Tuesday 9 Ramadan 1445 - 19 March 2024
English

Does a Muslim woman have to cover her face in the presence of a gay man?

Question

Is it obligatory for a Muslim woman to cover her face in the presence of a gay man (homosexual)?.

Answer

Praise be to Allah.

Homosexuality is a great and abhorrent evil which is off-putting to those of sound human nature. One of those of sound nature said: Were it not that Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, told us the story of the people of Loot in the Qur’aan, I would never have thought that a male could be intimate with another male. Hence both the one who does it and the one to whom it is done to be executed. This has been discussed previously in the answer to question no. 27176

Secondly:

It is not permissible for anyone to accuse another person of doing the action of the people of Loot unless that is proven with acceptable shar‘i evidence, such as a confession or if the action is witnessed by four witnesses of sound character. If a person transgresses against another by accusing him of this immoral action, which is a slur against his honour, and he has no proof, then he is making a false accusation and deserves the appropriate deterrent punishment. The obligatory hadd punishment in this case is eighty lashes. Allah, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And those who accuse chaste women, and produce not four witnesses, flog them with eighty stripes, and reject their testimony forever. They indeed are the Fâsiqûn (liars, rebellious, disobedient to Allaah”

[an-Noor 24:4]. 

Thirdly:

The Muslim woman is required to cover herself, including her face and hands, in front of non-mahram men. If it is known that a man is an immoral evildoer, then covering herself in front of him is even more emphasised. 

The Muslim woman should be more cautious with regard to this evildoer than others, and should take care to ensure that there is no meeting or conversation between them. 

For more information please see the answers to questions no. 11774, 21536 and 6991

And Allah knows best.

Was this answer helpful?

Source: Islam Q&A