[Deduced Meanings from Sūrah al-Nūr]
Among his words—may Allah have mercy on him—in his reply and in the insights he drew from Sūrah al-Nūr on the subject already discussed is his statement: 1
“A woman must be safeguarded and protected in a way that is not equally required of a man. For this reason she has been singled out for veiling, for refraining from displaying her adornment, and for avoiding public exhibition.
Thus it is obligatory for her to remain concealed by clothing and within the home to a degree that is not obligatory for a man, because women’s public appearance is a cause of temptation, while men are appointed as maintainers over them.
Allah, Exalted is He, said:
‘Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts; that is purer for them’ 2 — up to His words: ‘and repent to Allah’.”
(1) This passage was originally a commentary; we have chosen to present it as a heading.
(2) Surah al-Nur, verses 30–31. The full passage reads: “That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is fully aware of what they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze, guard their chastity, and not display their adornment except what ordinarily appears thereof. Let them draw their khumur (head coverings) over their bosoms, and not display their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands’ fathers, their sons, their husbands’ sons, their brothers, their brothers’ sons, their sisters’ sons, their women, those whom their right hands possess, male attendants lacking sexual desire, or children who are not yet aware of women’s private parts. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they conceal of their adornment. And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers, so that you may prosper.”