Q:

I was praying when my headscarf slipped off. I was in sajda (doing sajda e sahw) when it slipped off. As I was in sajda I did not want to raise my head to adjust the scarf, but when I got up I pulled it baack on, and proceeded to say the final salam. I then discovered after the prayer that the front of my hair was still showing.

I have seen multiple fatwas online that state that if the awrah is uncovered by mistake and covered once one realized it was uncovered the prayer is valid. But what about when one does readjust the clothing and part of the awrah is still visible? Was my prayer valid?

The scarf I had on is one that is meant specifically to cover during prayer so it was not some flimsy cloth that readily slips off. I had recently stitched it at the chin as it was too loose so it would not slip off but perhaps I made it too tight. I did not expect it to slip off in prayer.

A:

Covering the awrah or parts that should remain covered absolutely in prayer is a condition for the Prayer’s validity. So, if anyone deliberately omitted the same, the Prayer is rendered invalid; one ought to repeat it.

If the awrah is uncovered accidentally, then the preferred view of some eminent scholars is it is fine as long it is something marginal and not majorly. So if your scarf slipped and your hair is partially uncovered accidentally, you need not worry; your Prayer is valid.

Having said, I would like to add: Since prayer is the best of our deeds in Allah’s sight, we ought to focus on doing it as best as we can. Doing prayer right means praying correctly by fulfilling all of the conditions and etiquettes while keeping the spirit alive.

Allah in the Quran orders us to establish prayer; establishing the prayer is not merely performing it any way we choose; instead, it entails observing both the form and spirit as taught by the Prophet (peace be upon him). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Pray as you have seen me praying.”

Let us, therefore, be attentive in our Prayer and pray to Allah to accept them.

 Allah Almighty knows best.