What is the ruling on a woman who wears the hijab in an Arab country that forcibly prohibits it, causing her religious and social harm? And should she persevere despite the indirect harm to her family members?
A Muslim woman is not permitted to obey an order to remove her , because it is an act of disobedience [to Allah]. She must be patient, and "there is no obedience to a creature in defiance of the Creator." However, if the harm is severe and certain, or based on a strong probability, she may remove the hijab, while adhering to the utmost degree of modesty and not going out except for urgent necessity. Sheikh Ibn 'Uthaymeen was asked about the ruling on a Muslim woman removing her hijab if she is coerced, and he replied that there is no obedience to those in authority in this matter, and that obedience to those in authority is subordinate to obedience to Allah and His Messenger. They must endure the harm with patience, and a woman can stay in her home to be safe from this command.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Original fatwa ID
- 22995
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- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
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