Woman in Islamic Shari‘ah
10. Hijab in Islam
~ 235 ~
before anyone not permitted by the
shari’ah.
If
a woman cannot keep these parts veiled as
ordained for reasons beyond her control, or
for any compelling reason, she cannot be held
responsible for that (provided it is not likely
to generate any mischief.)
It is evident from the Hadith and
athar
(the
sayings and deeds of the Prophet’s
Companions) that the face and hands are
exempt because it is not possible to keep them
covered while performing various chores of
daily life and even religious rites. If they are
ordered to be strictly covered, it will create
great difficulties for women in carrying out
their jobs. The theologians have considered
the feet also to be exempted parts. It must be
clearly understood, however, that unveiling is
permitted strictly on the basis of necessity.
Men are forbidden to set their eyes on them.
Perhaps this is why before exempting women
from covering their face and hands (verse 31),
men are commanded to lower their gaze and
guard their modesty in verse 30. Thus the
permission to unveil a part of the body does
