Dar al-Ifta of Egypt clarified that a woman covering her hair during prayer is a religious obligation that cannot be waived, whether she is in the presence of others or praying alone at home.

It confirmed that exposing the hair during prayer, while being able to cover it, affects the validity of the prayer according to the majority of jurists.

Does the ruling differ in seclusion?

There is no difference between praying in front of people or in a place where no one can see her. Covering the ‘awrah is a condition for the validity of prayer in all cases, because the servant stands before Allah.

Evidence for the obligation of covering the ‘awrah

Dar al-Ifta relied on the verse:

﴿O children of Adam, take your adornment at every place of worship﴾

Scholars interpreted this verse as a command to properly cover oneself during prayer.

Must the prayer be repeated?

Dar al-Ifta explained that if a woman prays with her hair uncovered, she must repeat the prayer if its time has not yet ended.

Detailed ruling

• If the time is still valid: the prayer must be repeated
• If the time has ended: no repetition is required, according to the Maliki school
  
  
  
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Juristic opinions

The Hanafi, Shafi‘i, and Hanbali schools agreed that a woman’s hair is part of her ‘awrah that must be covered in prayer, and uncovering it invalidates the prayer.

Maliki view

The Malikis hold that repetition is only required if the prayer time has not ended; after its end, repetition is not required.

Why must the hair be covered in prayer?

Because covering the ‘awrah is a condition for the validity of prayer, and a woman’s hair is considered ‘awrah by consensus of jurists.

Summary of the ruling

A woman must cover her hair during prayer in all circumstances, and praying without doing so is invalid according to the majority of scholars, and must be repeated if the prayer time is still ongoing.

FAQ

Is it permissible for a woman to pray without hijab at home?
No, she must cover her hair even in private.

Is a woman’s prayer valid with her hair uncovered?
No, according to the majority of jurists.

Must the prayer be repeated?
Yes, if the prayer time has not ended.

Is there a more lenient opinion?
The Maliki school does not require repetition after the time has ended.

Why is covering the hair required?
Because it is part of the ‘awrah, and covering the ‘awrah is a condition for valid prayer.