Is it necessary for a female to cover her hair in her home, when reciting the Qur'aan and when eating?

Answer

The following rules apply: (1) It is permissible for women to expose their hair in the privacy of the home if there are no ghair mahrams and even non-Muslim maids/women around them. Although it is not sinful for women to leave their heads uncovered in privacy, the Angels of Rahmat do not frequent a home where the women habitually expose their hair. This is mentioned in the Hadith. Thus, it is preferable to keep the hair always covered.

(2) Whilst the Malaaikah are averse to women who expose their hair, the evil jinn are attracted by such women. The women therefore open themselves up for satanic manipulation by the evil jinn.

(3) Whilst reciting the Qur'aan Majeed it is Islamic etiquette which is based on the Sunnah to have the hair covered. This applies to both men and women. The same is the ruling when eating. Covering the head applies to both men and women when eating and when entering the toilet.

All Islamic rules, even its etiquettes are based on the Sunnah.