Is it permissible for women to enter public bathhouses (Hammam)?

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It is impermissible for women to enter public bathhouses without a valid excuse, even if they observe proper covering (* ستر*). Permissible excuses include menstruation (*hayd*), post-natal bleeding (*nifas*), illness, or the necessity of performing the ritual bath (*ghusl*) when it cannot be done at home due to difficulty or fear of harm or illness. If entering is permitted due to a valid excuse, the woman must lower her gaze and cover her private parts (*awra*). The prohibition is based on the report that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said: "The lands of the non-Arabs will be opened to you, and you will find public bathhouses in them. So prevent your women from entering them, except for a menstruating woman or one experiencing post-natal bleeding."