Women, veil, marriage and related issues in Islam

The selection of a spouse is a significant decision within Islam. While compatibility and religious values are crucial, physical attraction also plays a role. Islamic guidelines acknowledge this by allowing a potential husband (suitor) to look at the physical appearance of a potential wife (non-Mahram) under specific circumstances.  One such circumstance is during the process of proposing marriage. Before committing to such a significant life step, Islam permits a man to see the natural beauty of the woman he is considering. This allows him to assess if there is a level of physical attraction that would contribute to a fulfilling and lasting marriage. The  Prophet (pbuh) said :  اذا خطب احدکم المراة فان استطاع فان ینظر منها الی ما یدعوه الی نکاحها فلیفعل  (مسند احمد، ٣/٣٣٤) “When one of you proposes to a woman for marriage, then if he is able to look at those (parts of) woman which induces one towards nikah, he should do so.” (Musnad Ahmad).  When a man considers proposing to a woman

In verse 24:31 of the Quran, the word "zeenah" encompasses both (1) her natural physical beauty and (2) any adornments she might choose to wear. This includes things like jewelry, makeup, and clothing. Essentially, "zeenah" refers to anything that accentuates a woman's attractiveness. Natural zeenah The natural zeenah includes features like her hair, face, and neck, along with areas like the collarbone, chest, breasts, and cleavage. Her arms, stomach, back, and legs are also considered part of her natural zeenah, including aspects like a slender waist, broad hips, and full buttocks. Smooth, soft skin, fair complexion, and even height and body shape with its curves and angles all contribute to this concept.  The attractive parts of a woman which constitutes her natural zeenah are her hair, face, neck, collarbone, chest, breasts, cleavage, arms. stomach, back, slender waist, broad hips, buttocks,, thighs, calves, smooth and soft skin, fair complexion, height, body