1) Should cover all the body:
EVIDENCE: Allah says (interpretation of the meaning) “O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (33:59)
ADDITIONAL NOTES: This covering must be a long garment which flows and does not display the shape of the body (more on this later). Hence it excludes Jeans, Bottoms, Cargo pants, Hoodies and the like.
2) Shouldn't be beautified:
EVIDENCE: Allah says (interpretation of the meaning) “And not to show off their adornment.” [al-Nur 24:31] The general meaning of this phrase includes the outer garment, because if it is decorated it will attract men’s attention to her. This is supported by the verse in Surat al-Ahzab (interpretation of the meaning) “And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance.” [al-Ahzab 33:33].
ADDITIONAL NOTES: Therefore there should be nothing which attracts additional attention. For example makeup, glitter, sparkles, or even extra-ordinary colours such as neon pink or green.
3) Shouldn't be see-through:
EVIDENCE: In explanation of the famous 'clothed but naked hadith', Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr said: “What the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) meant was women who wear clothes made of light fabric which describes and does not cover. They are clothed in name but naked in reality.” (Transmitted by al-Suyuti in Tanwir al-Hawalik, 3/103).
The Hadith in full for reference:
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “During the last days of my ummah, there will be women who are clothed but naked... Curse them, for they are cursed. (Sahih Muslim 2128
ADDITIONAL NOTES: Avoid thin or transparent fabrics. Test your garments under sunlight or flash to check. Layer if needed.
4) Shouldn't be tight fitting:
EVIDENCE: Usamah ibn Zayd said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) gave me a thick Egyptian garment that was one of the gifts given to him by Dihyah al-Kalbi, and I gave it to my wife to wear. He said, Why do I not see you wearing that Egyptian garment? I said, I gave it to my wife to wear. He said, Tell her to wear a gown underneath it, for I am afraid that it may describe the size of her bones.” (Narrated by al-Diya al-Maqdisi in al-Ahadith al-Mukhtarah)
ADDITIONAL NOTES: It should not outline the shape of the body. Abayas or jilbabs that are wide cut are best.
5) Shouldn't be perfumed:
EVIDENCE: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: Any woman who puts on perfume then passes by people so that they can smell her fragrance, is an adulteress. (Sunan an-Nasa'i 5126)
ADDITIONAL NOTES: Women’s fragrance may cause the gaze of the man to follow the beautiful scent - hence The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) calling such a woman an adulteress (as she causes zina of the eyes - and perhaps zina of the private parts to follow from that initial glare/temptation). The scholars also included other things under this heading of things to be avoided by women, such as beautiful clothes, jewellery that can be seen, excessive adornments and mingling with men. (Fath al-Bari, 2/279)
6) Shouldn't resemble men:
EVIDENCE: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) cursed the man who wears women’s clothes, and the woman who wears men’s clothes. He also said "They are not part of us, the women who imitate men and the men who imitate women." (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2784)
ADDITIONAL NOTES: These hadiths clearly indicate that it is forbidden for women to imitate men and vice versa. And this imitation is general and clothing falls into it.
It is known that trousers, hoodies, jeans and the like are designed and fashioned for men. Even in the lands of the kuffar, women wore dresses and long flowing garments until only the last 30-40 years or so - where shaytaan infiltrated and ideologies such as feminism became widespread, making the man like the woman and the woman like the man.
7) Shouldn't resemble kuffar:
EVIDENCE: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said "Whoever imitates a people is one of them." (Abu Dawood 4031) and he ordered us to "“Be different from the Jews and Christians. (Al-Bukhari & Muslim)
ADDITIONAL NOTES: This means avoiding styles that clearly copy trends from non-Muslim or immodest cultures. For example, slogan tops with rebellious or inappropriate messages, gothic or punk looks with skulls and dark symbols, festival-style outfits meant for concerts or clubbing, or celebrity-inspired fashion that pushes fame and immodesty. Also avoid adopting workplace styles designed for freemixing environments - like fitted shirts, blazers with tight trousers, pencil skirts, or high heels that draw unnecessary attention.
8) Should have Ikhlas
EVIDENCE: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said “Whoever wears a garment of fame and vanity in this world, Allah will clothe him in a garment of humiliation on the Day of Resurrection, then He will cause Fire to flame up around him.” (Hijab al-Marah al-Muslimah, p. 54-67)
ADDITIONAL NOTES: Remember hijab is an act of worship and sincerity (ikhlās) is a condition for it to be accepted by Allah. Wear it to please Him alone, not for compliments, social media likes, or to stand out as “better” than others. Do not feel arrogant if you wear correct hijab - stay humble and never look down on sisters who are still struggling. Beauty and reward are with Allah, not with people’s praise.