The Egyptian Dar al-Ifta confirmed that wearing socks during prayer is not obligatory for women unless there is fear of being seen by a non-mahram, aiming to maintain modesty and avoid temptation.
Regarding hijab, Grand Mufti Dr. Shawky Allam stated that a woman’s prayer is not accepted unless she covers her ‘awrah, citing Aisha (RA) who reported the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Allah does not accept the prayer of a menstruating woman except with a khimar.”
On the matter of uncovered feet during prayer, Sheikh Ahmed Wissam, Fatwa Secretary, explained that according to the Hanafi school, a woman’s feet are not considered part of the ‘awrah, and revealing them does not affect the validity of the prayer.
Sheikh Ahmed Mamdouh, Director of the Research Department, added that women may pray in public areas such as gardens in front of men if no private place is available, provided modesty is observed. If no cover exists, praying in front of people is permissible, using natural cover like a tree or wall if possible.
Mamdouh highlighted that women during the Prophet’s time prayed in the same places as men during Eid, staying behind them and not mixing, demonstrating the permissibility of public prayer when necessary while maintaining modesty.
