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Do older women still need to wear hijab?

By Creator · · 1 min read

It depends, and the Quran gives older women real relief. Women past childbearing age who no longer expect to marry may set aside their outer garments, as long as they don't display adornment. Most scholars still expect the basic covering of hair and body, and the Quran adds that staying modest is better for them.

The verse

وَٱلْقَوَٰعِدُ مِنَ ٱلنِّسَآءِ ٱلَّـٰتِى لَا يَرْجُونَ نِكَاحًا فَلَيْسَ عَلَيْهِنَّ جُنَاحٌ أَن يَضَعْنَ ثِيَابَهُنَّ غَيْرَ مُتَبَرِّجَـٰتٍۭ بِزِينَةٍ ۖ وَأَن يَسْتَعْفِفْنَ خَيْرٌ لَّهُنَّ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ "And women of post-menstrual age who have no desire for marriage - there is no blame upon them for putting aside their outer garments [but] not displaying adornment. But to modestly refrain [from that] is better for them. And Allāh is Hearing and Knowing." Quran 24:60

What the relief means

Scholars explain that "outer garments" here means the extra layer worn over normal clothes, like a cloak or jilbab, or for some, the face veil. An older woman may go out in her ordinary modest clothes without the extra layer, and many scholars allow her to be more relaxed about her face and hands. It's a mercy that recognizes that the reasons behind hijab apply less strongly with age.

What still applies

The verse adds a condition: "not displaying adornment." So the relief isn't a license to dress immodestly or to show off jewelry and makeup. Most scholars say the hair and body are still covered in front of non-mahram men, while the strictness of the outer layer is eased. And the verse ends by saying that modesty "is better for them," so many older women keep their hijab as before, and are rewarded for it.

Converting later in life

Many women embrace Islam in their fifties, sixties or later, after a lifetime of uncovered hair. Starting hijab can feel strange at that age, and family may react strongly. Take it gently. Begin with modest clothing and covering for prayer, and grow from there. Allah knows your situation: "Allah does not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity" (Quran 2:286). See Do I have to wear hijab right away after becoming Muslim? and How do I tell my family I'm going to wear hijab?

Key points
  • Quran 24:60 eases the rules for older women.
  • They may set aside the outer layer.
  • Displaying adornment is still not allowed.
  • Staying modest is described as better.
Tip: Older sisters often find a soft, simple slip-on scarf most comfortable. Choose what's easy, so wearing it never feels like a struggle.

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