Awrah of a woman – is a term commonly used in Islamic teachings to refer to body parts that both men and women should cover. It holds significant importance in the context of modesty and personal privacy.
This article explores the concept of Awrah, focusing mainly on its meaning, interpretation, and cultural variations.
Additionally, it will discuss the relationship between Awrah and the dress code for women, examining the diverse opinions and regional differences surrounding this topic.
What is the Awrah of a woman in Islam?
The Awrah of a woman in Islam is – Her whole body is an Awrah in front of non-mahram men. Covering him from head to toe is obligatory if he goes before a stranger or leaves the house. Hands and feet can be kept open.
However, there is disagreement over whether the face can be kept open. According to the majority of Imams, the look is Aurah. But Shaykh Albani has proved by reference in his book ‘Jilbabu Mar’atil Muslima’ that the face of women is not Aurah.
However, the demand for taqwa and divinity is unsuitable for revealing one’s face in front of others. Although covering the face is not obligatory, it is desirable to observe it voluntarily.
Scholars’ opinion
Abu Bakr al-Jassas said in his Tafsir: “The outward meaning of this saying is that it is permissible to reveal the adornment to the husband and others who are mentioned with the husband, including the father.
Note, by adornment, we mean— a place of decoration. And those places are the face, hands and forearms… Therefore, this statement claims it is permissible for the persons mentioned in the verse to visit the sites mentioned. These are the places of interior decoration.
Because in the first part of the verse, external adornment is permitted to be seen by non-mahram persons. And it is permissible for husbands and mahrams to see the interior decorations. Narrated by Ibn Mas’ud (RA) and Zubair (RA): Earrings, necklaces, bangles and nupur…
Since the verse equates the provision for the husband and the mentioned persons, the totality of the poem claims that it is permissible for the mentioned persons to look at these places of adornment, As is valid for the husband.”
Baghavi (RA) said: “Not revealing one’s adornment”, i.e. not revealing it outside the MahramMahram means interior decoration. The decoration is of two types: internal and external.
Internal adornment is nupur, foot mehndi, wrist bangles, earrings and necklace. Therefore, it is impermissible for a woman to reveal them and for a non-Mahram to see them. And at this moment, saj is meant the place of saj.
Kashshaful Qina (5/11) said: “It is permissible for a man to look at the face, neck, hands, legs, head, and feet of his mahram women. In this narration, Qazi said: It is permissible to see what is usually revealed, such as the head, the hands up to the elbows.”
What is the Awrah of a woman in front of her mahram?
The Awrah of a woman in front of mahram men is her entire body, Except for the face, hair, neck, arms and legs, which are usually revealed.
Allah, the Exalted, says: “Let them not approach anyone except their husbands, fathers, husbands’ fathers, sons, husbands’ sons, brothers, brothers’ sons, sisters’ sons, their wives, their slaves, sexually subordinate men and children ignorant of women’s private parts. Without revealing the adornment (parts of adornment).” [Surah Noor, Verse: 31]
Allah Ta’ala has made it permissible for a woman to display her adornment in front of her husband and front of her mahrams. Here by decoration, we mean – places of decoration.
For example, the place where the ring is worn is the wrist. Arms will fall between the bangles. The ears will fall into place of the earring. Areas to wear necklaces include the neck and chest. The feet will fall in the business of wearing the nupur.
These mahrams are not on the same level from Fitna’s point of view of proximity and safety. So whatever a woman reveals to her father, she should not reveal to her husband’s son.
Qurtubi said: “When Allah Ta’ala mentions husbands, He begins discussing them. Secondly, He mentions mahram men.” It has given equal provisions for both classes regarding the display of adornment.
But there is a difference in the status of Mahrams from considering what arises in people’s minds. Undoubtedly, it is safer for a woman to reveal anything in front of her father and brother than her husband’s son.
Similarly, there is a distinction in which the organ is exposed before the Mahrams. Therefore it is lawful to disclose any such organ before the father, Which is not permissible to reveal in front of the husband’s son.
The Awrah of a Woman in Salah
The whole body except the wrists of both hands, the soles of both feet and the face is the aura of a woman’s prayers.
If the hair of the head or any other part of the body is exposed, the prayers will be ruined. The prayers have to be performed again.
Imam Ibn Kudama said:
Women should cover their heads during prayers. If a woman prays with all her head uncovered, she must perform the prayers again by consensus. (Al-Mughni)
What is the Awrah of a woman in front of a woman?
It is self-evident to the scholars of Fiqh that a woman’s private part is the space between the navel and the knee of another woman;
I want that woman to be a mother, a sister, or an unrelated woman. Therefore it is not lawful for a woman to see the space between her sister’s knees from the navel, Except for extreme emergencies or urgent medical needs.
It does not mean a woman should sit among women with her whole body exposed except from her navel to her knees.
Such a thing is done by no but lewd, shameless, or indecent adulterous women. The statement of the scholars of Fiqh,
“The secret organ is: the space between the navel and the knee” should not be misunderstood. There is nothing in their words that women’s clothing is so much;
The clothes that women will always wear and the clothes they will wear in front of their sisters and girlfriends. No sane person would acquiconsentuch an opinion, nor does natural human instinct call for it.
Instead, it is forbidden to cover his entire body in front of his sisters and other women, Which indicates women’s shyness and seriousness.
Shall not reveal more than what is displayed during work and the rendering of any service; Such as head, neck, two arms, and two feet; Just as we mentioned earlier about the Mahrams.
We have previously mentioned the fatwa of the Standing Committee on Fatwa regarding what is permissible for a woman to reveal in front of her mahram men and front of other women.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Awrah plays a crucial role in Islam, emphasizing the importance of modesty, privacy, and dignity.
While there may be variations in its interpretation and application across different cultures, regions, and Islamic sects, the underlying principles of modesty and respect remain central. Awrah of a woman is not just about physical appearance but also behaviour and inner qualities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Awrah only applicable to women?
A: No, Awrah applies to both men and women, although the specific requirements may differ.
Q: Are there any exceptions to covering Awrah?
A: In certain circumstances, such as in the privacy of one’s home or among close family members, the rules of Awrah may be relaxed.
Q: Does Awrah vary based on age?
A: The understanding of Awrah can evolve as individuals reach puberty. Young children may have different guidelines for Awrah compared to adults.
Q: Can personal choice influence Awrah?
A: While there are general guidelines, the interpretation and practice of Awrah of a woman can be influenced by personal choice, cultural background, and understanding of religious teachings.
Q: How should non-Muslims respect the concept of Awrah?
A: Non-Muslims can show respect by being mindful of cultural sensitivities and dressing modestly when visiting Islamic countries or engaging in discussions on Islamic topics.
Hidden adornments refer to all the beautification which a woman applies to her body when she prepares herself for some special occasions like weddings. A woman beautifies herself with beautiful dress, jewelry, make-up and perfume. She can only reveal her adorned self to all the men mentioned in the verse 24:31 of Quran, all of whom are usually visiting the private quarters of a household.
You are right, that is why a Muslim woman will keep her beauty hidden from all men. Only she will reveal these beauties in front of her husband.