I know that color is not a condition of the hijab. However, if a person compliments a hijabi on her color/style of choice while she is wearing a simple and modest dress that meets all other conditions of hijab except that it is not black and perhaps it is a color that suits that person's skin colour, then does that mean that the hijab is an attractive one? Does she need to cover wearing the common color (black or dull colors), even in family get-togethers hosted at her home, particularly when she is part of a non-Arab community, like the Indian community, which does not consider wearing colors or traditional clothing like shalwar kameez etc. that is usually with designs and styles (as inappropriate), and most women around her are also wearing similar clothing? Please clarify. A personal answer would be appreciated. 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 is His slave and Messenger.

There is no doubt that a particular color is not required in the hijaab of a Muslim woman, but it should not be of a color that makes it an adornment in itself and attracts the attention of men towards looking at her, as perhaps she causes temptation to their hearts because of it.

The Permanent Committee of Iftaa’ was asked, “Is it permissible for a woman to go out wearing an adorned dress?”

The Committee replied, “It is not permissible for a woman to go out wearing an adorned dress that attracts attention because that incites men and causes them to be tempted in their religion, and this dress may expose her to harassment.” 

Hence, if this condition is met, (i.e. it is not an adornment in itself); then it does not harm if it is praised by some people for other considerations, and a woman is not obliged to wear black or dull colors.

If the family gathering which you mentioned includes the presence of non-Maham (marriageable) men, then she must abide by the hijaab with its conditions, but if she is in the presence of women like her, then the matter is flexible. Please note that you should be cautious of mixing and the like in family gatherings where non-Mahram men are present.

Allah knows best.