Woman Between Islam and Western Society
10. Hijab in Islam
~ 468 ~
Maulana Shabbir Ahmad ‘Usmani gives the
following commentary pertaining to this verse of
the Qur’an:
To this writer the interpretation of
zinah
(beauty) as adornment would be more
appropriate and comprehensive in this
context. The word adornment encompasses all
kinds of beauty, whether natural or acquired;
whether inborn beauty or that of beautiful
garments or makeup. In short, a woman is
forbidden to display adornment of any kind
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
