should also not be adorned or eye-catching.