Is It Permissible to Wear a Necklace over One’s Hijab?
Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad
Question
Is it permissible for women to wear necklaces over their hijab, considering the Quran’s mention of “except what ordinarily appears”?
Answer
Thank you for your question. Necklaces do not count as what normally appears, but the type of necklace is also a factor.
Quranic Injunction
Allah commands the believing women in the Quran,
“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]
Scholars interpret “except what ordinarily appears” in various ways. Some have said “what normally appears“ means kohl and a ring. [Tahawi, Ibn Jarir] Others have said that it means the face and hands [Bayhaqi], and others have included dyed hands (henna) in this and a bracelet or bangle [Tafsir Abdur-Razzaq]. Some have mentioned that the ring must not have a stone or gem. [Suyuti, Ibn al-Mundhir]
Necklace
I have not seen a necklace mentioned in any of the tafsirs above, and my understanding is that it is a part of Zeena (adornment). It should be kept hidden and only shown in the company of mahrams and women. When in doubt, err on the side of caution.
‘Urf
In terms of ‘urf (customs of the land), if wearing a necklace over the hijab draws undue attention or contradicts societal standards of modesty, it would be impermissible. However, if it is simple and doesn’t compromise the goal of modesty at all, some scholars permit it. Displaying necklaces over the hijab might be seen as modest in some places, while in others, it might not. Local customs are considered in understanding how to uphold modesty.
Please see more details here:
- What Kind of Jewelry Can a Woman Wear in Public?
- Common Understanding and Practice (Urf)
- What Are the Sources of Islamic Legislation and Their Interconnection?
- Is Using a Ta’wiz (Amulet) Permissible?
May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.
[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied ‘aqida, fiqh, tajweed, tafsir, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Masters in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She later moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.
