Assalaamu alaykum. As we have seen, many ladies in Western countries were the hijab without the niqab and put on makeup and go outside with that makeup on while wearing fancy abayas. I want to know whether this is allowed according to Islam. Also, whenever anyone tells them that wearing these types of clothes is not permissible in Islam, these women say that no one should judge them as they have to answer to Allaah only, and not to anyone else. I would like to know the ruling of Islam on this. Thank you!

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

There are conditions that must be met in the Muslim woman's clothes for them to be approved by the Sharia and permissible to be worn outdoors. Please refer to fatwas 83702 and 83033 to learn about these conditions.

As for the niqaab, the scholars held different views regarding the ruling on covering the woman's face. The preponderant view adopted at Islamweb is that it is obligatory on the Muslim woman to cover her face. However, if a woman believes that the scholarly view that the niqaab is recommended is preponderant or consults a trusted scholar and he issues her a fatwa to this effect, then she may follow this scholarly view, and there is no harm on her in that.

As for wearing makeup outdoors, in such a way that non-Mahram (marriageable) men see her, we believe that it is impermissible. Allah, The Exalted, says (what means): {And women of post-menstrual age who have no desire for marriage - there is no blame upon them for putting aside their outer garments (but) not displaying adornment. But to modestly refrain (from that) is better for them. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.} [Quran 24:60] At-Taahir ibn ‘Aashoor commented on the verse saying, "The phrase 'displaying adornments' in the verse is a reference to whatever the woman wears or uses to beautify herself on the outside, such as makeup and unusual colors." This is the religious ruling applicable to the women of post-menstrual age who have no desire for marriage; so it is forbidden for other women with greater reason.

Whoever commits any of these evils should be kindly and wisely advised out of compassion for her and keenness on saving her from bearing a sin. When the advice is offered in kindness, it is more likely to be accepted and yield its fruits. The recipient of the advice should graciously accept it and not be of those who dislike sincere advice. For more benefit, please refer to fatwa 13288.

Allah knows best.