Am I Sinful for Going Outside in a Niqab If Non-Mahrams Compliment and Must I Cover My Eyes?

Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Question

Am I sinful for going outside in a niqab if non-mahrams compliment or show interest in me, and must I cover my eyes if they attract attention? Should I respond or ignore them?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate. May Allah alleviate our difficulties and guide us to what pleases Him. Amin.

You are not sinful for going outside in a niqab if non-mahrams notice you or even express interest. On the contrary, you will, in sha’ Allah, be rewarded for donning the niqab, as it is a means of fulfilling a praiseworthy Sunna (and, according to some scholars, a fard). The actions of others do not diminish your reward unless you deliberately seek or encourage such attention.

To the men, Allah Most High, says: “˹O Prophet!˺ Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their chastity. That is purer for them. Surely Allah is All-Aware of what they do.” [Quran, 24:31]

And Allah Most High says to the believing women, “Tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their modesty, and not to display their beauty except what is apparent of it…” [Quran, 24:31]

These verses remind us that the believer’s responsibility is to guard himself/herself and act modestly. The gaze and conduct of others remain their own moral responsibility.

Covering the Eyes

If your eyes naturally attract attention, you are not required to cover them unless you intend to entice or allure. The niqab itself is already a powerful means of modesty, and covering the eyes is not generally required unless fitna (temptation) is deliberately caused. As for the ruling on wearing the niqab, we have covered those details here.

Responding to Comments

The safest approach to responding to comments or compliments from non-mahrams is to ignore them completely. Engaging in any activity could lead to unwanted interaction and possible harm. Maintaining silence to preserve dignity would be more protective and appreciated.

Practical Guidance

• Continue wearing your niqab, knowing your intention is for Allah.
• Lower your gaze and carry yourself with dignity.
• Ignore inappropriate remarks or interest from non-mahrams.
• Strengthen your resolve through dhikr and dua, asking Allah for steadfastness.

In summary, you are not sinful for others’ reactions. Your wearing of the niqab is an act of devotion, in sha Allah, and their responsibility lies with them, not you.

I pray this is of benefit and that Allah guides us all.

[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.

Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.

He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.

Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town. He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.