How Do Women Balance Adornment and Modesty With Earrings?
Hanafi Fiqh
Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel
Question
Wearing jhumkas, a type of earrings, is a common practice in Indian society. I cover my head, including my ears. Can I take out my simple earrings or small jhumkas from under the head covering, or can I wear them over my head scarf if my ears are properly covered?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
I hope you are in good health and faith. Thank you for your question.
You are allowed to wear them in public, but keep them covered under your hijab, unless you attend a female-only gathering or event, in which case you will be allowed to reveal them.
One has to remember a few points:
- One wears what is customarily worn in one’s land amongst religious people;
- Does not attract undue attention;
- Adorn oneself, but not make a purposeful display;
- Conceal one’s jewelry as much as possible when the opposite gender is around.
There will be times when women go out, and an unintended display of jewelry, etc., may occur. It will come into the view of others, so as long as it’s not a purposeful and worn-looking display of other norms and customs of religious people, then it is fine.
The scholars have stated that there is no problem with this since this unintended display comes under the provision of the verse: “And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their chastity, and not to reveal their adornments except what normally appears.” [Quran, 24:31] [See: Ibn ‘Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar]
I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. Insha’Allah, you will receive guidance and direction.
Related: What Kind of Jewelry Can a Woman Wear in Public?
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I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Mawlana Ilyas Patel has received a traditional education in various countries. He started his schooling in the UK and completed his hifz of the Quran in India. After that, he joined an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied secular and Aalimiyya sciences. Later, he traveled to Karachi, Pakistan, and other Middle Eastern countries to further his education. Mawlana has served as an Imam in the Republic of Ireland for several years and taught the Quran and other Islamic sciences to both children and adults. He also worked as a teacher and librarian at a local Islamic seminary in the UK for 12 years. Presently, he lives in the UK with his wife and is interested in books and gardening.
