Women, veil, marriage and related issues in Islam

The verse 24:31 of Quran grants an exemption to women regarding covering their adornments in the presence of their male slaves. "And tell the believing women to lower their glances and guard their private parts and not expose their beauty (zeenah) except only that which is apparent and to wrap [a portion of] their headcovers over their chests and not expose their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands’ fathers, their sons, their husbands’ sons, their brothers, their brothers’ sons, their sisters’ sons, their women, that which their right hands possess [i.e. male and female slaves], or those male attendants having no physical desire, or children who are not yet aware of the private aspects of women. And they should not strike their feet, drawing attention to their hidden charms. And turn to Allāh in repentance, all of you, O Believers, that you might succeed." [Sura an-Nur 24:31]   This is also validated by Sunnah : وبما روي عَنْ أَنَسٍ أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ...

Let's consider Hinda, a woman who was breastfed as an infant by another woman named Khadija. This act of breastfeeding establishes a milk-kinship, creating specific mahram (unmarriageable kin) relationships for Hinda. These relationships grant her certain privileges, such as not being required to wear hijab in their presence, being able to be alone with them (khalwa), travel with them, perform Umrah or Hajj with them as a mahram, and engage in physical displays of affection like handshakes, kisses, and hugs. It's crucial to understand that milk-kinship creates the same prohibitions in marriage as blood relations. This means Hinda can never marry any of her milk-mahrams, just as she could never marry her blood relatives in those same categories. Here’s a comprehensive and expanded breakdown of the men who become milk-mahrams to Hinda due to this breastfeeding by Khadija, clarifying and elaborating on the relationships: 1- Milk Fathers: The primary milk father: This is Khadija...

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...

Sighah Mahramiyyat, i.e. temporary marriage for the purpose of creating a familial relationship (mahram), is a practice prevalent in some Shia Muslim communities, particularly in Iran and Iraq. It establishes a specific type of non-conjugal marital bond between an adult male and a female, often a young girl who has not yet reached puberty. The primary function of Sighah Mahramiyyat is to create a mahram relationship. In Islamic tradition, mahram relationships define categories of individuals between whom marriage is permanently prohibited, such as close blood relatives. These relationships also carry specific social implications, allowing for less restricted interaction, such as being in seclusion (khalwa), traveling together, and removing the hijab (veiling) in each other's presence. In the context of Sighah Mahramiyyat, the marriage establishes a mahram relationship between the man and the girl's mother. This means the mother becomes the man's mother-in-law, allowing her ...

Is it permissible for a grown brother to express affection towards his adult sister through physical touch, such as hugs and kisses? Allah (SWT) establishes a beautiful and sacred bond between siblings born of the same parents. This Mahram relationship prohibits marriage and fosters deep respect and love between brother and sister. Within this relationship, there is absolutely no harm in a brother showing affection towards his sister through occasional touches, cuddles, hugs, or even a kiss on the cheek. These gestures, motivated by pure brotherly love, strengthen the bond between siblings. Expressing affection towards close female relatives (mahram) through physical touch, such as hugging and kissing, is not only permissible within Islamic tradition but is also considered a Sunnah, a practice modeled by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This means it is a recommended act, reflecting the importance of demonstrating love and care within familial bonds. Such gestures, when motiva...