I took off my Hijaab for a few moments, only due to administrative reasons. What is the religious ruling in this regard? What should I do so as to not be held accountable for that on the Day of Judgment?

All perfect praise be to Allaah, the Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

Allaah, the Exalted, enjoined Muslim women to observe Hijab. He says (what means): {O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allaah Forgiving and Merciful.} [Quran 33:59]

This verse underlines that it is incumbent on Muslim women to wear Hijab at all times and that it is impermissible for her to take off her Hijab and reveal her ‘Awrah (body parts that should be covered) and adornment before non-Mahram (permanently unmarriageable) men. Allaah, the Exalted, says (what means): {…and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof and to wrap [a portion of] their head covers over their chests and not expose their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands’ fathers…} [Quran 24:31]

The respectful questioner—may Allaah honor her and enhance her religiosity and keenness to adhere to Hijab—did not clarify the specific circumstances that drove her to take off her Hijab. Were these reasons compelling in a way that is considered as such by the Sharee'ah? If this was the case—and we hope it was—then such an act will be forgiven, Allaah willing, and she incurs no sin. Allaah, the Exalted, said (what means): {Whoever disbelieves in Allaah after his belief… except for one who is forced [to renounce his religion] while his heart is secure in faith…} [Quran 16:106]

Moreover, there is a scholarly rule that states, "Necessities render what is forbidden permissible, and necessities are to be addressed proportionately."

However, if there was no necessity for taking off Hijab, the questioner should turn to Allaah, the Exalted, in repentance and carry out as many righteous acts as possible. Allaah, the Exalted, says (what means): {Except for those who repent, believe and do righteous work. For them Allaah will replace their evil deeds with good.} [Quran 25:70]

Allaah Knows best.