Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

 

Islamic rules of Satr (covering) for women are intended to safeguard and preserve the honor and dignity of women. Rules of covering vary according to whether the degree of risk of seduction/temptation is greater or lesser; where such risks of seduction/temptation are greater, rules of covering are stricter, and where the risk is minimal, rules are minimal.

 

Rules of covering are, therefore, stricter in the presence of males who are strangers ( who are not related to her by blood, marriage or milk-relationship). All scholars agree she must cover her entire body except her face and hands.

 

As for males who are considered Mahaarim (those who are related to her through blood, marriage or milk-relationship, and whom she can never marry) all scholars agree that she does not need to observe the above strict rules of covering; rather all of them agree that she is allowed to uncover her hair, face, hands, neck, feet and shoulders in front of such relations.

 

Having said this, however, it must be stated clearly: All scholars agree that while normal laws apply in normal circumstances, where there is a suspicion of seduction or temptation or inclination towards vices either due to corruption of society or moral perversion, Muslim women are obliged to take all necessary precautions and thus cover appropriately in order to safeguard their honor, dignity and chastity. So, one should avoid wearing provocative clothes even in front of mahram males and females.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.