Question
I would like to know what defines transparent according to Shariah. With regard to the burqa I wear for Salaah:
If I put one layer in front of me I can see through it however (the colour of my skin is not visible) when it is on my head the layer that falls in the back makes it dark. So one is unable to see through. If I wear it and stand in front of the mirror, I am unable to see anything through.
If the hand is placed under the burqa, nothing is visible but if the fabric is held up in the light and the hand is put behind the fabric the hand is visible, but not the colour of the skin. When the Burqa is worn nothing is visible but if you go in the sun you can see through slightly.
Is it permissible to wear such a Burqah for Salaah?
Answer
The Burqah must be so dark that one is unable to discern or describe anything that is beneath the Burqah. Not being able to see the colour/complexion of the skin will not suffice.
Checked and Approved By:
Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B.
References
اذا كان الثوب يصف ما تحته لا يحصل به ستر العورة
(منيه ص ۷۹ وشرح التنوير ص ٤٢٥ ج ١)