Question:

What are some proofs for the obligation of the women covering their hair and chest area?

Answer:

Some proof is in the Quran in [24:31] when Allah says: “and to draw their veils all over Juyubihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms, etc.).”

The Scholars say this means the Khimar (the head covering) which covers her hair and chest.

Ibn al-Arabi rahimahullah said: “It was reported in Bukhari from Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her):

عَنْ عَائِشَةَ ـ رضى الله عنها ـ قَالَتْ يَرْحَمُ اللَّهُ نِسَاءَ الْمُهَاجِرَاتِ الأُوَلَ، لَمَّا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ ‏{‏وَلْيَضْرِبْنَ بِخُمُرِهِنَّ عَلَى جُيُوبِهِنَّ‏}‏ شَقَّقْنَ مُرُوطَهُنَّ فَاخْتَمَرْنَ بِها

May Allah bestow His Mercy on the early emigrant women. When Allah revealed: “… and to draw their veils all over their Juyubihinna (i.e., their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)…” (V.24:31) they tore their Murat (woolen dresses or waist-binding clothes or aprons etc.) and covered their heads and faces with those torn Muruts”

[Bukhari no. 281]…[Then he said] “And this proves covering the neck and the chest with it [the head covering]”

[Ahkamul-Quran (6/65)]

Suyuti said about the verse [24:31]: “In it is evidence for the obligation of covering the bosom, upper chest, and neck and that it is from the Awrah”

[Ikleel if Istinbaat al-Tanzeel pg. 192]

Translated and Answered by

Faisal Ibn Abdul Qaadir Ibn Hassan
Abu Sulaymaan