First of all, we’d like to state that Islam lays down a code of proper behaviour, which is primarily intended to safeguard the modesty, dignity and honour of men and women alike.
While going out or in the presence of non-Mharam, a Muslim woman is required to wear clothes that cover her `Awrah. In Islam, this is called Hijab. Here are the requisites of hijab or proper Islamic attire for women:
1. It should cover her whole body except face and hands.
2. It should not be tight; rather it should be loose-fitting.
3. It should not be transparent or revealing.
4. It should not be an attire specifically worn by men only.
5. It should not be designed in a way to attract people’s eyes such as clothes marked by excessive adornment.
6.The clothes also should not be worn exclusively by non-Muslims such as nun’s clothes.
So long as the woman’s attire fulfils the above conditions, she doesn’t have to worry. But if it violates any of the first five conditions, then a Muslim woman is not allowed to wear such attire in presence of a non-mahram man. Her dress must not be so tight that it defines the parts of her body, especially its curves, even though it may not be transparent. This marks many of the styles of clothing current in the sensuous, materialistic civilization of the Western world, whose fashion designers compete with one another in devising clothing for women which tantalizingly emphasizes the bustline, waist, and hips, etc., in order to elicit the lustful admiration of men. Women who wear such clothes likewise may fall under the definition of “clothed yet naked”, since such a dress is often more provocative than one which is transparent.
In addition, it is a sin when few strands of the woman’s hair are visible from the front, because this is part of the woman’s `Awrah that should be covered in the presence of a non-Mahram or when going out. In her home or in the presence of a mahram such as a father, brother or husband such parts are allowed to be displayed. All woman’s head hair is `Awrah and thus she should be keen to cover all her hair. So, the whole braid should be covered from behind when the hair are long. However, if it happened that a single hair or a few strands of hair in the front are displayed unwillingly, then she is not considered sinful. However, She has to cover them once she is aware of them. Almighty Allah says, “So keep your duty to Allah as best ye can…” (At-Taghabun: 16)
