Can I Buy Clothing for My Mother Who Leaves Her Forearms Visible?

Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Question

Sometimes my mother leaves her forearms showing when outside in public, although she normally covers them. If she raised her hands slightly, part of her forearm shows. Would it be permissible for me to buy an abaya for my mother, knowing that the same thing would happen?

Answer

Yes, it is permissible for you to buy her the abaya or other clothing, even if she ends up showing her forearms. Do so with the intention of aiding her in doing the good.

Try to have a discreet and delicate word with your mother about her showing her forearms. Tell her it’s part of her ‘awra that must be covered. [Maydani, Lubab]

Remind her of the great promises of rewards from Allah for those who obey: “…and give good news to the Believers that for them is a great bounty from Allah.” [Quran, 33:47] [Maydani, Lubab]

If she resists, be polite and try to give the occasional gentle reminder. Perhaps she will be inspired to be more careful.

May Allah grant you the best of both worlds.

[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History he moved to Damascus in 2007 where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital and he was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.