Q 5: It was authentically reported in a Hadith that it is prohibited for a woman to remove her clothes in other than her husband's house. What does this Hadith mean? Can she remove her clothes in the house of her family or one of her relatives?

A: This Hadith was related by Imam Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Al-Hakim on the authority of `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) who narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Any woman who takes off her clothes in a place other than her husband's house will tear the screen between Allah and her." This Hadith was related also by Ahmad, Al-Tabarany, Al-Hakim, and Al-Bayhaqy on the authority of Abu Umamah (may Allah be pleased with him) in another wording: "Any woman who takes off her clothes in a place other than her home, Allah will remove His screen from her." The Prophet (peace be upon him) intended to prevent women from showing off their charms in other than their husbands' homes or uncovering their `Awrah (parts of the body that must be covered in public) in a way that they might be accused of some kind of immorality. However, it is permissible for a woman to remove her clothes in a secure place, like the house of her family or one of her Mahrams (unmarriageable relatives), for the sake of changing them or relieving herself during hot weather or such permissible things. (Part No. 17; Page No. 225) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.