Is it permissible for a woman to adorn herself for other women by wearing makeup, styling her hair, and revealing parts of her body at parties and weddings, and what is the ruling on those who believe in the obligation of covering the head, neck, and chest on these occasions?
The ʿawrah (intimate parts) of a Muslim woman in front of other Muslim women is the area between the navel and the knee, provided that there is no fear of fitnah (temptation/strife) and no photography. Otherwise, complete legal covering (satr sharʿī kamil) becomes obligatory. It is important to differentiate between the legal ruling (ḥukm sharʿī) and the proper etiquette (adab sharʿī). Etiquette necessitates modesty and covering even more than just the ʿawrah to safeguard one's dignity, and modesty (ḥayāʾ) is the fundamental principle. A woman is permitted to adorn herself in front of other women in a manner that does not contradict modesty. The restriction on a woman uncovering anything other than her ʿawrah in front of other women is contingent on there being no fear of fitnah and no men observing. The Prophet's ﷺ saying, "clothed yet naked," has been interpreted in several ways, including: clothed with Allah's blessings but naked of gratitude for them; or covering part of her body while revealing another part; or wearing a thin garment that reveals the color of her skin.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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