Question:
Assalaamu ‘alaikum
Respected ‘Ulama
What should be a woman’s dressing in her home?
Is there any hadeeths regarding a woman’s dressing in her home?
Jazakallah
Answer:
Bismihi Ta‘ala
Wa ‘alaikumus salaam wa rahmatullahi wa barakaatuh
Respected Sister
While the primary purpose of clothing is to cover the body, it is an undeniable fact that the type of clothing one adopts impacts on the heart and mind as well. A young boy dressed in a kurta and turban, for example is likely to imitate the ‘Ulama and pious and may even pretend to be the imaam. Put the same child into a clown’s costume and you will most likely see him behaving like a clown.
A Mu-min and a true Ummati of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) is a Mu-min and Ummati for all times and all places. Therefore, the dressing of a Mu-min will always be within the limits of the sharee‘ah and conforming to the spirit of the blessed sunnah.
While the extent of covering indoors is somewhat relaxed compared to when a woman leaves the home out of necessity, there are some basic levels of hayaa and modesty that must be observed even at home.
Once Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was asked whether a person who is alone can leave his satr uncovered (without need). Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied: “Allah Ta‘ala is more worthy that one should adopt hayaa from Him.” (Sunan Tirmizi #2769)
Hence, even indoors in the presence of one’s mahrams, decency and modesty must not be compromised. Clothing that is not conducive to hayaa (modesty and shame that Islam advocates) such as short, revealing or tight-fitting garments should not be worn. Likewise, clothing that clearly identifies with Western clothing (such as jeans etc.) should also not be adopted as this affects the heart and makes it incline towards the decadent Western lifestyle.
Answered by:
Uswatul Muslimah Panel of ‘Ulama