Q: Should a woman pray without wearing trousers, Many women do this including my wife.

A: A woman should pray in clothes that cover all of her `Awrah (parts of the body that must be covered in public). It has been reported on the authority of `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Allah does not accept the prayer of a woman who has reached puberty unless she wears a Khimar (veil covering to the waist). It has been reported from Um Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) that she asked the Prophet (peace be upon him), Can a woman pray in a long dress and a veil without wearing a lower garment? He replied, "[She may pray], if the dress is long, flowing, and covering the surface of her feet." Related by Abu Dawud. Leading Hadith critics judge that this Hadith is Mawquf (a Hadith narrated from a Companion of the Prophet); only reported from Um Salamah. The entire body of a woman is `Awrah except for her face and hands when praying. She should cover them in the presence of an Ajnaby (a man other than a husband or permanently unmarriageable male relatives). There is no harm in praying (Part No. 6; Page No. 177) while wearing trousers, if they are clean.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.