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Fatwa CenterRuling on a woman who goes out without Hijab, in the Western countries, out of necessity
Question
I am living in a European country. As you know, the Arab nation is experiencing difficult circumstances and, due to fear of being harassed, is it permissible for woman to take off her Hijaab, even for a limited period? Please, answer me.
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, the Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.
It is not permissible for a woman to take off her Hijab when she goes out of her house, whether she is in a European or an Islamic country. Rather, it is more appropriate for the Muslim individual to adhere to the manifestations and rituals of his religion in non-Muslim country more than any other place. Allaah Almighty says (what means): {O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down, over themselves, [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allaah Forgiving and Merciful.} [Quran 33: 59]
Actually, what is more appropriate for a woman and more suitable to her nature is to abide in her house, for it is her dwelling and place of residence. Allaah Almighty says (what means): {And abide in your houses and do not display yourselves as [was] the display of the former times of ignorance. And establish prayer and give zakah and obey Allaah and His Messenger. Allaah intends only to remove from you the impurity [of sin], O people of the [Prophet's] household, and to purify you with [extensive] purification.} [Quran 33: 33]
It is permissible for a Muslim woman to go out to fulfill her needs, provided that she adheres to the Islamic Hijab. If she cannot wear Hijab due to certain circumstances, then it is not permissible for her to go out, except if there is a necessity. In that case, she can go out to do what she needs and then return, because the necessity should be answered proportionately. However, if there is no necessity, then it is not permissible for her to go out because preserving her religion is more important than fulfilling unnecessary needs.
Allaah Knows best.
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