The Qur’an (24:31) states: “...and not to display their charms except what may ordinarily appear thereof, let them draw their head-coverings over their bosoms and not display their charms to any but their husbands, or their fathers, or their husbands’ fathers, or their sons, or their husbands’ sons, or their brothers, or their brothers’ sons, or their sisters’ sons, or their womenfolk, or those whom they rightfully possess, or such male attendants as are free of physical desire, or children that are as yet unaware of women’s nakedness. Let them not swing their legs in walking so as to draw attention to their hidden charms. Believers, turn to Allah in repentance, so that you may achieve success.” 

An important instruction is given to women with regard to their public appearance. The Qur’anic ayah uses the term khomor which means the piece of cloth women use to cover their head, neck and bosom. The ayah uses another term jayb which means upper part of the shirt just below the neck. In the beginning of the ayah showing of charms (zinah) is prohibited. Here hiding of charms (zinah) is emphasised. In the pre-Islamic time women used to place the sheet on their head and let its two sides hang on their back, with the result that their neck, ears and bosom were left uncovered. Therefore, Muslim women were enjoined not to follow this, and instead were advised to place the two sides of the sheet one over the other, so that all these parts are covered. (Ibn Abi Hatim)

The Qur’an (33:59) addresses the believers separately: “O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks close round them (when they go outside). This will be more conducive to their being recognised and not annoyed. Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful.” Therefore, for believers to be righteous or God-fearing, it is necessary to cover the body as advised in the ayah. 

Women are required to cover their charms so as not to be displayed before hungry eyes, not even in a sudden encounter between man and woman. A God-fearing man will always try not to make such a look last long, or repeat it. Yet, it may have a lasting effect if charms and adornments are seen suddenly. Hence, the instruction to keep them covered. What is important to realise here is that Allah, the Exalted, wants to spare people this type of test.

Despite their natural desire to appear beautiful, the Muslim women who received this instruction did not slacken to put it into effect because their hearts were dazzling with Allah’s light. In pre-Islamic ignorant days, women used to go out in public, revealing their bosoms, just like women do today in non-Islamic societies (rather, before pointing fingers to others we must look to our own Muslim societies and the shameful manner in which many of our young girls and women carry themselves these days). Yet when the order was revealed requiring women to cover themselves and reveal only what appears naturally of their charms, their response was as Aishah describes: “May Allah bestow His grace on the early Muslim women; when Allah revealed His order, “Let them draw their head-coverings over their bosoms”, they tore their dresses and used them to cover their heads.” (Bukhari)

Islam has refined the tastes of Islamic society and its sense of beauty. Exposing bodily charms attracts a man’s physical instinct. Modesty, on the other hand, shows a clean type of beauty that refines man’s sense. It is the type of beauty worthy of man, because it imparts a sense of purity and chastity. 

Today, Islam produces the same effect among women, despite the fact that the general taste in society has sunk so low as to encourage the revealing of physical charms and the exposure of parts of the body. Nevertheless, women believers voluntarily cover themselves as Allah, the Exalted, requires them to do.

Maintaining such modesty in appearance is another preventive measure Islam puts in place to protect both individuals and society. It is not required in situations where temptation is inconceivable. There are two reasons for this exception. First, those men who are exempt from this injunction are the close relatives who are barred from inter-marriage (mahrams), hence, no risk of any trouble is expected from them. Allah, the Exalted, has put in their hearts deep respect and honour of their close female relatives; hence, there is no possibility of any mischief from them. Secondly, since the close relatives normally live together, for the sake of convenience it is required that they do not hide from each other. But this should also be kept in mind that this exception from hiding from mahrams is exclusive to “draw their head-coverings”, and not from the concealable parts (satr) of women, where the exception is allowed only to husbands. Concealing of satr from all, both by men and women, is obligatory by Shari’ah. Man’s satr comprises all parts of the body from navel to knees, and that of women, the whole body, except face and palms. These parts of the body of women are not allowed to be uncovered in the prayers, thus, are not permitted to be seen by any close relatives who are mahram.

Normally there is no sexual attraction between such relatives who include fathers, sons, fathers-in-law, stepsons, brothers and nephews. Also excepted are Muslim women, as the ayah makes clear: “Or their womenfolk.” Women generally are not included in this exception, because they may describe Muslim women and their charms to their husbands, brothers and other men. An authentic hadith quotes Allah’s Messenger ﷺ as saying: “No woman should describe another woman to her husband as though he is seeing her.” (Bukhari and Muslim) Muslim women, on the other hand, are reliable. Their faith prevents them from describing the physical charms of a Muslim woman to their husbands.

Another exception applies to slaves: “Or those whom they rightfully possess.” Some scholars say that this applies to women slaves only, while others include male slaves too because a slave does not look up to his mistress in a carnal way. Also excepted are “such male attendants as are free of physical desire,” who may not be attracted to women for one reason or another. Ibn Abbas has explained that, here those confused and deranged persons are meant who have no liking and inclination toward women (Ibn Kathir). The same explanation has been put forward by Ibn Jarir. Therefore, those men are referred to here who do not have any lust or inclination towards women, nor are they interested in the beauty and charm of women, which they could describe before others. In this case, a woman’s physical beauty causes no temptation. Similarly excepted are “children that are as yet unaware of women’s nakedness.” This refers to those young children who have not yet attained puberty, and are totally ignorant of ladies special attributes, gestures and postures. Any boy who takes interest in ladies company for their special attributes is nearing his puberty, and covering before him becomes obligatory. (Ibn Kathir)

Since this is a preventive measure, the Qur’anic ayah goes on to prohibit the movements a woman may make in order to attract. “Let them not swing their legs in walking so as to draw attention to their hidden charms.” (Ayah 31) It is incumbent upon women to step so gently that no sound is made of their ornaments and none of their charms (zinah) is exposed to men. This order results from profound knowledge of human psychology. Sometimes, the human imagination may be a more powerful trigger for desire. Many men on seeing a woman’s shoes, dress or jewellery, are more excited than by seeing her body. Many are the ones that are sexually excited by the mental image they draw of a woman than by seeing her in person. Psychiatrists have identified such cases which may need treatment. The tinkle of jewellery or the smell of perfume may excite some people and kindle their sexual desire. With some, this could become irresistible. The Qur’an takes effective and appropriate action against all this, because its message is sent by Allah, the Creator, who knows His creation and who is kind to, and fully aware of, them all.

The ayah concludes with turning people’s hearts to Allah, the Exalted, opening the door of repentance and forgiveness for all that was done before its revelation. “Believers, turn to Allah in repentance, so that you may achieve success.” (Ayah 31) Thus, it enhances their feelings that Allah, the Exalted, watches over them, and that He is kind to them, taking care of them. He helps them overcome their weakness in respect of sexual desire. Yet nothing can bring this under proper control more effectively than faith and fearing Allah, the Exalted.

Islam is a way of life followed out of conviction or inner urge. There is no room for coercion or compulsion. The Qur’an (2:256) says in very categorical terms: “There shall be no compulsion in religion. The right way is henceforth distinct from error.” Thus, the above injunctions could be followed only by those you realise the spirit and purpose behind the same and no one can compel anyone to follow. 

In view of the referred to ayah, it is time to pause and peep into ourselves and find out whether we are following these preventive measures as enjoined in those ayaat to maintain the level of modesty, moral standards and decency which Allah, the Exalted, expects from us or we carry ourselves like any other men and women in the world today. If, Allah forbid, our living is not in confirmation of the foregoing instructions, we must without wasting any more time, should beg Allah’s pardon, feel repentant on our past deeds and make a firm resolve not to indulge in them again. Let us become trend setters by following Allah’s instructions and become examples to the world. By doing so Allah, the Exalted, will be pleased with us and shall keep us under His protection and blessed both in this world and the Hereafter, In Sha Allah. And this would be real dawah (calling to Allah) as well.