Overview (Verse 31)

Prompt Compliance with Divine Orders

A further instruction is given to women with regard to their public appearance: “Let them draw their head-coverings over their bosoms.” (Verse 31) We have a translation problem here because the Qur’ānic verse uses the term jayb, which does not mean ‘bosom’. Jayb instead means the top opening of a dress which is bound to reveal a part of a woman’s bosom. Hence, women are ordered to bring their head coverings down so as to cover this opening, thus covering their heads, necks and chests. In this way, they 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 realize here is that God wants to spare people this type of test.

Despite their natural desire to want to appear beautiful, the Muslim women who received this instruction did not slacken to put it into effect because their hearts were resplendent with God’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. Yet when the order was revealed requiring women to cover themselves and reveal only what appears naturally of their charms, their response was as `Ā’ishah describes: “May God bestow His grace on the early Muslim women: when God revealed His order, ‘Let them draw their head- coverings over their bosoms,’ they tore their dresses and used them to cover their heads.” [Related by al-Bukhārī]

Şafiyyah bint Shaybah reports: “We were at `Ā’ishah’s place when some women spoke about Qurayshi women and their virtues. `Ā’ishah said: There is no doubt that Qurayshi women have their virtues, but I have seen none like the Anşār women in their ardent belief in God’s book and undoubted faith in divine revelations. When the verse was revealed in Sūrah al-Nūr stating, ‘Let them draw their head-coverings over their bosoms,’ their men went home and read to them what God had revealed. A man would read this to his wife, daughter, sister and other relatives. Every single woman of them took out her printed dress and wrapped it over her head, in obedience to what God had revealed in confirmation of its application to them. In the morning they prayed behind God’s Messenger, wearing their head coverings as though they were carrying crows on their heads.” [Related by Abū Dāwūd]

Islam has refined the tastes of Islamic society and its sense of beauty for it no longer seeks the lewd and licentious. 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 believers, 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 other parts of the human body. Nevertheless, women believers voluntarily cover themselves as God requires them to do, while other women around them try to attract men by their physical presence.

Maintaining such modesty in appearance is another preventive measure Islam puts in place to protect both the individual and society. Hence, it is not required in situations where temptation is inconceivable. Thus, close relatives who are barred from inter-marriage are excluded. 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 verse 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 ĥadīth quotes the Prophet as saying: “No woman should describe another woman to her husband as though he is seeing her.” [Related by al-Bukhārī 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. But the first view is more logical because a slave is a man with all the desire any other man has, even though he is placed in a special or unfavourable situation. Also excepted are “such male attendants as are free of physical desire,” who may not be attracted to women for one reason or another, such as being impotent or feeble minded. In this case, a woman’s physical beauty causes no temptation. Similarly excepted are “children that are as yet unaware of women’s nakedness.” These are children who do not yet feel any sexual desire because they are too young. When they are older and become sexually aware and attracted to women, even though they might not have attained their puberty, nonetheless the original rules apply to them.

All these – with the exception of husbands – may see a woman uncovered, except for the area between her waistline and knees, because the cause that prevents such looks does not apply in their case. A husband, on the other hand, may see his wife without restriction.

Since this is a preventive measure, the Qur’ānic verse goes on to prohibit the movements a woman may make in order to attract attention to her adornments or charms that are not readily visible. Such movements may be exciting even though the adornments themselves may remain invisible.

“Let them not swing their legs in walking so as to draw attention to their hidden charms.” (Verse 31) This order results from profound knowledge of human psychology. Sometimes, the human imagination may be a more powerful trigger for desire. Many are the men who, 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’ān takes effective and appropriate action against all this, because its message is sent by God the Creator who knows His creation and who is kind to, and fully aware of, them all.

The verse concludes with turning people’s hearts to God, opening the door of repentance and forgiveness for all that was done before its revelation. “Believers, turn to God in repentance, so that you may achieve success.” (Verse 31) Thus, it enhances their feelings that God 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 God.