"IN THIS CATEGORY OF HIJAAB, besides the face and palms of the hands, the entire body has to be
concealed. Permission is granted to set aside the jilbaab and emerge from the home unveiled. This
degree of Purdah or Hijaab applies to only elderly women beyond the age of marriage. Granting these
concessions, the Qur’aan Shareef says:
"Old women who have no longer hope of marriage (being beyond the age of marriage) - there is no
sin on them if they put aside their (excess)garments (i.e. their jilbaabs) without exhibiting their
zeenat (their bodies besides their faces and hands). And, if they refrain (from this concession), it
is best for them". -(Surah Noor, aayat 60)
It is clear from this Qur’aanic aayat that although a concession is granted for elderly ladies, it is best and
Mustahab for them to retain the second category of Hijaab when they emerge. They too like young
women should preferably don the jilbaab when they have to leave the home confines. However, it is
permissible for them to set aside the jilbaab and leave the face open provided that they do not adorn
themselves when they have to emerge from their homes. All other restrictions applicable to young
women apply to them as well. They too are not allowed to emerge unnecessarily, with perfume and with
finery decorated in the styles of the kuffaar and jaahiliyyah.
The foregoing discussion has explained the Islamic categories of Hijaab. Some rules of’ the Shariah in
relation to Hijaab will now be mentioned. These rules will adequately convey Islam’s emphasis on the
concealment of women."