Does an insane woman have to wear hijaab?

Q: Does an insane woman (e.g. a woman with downs syndrome) have to wear hijaab in front of non-mahram men? And also, are non-mahram men permitted to see her hair?

A:

1. We have not come across any clear mas'lah in this regard. However, caution demands that some degree of purda be exercised.

2. No, it is not permissible. Hair is part of the satar of a woman. It has to be covered and concealed from all non-mahram men.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)