Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Must I wear hijab while eating alone? Must I observe hijab while in the house alone?
Walaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,
Wearing hijab when alone is neither obligatory nor a specific recommendation, except when one has reasons to fear unrelated men entering upon one suddenly.
It is, however, a general proper manner (adab) when reasonably possible, as an expression of one’s modesty and dignity before Allah. In the same way, it is a proper manner for men to have their head covered at home as well.
This is understood from the words of the Beautiful Beloved Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him, his family, companions, and followers),
“Allah is most deserving of one’s sense of modesty than people are.” [Bukhari and others]
This modesty (haya’) is an inward trait that each believer, male or female, should strive to cultivate. The proper manners of the Shariah are means that Allah and His Beloved Messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) has shown us towards becoming realized in these inward perfections that are the means to the realization of our slavehood, love, and thankfulness to Allah.
And Allah alone gives success.
Wassalam,
Faraz Rabbani