Further explanation of the ruling which says that it is permissible for kaafir women to see Muslim women without hijaab

Your
keenness to be modest in dress in front of kaafir women is something to be
commended and appreciated, especially at a time when there is so little
modesty and gheerah (protective jealousy – of men over their womenfolk) is
so weak. 

With regard
to the issue of kaafir women seeing what ordinarily appears of the Muslim
woman, this is an issue concerning which the Muslim scholars of the past and
present have differed. Under Question no. 2198
you will find a summary of what the scholars have said and the evidence for
each opinion. You will notice that those who say that it is permissible for
a kaafir woman to see a Muslim woman without hijaab have more than one piece
of evidence to support their view. 

But it is
worth pointing out the following: 

1 – If a
Muslim woman has saheeh evidence concerning some matter of sharee’ah, and
the evidence is clear and the meaning is apparent, then she should follow
it; it is not essential to have two or more pieces of evidence for every
issue. 

2 – If the
kaafir woman is not trustworthy and there is the fear that she may describe
the Muslim woman to her husband or say something that will harm her honour,
then the Muslim woman has to beware of her by wearing hijaab, not mixing
with her and so on. 

3 – The view
that Muslim women should wear hijaab in front of kaafir women is a valid
opinion and is correct to some extent. Many of the salaf (first generations
of Islam) expressed this view. So if a Muslim woman wants to be on the safe
side regarding her religion and follow this opinion, she may do that. It is
hoped that her caution and her keenness to avoid something doubtful will
bring good results. But she should not denounce those who differ from her in
that, so long as the matter is subject to ijtihaad and differences of
scholarly opinion, especially when there is no fear of fitnah from the
kaafir women. 

4 – Women
should not go too far in uncovering in front of their mahrams or Muslim
women, let alone in front of kaafir women. Rather they should not show any
more than that which ordinarily appears, namely the hands, calves, neck and
hair. Modesty is a branch of faith. You will find more details and further
explanation under Question no. 6596. And Allaah
knows best. 

May Allaah
bless our Prophet Muhammad.