Question Summary
Is it permissible to wear such a garment in prayer that a woman’s arms can be seen if one looks from below? Is it permissible if some of the arms are exposed during the prayer?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate
If your long hijab covers the entirety of your arms such that no skin is visible (excluding the hands and face), the prayer is valid, even if someone could see had they looked from underneath the hijab. [Tahtawi,Shurunbulali; Hashiyat Maraqi al-Falah]
However, if 1/4 of any limb obligatory to cover during the prayer is exposed for the extent of one integral action of the prayer (equivalent to saying SubhanAllah 3 times), the prayer is broken. [Tahtawi,Shurunbulali; Hashiyat Maraqi al-Falah]
If one’s skin was exposed but not for the abovementioned length of time or the exposure was less than 1/4th of the limb – the prayer is valid.
[Tahtawi,Shurunbulali; Hashiyat Maraqi al-Falah]
Prayer is Communion With Allah Most High
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “When any one of you is in prayer, they are in communion with their Lord.” [Ahmad]
The prayer is something we should approach with complete reverence, perceiving ourselves in communion with Allah, our Creator. For this reason, we should dress in a manner of humility and reverence.
If we were to stand before a judge or a respected person, we would be very selective of what we wear. Allah Most High is most deserving of our reverence.
Recommended Dress For A Woman in Prayer
It is recommended for a woman to pray in the following three garments:
(1) A gown (Qamis)- a garment that covers from the shoulders to the feet
(2) A head cover (Khimar) – a garment that covers the hair, neck, and top of the shoulders
(3) Pants (Sarawil) – a garment that covers from the waist to the feet
[Tahtawi,Shurunbulali; Hashiyat Maraqi al-Falah]
Advice
If you find it difficult to wear the aforementioned clothing, you can purchase a garment specifically made for prayer, covering the body from the head to the feet. Such garments are available by many Islamic vendors.
Hope this helps
Allah knows best
[Shaykh] Yusuf Weltch
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani