The definitive theological and practical guide to Hijab, Niqab, Awrah (Satr), and an interactive Mahram vs Non-Mahram relationship checker according to Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jama'ah (Maslak Aala Hazrat).
In Islam, Hijab is not merely a cultural tradition; it is a divine command revealed directly by Allah Almighty in the Holy Quran for the dignity, safety, and spiritual sanctity of Muslim women.
"O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (Jilbabs) all over their bodies. That will be better, that they should be known (as respectable chaste women) so as not to be annoyed."
"And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their chastity, and not reveal their adornment except that which is apparent thereof, and to draw their head-covers (khumur) over their chests..."
A Mahram (محرم) is a person with whom marriage is permanently forbidden by blood, marriage, or fosterage. A Non-Mahram / Ghair-Mahram (غیر محرم) is someone with whom marriage is fundamentally permissible; therefore, strict Shar'i Parda is mandatory.
Type a relative's name or filter by category to check if Hijab is mandatory or exempt.
According to Ala Hazrat Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (R.A.) in Fatawa Razawiyyah and Allama Amjad Ali Azmi (R.A.) in Bahar-e-Shariat, the boundaries of Satr (parts of the body that must be concealed) vary depending on who is present:
| Situation / In Front Of | Required Coverage (Satr / Awrah) | Fiqh Ruling & References |
|---|---|---|
| In Front of Non-Mahram Men Outdoors, in public, or in the presence of ghair-mahram relatives (e.g. cousins, brother-in-law) |
Entire Body Including Face & Hair Loose Jilbab / Abaya covering all hair, neck, ears, chest, body shape, and face (Niqab) in public environments to prevent fitnah. |
Fard (Obligatory) Classical Hanafi consensus dictates that while the face is not intrinsically awrah, covering it in public is mandatory due to ubiquitous corruption (Fatawa Alamgiri, Durr-e-Mukhtar). |
| In Front of Mahram Men Father, brother, son, paternal/maternal uncle, milk brother |
From Navel to Knee, Back & Belly Exposing face, head hair, ears, neck, chest above collarbone, forearms up to elbow, and feet is permissible. |
Permissible Only if there is complete safety and zero suspicion of fitnah (Bahar-e-Shariat, Vol 16). |
| In Front of Practicing Muslim Women Mother, sisters, daughter, female friends |
From Navel to Knee A woman cannot expose her body between the navel and knee in front of any other woman, even in private gatherings. |
Haram to Expose Modesty is preserved among pious women. |
| In Front of Non-Muslim Women Ghair-Muslim females |
Same as Non-Mahram Men Only face, hands, and feet can be visible. Hair, neck, chest, and arms must remain covered. |
Hanafi Ruling Based on Surah An-Nur: "Or their women" (أَوْ نِسَائِهِنَّ), referring specifically to Muslim women. |
It must cover all parts of the body designated as Awrah, including every strand of hair, the neck, and wrists.
It must not be tight, skin-clinging, or outline the curves of the body, waist, or chest.
The fabric must be thick enough so that skin color, shape, or undergarments are not visible through it.
The outer cloak (Abaya) must not be ostentatious, overly glittering with bright sequins that attract gazes.
The Prophet (ﷺ) strictly forbade women from applying strong scents when passing by non-mahram men.
Hijab is an internal and external state: lowering the gaze, speaking without flirtatious softness, and walking with dignity.
No, absolutely not. Cousins are strictly Non-Mahram. In Islam, marriage between cousins is fully valid, meaning full Shar'i Parda (covering hair, body, and modesty) is strictly compulsory in their presence.
Because family members let down their guard inside homes, opening the door to devastating sins and broken homes. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Beware of entering upon women." A companion asked: "What about the brother-in-law?" He replied: "The brother-in-law is death!" (Sahih Bukhari). Complete parda is mandatory from dewar and jeth.
In Hanafi Fiqh, a woman's normal speaking voice is not Satr for necessities (such as asking for directions, buying groceries, or seeking knowledge). However, speaking with softness, melodiousness, or coquettishness in front of non-mahram men is strictly forbidden (Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:32).
Hijab becomes strictly obligatory (Fard) upon reaching the age of puberty (Buloogh). However, parents are commanded to train young daughters in modest dressing and scarves from the age of 9–10 so modesty becomes a natural part of their character.