Question:
I am a revert, 56 years of age and menopause. Is it fard to wear a hijab in my situation? If I wear a salwar-kameez, is it fard to wear a makna?
Answer:
Assalamu Alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh
Thank you for your question.
Great to know you found islam. May Allah bless you with the best.
The Islamic obligation is that it is mandatory for a Muslim woman to cover her nudeness in public, which includes her entire body leaving the face, hands and feet. The clothing must be loose and opaque. Covering the hair is required to meet the islamic apparel. Once these conditions are met, you are fulfilling the requirements of islamic apparel regardless of which cultural clothing you prefer.
Even if one is aged, a woman is required to be adhere to the islamic apparel unless it is in the presence of minor children or very old frail men who have no interest in sexuality of women, in whose presence a woman may expose her hair and arms. (Refer to Qur’an 24:31 and also Tafsir al Tabari)
And Allah knows best.
Answered by Shaykh Yusuf Badat
Hadith of the Day Imam
Imam of the Islamic Foundation of Toronto and Director of Mathabah Institute