Hijab in the Light of the Quran and Hadith

“To this writer, the interpretation of 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 shariah. If a woman cannot keep these parts veiled as ordained for reasons beyond her control or 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 exempted in the light of the Quranic phrase, “what is normally apparent thereof” (24:31). Because it is not possible to keep them covered while performing various chores of daily life and even religious rites. If they are ordered to be strictly covered, it will create significant difficulties for women in carrying out their jobs. The theologians have also considered the feet to be exempted parts. It must be clearly understood, however, that unveiling is permitted in the Quran strictly on the basis of necessity. Men are forbidden to set their eyes on them. Perhaps this is why, before exempting women from covering their faces and hands (chapter 24, verse 31), men are commanded to lower their gaze and guard