Title: Ghusl for Women Question: My mother told me to cover my private parts while taking a shower, i.e. not to take a shower completely nude, otherwise the angel's curses will be upon me and my virtuous deeds will not be counted for 40 days. My question to you is: can women bathe completely nude or do they have to cover as described above? If so, is there any hadith to support such claim? Answer: Please understand that I say this with complete respect towards you and your mother, however, there is no basis whatsoever for your mother's understanding. Islam promotes healthy hygiene and a common sense approach to life. Angels do not bother with people taking showers. As a matter of fact the very act of cleansing oneself is to undress to clean the various areas that have been covered all day. The Prophet took baths and did not differentiate between how men and women should take them. I am unaware of any Hadith that supports your mother's claim. Actually, I would like to mention that this suggestion, of keeping parts covered when bathing, is counterintuitive to Islamic teachings. Lastly, I recommend that you bathe in the nude so that you may wash every part of yourself thoroughly without hindrance. I hope I have clarified the issue. God knows best. Ronnie Hassan May 14, 2004