𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻'𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 (405)

The Ruling on Women Wearing Noisy Footwear and the Importance of Modesty in Islam Question: Is a woman sinful for wearing shoes that make noise when she walks? Sheikh Albāni rahimahullah: And how could she not be? Shoes with heels reinforced with metal or similar materials that produce an echo when walking are, in fact, a contemporary manifestation of a Quranic prohibition. Allāh Almighty says: “And let them not strike their feet to make known what they conceal of their adornment” [An-Nūr: 31]. Today, this Quranic Āyah is being violated—not through the traditional anklets concealed under garments, which produce sound when a woman strikes her foot—but through the striking sound of modern footwear. These high-heeled shoes, often reinforced or tipped with metal, resemble horseshoes in their construction. We used to associate metal fittings with animals that carry heavy loads, but with the rise of immoral Western civilisation, they have now been designed for what they call "the delicate sex." Yet iron was originally meant for beasts of burden. So, in conclusion: it is impermissible. A woman must lower her gaze and walk with modesty, softness, and calmness. Subḥān Allāh, we have strayed far from Islamic manners, even as we claim we are striving to build an Islamic society. O people, if we cannot establish an Islamic way of life in our homes, neighborhoods, and villages, how will we ever achieve it in our cities, capitals, and nations? Let me remind you—because reminders benefit the believers—when we say “our” women, we mean those who claim adherence to the Qur'ān and Sunnah. Today, our women are, to a great extent, far removed from following the Sunnah—the prophetic methodology. Take, for example, the women in the time of the Prophet ﷺ. Even though the roads back then were not paved as they are now, a woman would leave the centre of the road for the men and walk along the wall—so closely that her garment would nearly brush the rough, unpolished walls made of mud and wood. She would keep to the very edge of the path. But today, what can I say? Our women—how do I put it?—seem bolder, or rather, I should say less modest than men. They confidently occupy the centre of the street, walk amidst young men without hesitation, and seem unconcerned. This is impermissible. A woman should walk to the right or left side of the path. That was the way of the modest women whom ʿĀ’ishah (may Allāh be pleased with her) praised...when she said: “May Allāh have mercy on the women of the Ansar. Their modesty did not prevent them from seeking knowledge of the religion.” They possessed both modesty and religious commitment, but they didn't shy away in religious matters. Yet today, modesty has been divorced from the hearts of many women—except a few, and we ask Allāh to rectify us, our women, and our children, and to guide us to what is right. And that will suffice for now.