What parts of the body may a woman expose when she reaches puberty?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Marriage
Primary text
When a woman reaches puberty, it is not permissible for her to expose anything other than her face and what is below that specified area. This is derived from the narration of Aisha where the Prophet PBUH turned away upon seeing the daughter of her brother from Muzaynah, and when informed that she was a young girl, he stated: "When a woman reaches maturity (*'arakat*), it is not permissible for her to reveal except her face and what is below this," indicating a measure on his arm extending from his grip to the end of his hand, roughly the size of a fist or similar span beyond that.
Supporting text
The narration concerning Asma, where the Prophet indicated that when she reached menstruation, only her face and hands should be visible, is used by Imam Ahmad as evidence that a greater allowance might exist for those who have not yet reached that stage.