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 where this observation is permitted is during the formal process of proposing marriage (khitbah). Recognizing the profound significance of marriage as a life-altering commitment, Islamic jurisprudence allows a prospective husband to observe the natural beauty and overall appearance of the woman he is considering marrying. This pre-marital viewing serves a crucial purpose: it enables him to assess whether there is a sufficient level of physical attraction and mutual acceptance that would contribute to a fulfilling, harmonious, and enduring marital bond. This allowance underscores the importance Islam places on compatibility in all ...

In the Quranic verse 24:31, the term "zeenah" is employed to describe the multifaceted beauty of a woman. It encompasses both her inherent physical attributes and the external enhancements she may choose to adorn herself with. At its core, "zeenah" refers to the totality of factors that contribute to a woman's beauty and desirability Natural zeenah Natural zeenah encompasses a woman's inherent physical beauty, including her facial features, hair, and neck. It extends to her upper body, encompassing the delicate collarbone, graceful curves of the chest and breasts, and the allure of the cleavage. Her arms, stomach, back, and legs are also integral parts of this natural beauty, with attributes like a slender waist, rounded hips, and shapely buttocks contributing to her overall aesthetic appeal. Smooth, soft skin, a fair complexion, and even her height and body proportions, with their interplay of curves and angles, all play a role in this concept. A woman is p...