Are Forearms Part of a Woman’s Awrah?
Question
Assalamualaikum..if a woman wears a dress that covers her properly except forearm..is it permissible?..is it mandatory to wear burkha?
Islamic Ruling & Answer
Walekumussalam,
(1) A woman must cover her whole body in front of non-mahram men. According to the majority of scholars, the forearms are also part of ‘awrah, so leaving them uncovered is not permissible.
References :
وَلَا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا (النور: 31)
“Let them not display their beauty except what is apparent.”
يُدْنِينَ عَلَيْهِنَّ مِنْ جَلَابِيبِهِنَّ (الأحزاب: 59)
“Let them draw their outer garments over themselves.”
(2) Wearing a burkha itself is not specifically mandatory, but wearing loose and modest clothing that fully covers the body is obligatory. If the forearms are exposed, they should be covered.
Answered by
Daurah-e-Hadith (Fazil), Darul Uloom Deoband · Specialization in Fiqh & Ifta (Grade A), Jamea Tul Hidaya, Jaipur
June 18, 2026
Researched & verified under our editorial & answer-review policy.
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