𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻'𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 (518)

A Woman’s ‘Awrah in the Presence of Other Women Question: What is permissible for a Muslim woman to reveal of her adornment or body in front of another Muslim woman? Sheikh Albani rahimahullah: This is a very important question, because the majority of Muslim women—and even their husbands—are in a state of serious neglect regarding this matter. There is a widespread juristic error in many fiqh books, which claims that a woman’s ‘awrah before another woman is like a man’s ‘awrah before another man—that is, the area from the navel to the knee. This view is entirely incorrect for several reasons: 1. It has no basis—neither in the Qur’an nor in the Sunnah, whether authentic, weak, or fabricated. It is merely an opinion. 2. It contradicts the Qur’an. Allāh says: “And do not display their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands’ fathers, their sons, their husbands’ sons, their brothers, their brothers’ sons, their sisters’ sons, their women…” [Qur’an 24:31] To understand this Āyah in relation to a woman’s ‘awrah in front of other women, we must remember the prophetic principle: “A woman is ‘awrah.” This statement is general: the woman’s entire body is considered ‘awrah. It is not permissible to impose any restriction on this general ruling except by a text from the Qur’an or the Sunnah. Is there any text specifying that a woman’s ‘awrah before another woman is only from the navel to the knee? No. The Āyah itself clarifies that a woman’s ‘awrah is far greater than this. To understand what may be shown, we must understand the meaning of “adornment” (zeenah) in the Āyah. It does not mean every single item she wears, but rather specific areas of adornment—places intended for display. For example, earrings on the ears, necklaces, bracelets, and anklets—these are considered areas of adornment. But are areas above the navel, under the armpits, the sides, or the back considered adornment? No. These remain ‘awrah, as the ḥadīth states: “A woman is ‘awrah.” Thus, the Qur’an indicates that a Muslim woman may only reveal what is considered her adornment: * The head and what it contains (hair, etc.), * Earrings, * Necklaces, * Bracelets, * Upper arm ornaments, * Anklets, * And the areas used for ablution (hands, face, and feet). These are the permissible areas a Muslim woman may display in front of her Muslim sister. Source: From the recording “A Woman’s ‘Awrah in Front of Other Women” by Imam Muhammad Nasir Ad-Din Al-Albani, may Allah have mercy on him, Series 641. ___ Related Benefits ⤵️ https://t.me/womensbenefits/1146 https://t.me/womensbenefits/803