Is a woman required to wear the niqab all day long inside her home if non-mahram men live with her, or is it sufficient for her to wear it only when she goes out?
The obligation for a woman to wear hijab in front of non-mahrams is confirmed when there is a risk of fitna (temptation) and when a large extended family gathers in one house, as this can lead to the breaking down of the barrier of modesty and the coveting of souls. The husband's brother, the sister's husband, and paternal and maternal cousins are not mahrams, and it is not permissible for a woman to uncover her face or adornments in front of them. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, warned against entering upon women and clarified that the brother-in-law (or male in-law in general) is like death, and that no man should be alone with a woman unless there is a mahram with her, because Satan is the third of them. Those who have become accustomed to the contrary should strive against themselves and change this habit. It is obligatory for the husband to provide a separate residence for his wife if she requests it, because forcing her to live with his family may lead to her uncovering herself in front of non-mahrams and violating Islamic law.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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