What is the Sharee'ah ruling on a married woman's going out to visit her relatives, friends and acquaintances?

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.

It is permissible for a married woman to go out for visiting her relatives, friends and acquaintances, when the relevant Sharee'ah regulations are observed, including the following:

-        Wearing the Sharee'ah-approved Hijab. It is conditioned that the Hijab is not an adornment in itself, it should be thick, not see-trough, loose, neither scented nor perfumed. It should not resemble the non-Muslims' dress and not worn for fame or showing off.

-        None of those friends or relatives is expected to negatively affect her religiousness or honor.

-        There should be no intermixing with non-Mahram (marriageable) men during the visit.

-        She should get her husband's permission first. If he refuses, then she is not permitted to go out except to visit her parents. There is a difference in opinion among the scholars regarding the last case.

-        Her visit should not result in neglecting more important duties, such as doing house chores or taking care of her husband or children.

Allaah Knows best.