HIJAB IN THE LIGHT OF THE QUR’AN AND HADITH

~ 15 ~ unintentionally. They will be excused for that. Thus the face and the hands are the parts that are forbidden to be exposed unnecessarily.22 Maulana Shabbir Ahmad ‘Usmani gives the following commentary pertaining to this verse of the Qur’an: To this writer the interpretation of zinah (beauty) as adornment would be more appropriate and comprehensive in this context. The word adornment encompasses all kinds of beauty, whether natural or acquired; whether inborn beauty or that of beautiful garments or make-up. In short, a woman is forbidden to display adornment of any kind before anyone not permitted by the shari‘ah. If a woman cannot keep these parts veiled as ordained for reasons beyond her control, or for any compelling reason, she cannot be held responsible for that (provided it is not likely to generate any mischief.) It is evident from the Hadith and athar (the sayings and deeds of the Prophet’s Companions) that the face and hands are