Strands of a woman’s hair becoming exposed during Salaah

[ummtaalib]

Q. What is the ruling if a few strands of a woman’s hair become exposed during Salaah?

 

A.  It is necessary to cover the Awrah for the validity of Salaah. The principle regarding exposure of a limb is that if a quarter of any limb from the Awrah unintentionally remains exposed for the duration of three Tasbeehs, the Salaah becomes invalid.

 

If a quarter of a limb is left uncovered intentionally, even for a moment, the Salaah becomes invalid.

 

If less than a quarter of the limb becomes uncovered, whether intentionally or unintentionally, regardless of the duration, the Salaah will be valid.

 

The head (including the hair on it) and the hair that hangs below the ears are considered separately. Therefore, if a few strands of hair are exposed, even for the duration of the entire Salaah, Salaah will be valid. (al Radd al Muhtar 1:409, al Binayah 2:127, Ahsanul Fatawa 3:402)

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

 

Mufti Muhammed Hamza Farooqui

Mufti Taahir Hansa

 

(The answer hereby given is specifically based on the question asked and should be read together with the question asked. Islamic rulings on this Q&A newsletter are answered in accordance to the Hanafi Fiqh unless otherwise stated.) 

 

 

Fatwa Department
Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) 
Council of Muslim Theologia