Head Covering For Women I was reading your answer about the query regarding head covering dated Dec. 22, 1998 , in which you wrote: In view of the above I do not think (anyone may, obviously, differ with me) that a "hat/tam/whatever" can be used as a substitute for "Khima'r". In view of your opinion,. I was wondering how one can cover her neck and ears with hat as we know from one of the hadees that Prohet P.B.U.H clearly pointed out the out line of face which can be left uncovered including forehead, ear and chin. I cannot quote the exact words of hadees but that's what I remember. I'll appreciate your comments. Masood. Reply To remove any misunderstandings I would like to reiterate that the directive of the Shari`ah in the referred issue is what I have tried to explain in the following words in my referred response: As a Muslim woman, one should wear the Khima'r (a piece of cloth used as head covering, which is long and wide enough to be spread on the bosom when the time so requires). The style in which such khima'r is worn may differ from that which has been adopted by the Arabs or other eastern nations. In my opinion, my work is restricted to explaining to the directives of the Shari`ah alone. There may be difference in the application of a particular directive of the Shari`ah , varying from person to person. I therefore do not like to give categorical statements regarding the correctness or otherwise of a person's practical application of a particular directive of the Shari`ah , unless such application is based on an obvious misinterpretation of the particular directive. Now, as I have stated in the lines that you have quoted: 'In view of the above I do not think that a "hat/tam/whatever" can be used as a substitute for "Khima'r"', it is my opinion, which obviously entails a chance of being wrong, that due to a number of reasons (one of which you yourself have stated with reference to narrative ascribed to the Prophet), a hat/tam etc. does not, normally, substitute a " Khima'r ". But obviously, if a clothes designer can come up with a design of a hat/tam etc that can closely substitute the khima'r (a piece of cloth used as head covering, which is long and wide enough to be spread on the bosom when the time so requires), no body would have the right to raise objections against it. I hope this helps. In case any aspect of my answer remains unclear, please feel free to write back to me at your convenience. Regards The Learner