Hidden Except Face and Two Hands

“Aisha (radi Allahu anha) reported that Asmaa the daughter of Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhuma) entered into the presence of Allah’s Messenger (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam), wearing thin transparent clothing, so the Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) turned away from her saying: ‘O Asmaa, if a woman reaches the age of menstruation, it is not allowed that any of her should be seen except this – and he pointed to his face and two hands.” [Al-Qurtubi’s Jaami fi Ahkaamil Quraan; Al-Bayhaqi]

This hadith tells us clearly that it is not lawful for women to wear thin, transparent clothes through which their body is visible. Nothing of a woman should show except her face and two hands. This, the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said to Asma bint Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anha), who was his wife’s sister.

Muslims who observe the Islamic dress code and code of conduct experience Allah’s mercy in their lives. As a person who moves out of the hot sun into the shade of a tree cannot help but experience its coolness; he/she who observes Allah’s guidelines cannot help but feel the tranquility and peace it brings to their life.

Regrettably, modest Islamic dress, which serves as protection for the woman who adopts it and which preserves the health of every family in society, is viewed today as a mark of oppression and extremism, while discarding it is viewed as a sign of progress.

To eat is a need. But if you eat wood, it won’t fulfill the nutritional requirements of your body. Similarly, Hidayah – guidance, is a need. Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) gave us guidance in the form of Wahy (the Quran and Sunnah). If we follow anything besides Allah’s advice in spending our lives, our souls will remain starved and frustration, agitation, and emptiness will mark our lives. “Guidance” from any other source will not benefit us - just as eating wood won’t nourish us.