women observing a veil is that no man can see her in any way.’ (Fath al-Bari, Kitab al-Tafseer, (وَلَوْلَاۤ اِذْ سَمِعْتُمُوۡہُ قُلْتُمۡ) vol. 9, p. 390, Under Hadith 4750)

Mufti Ahmad Yar Khan رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَـلَيْه writes: ‘From her head to her feet, a woman is to be covered from unfamiliar men (meaning, she is something to be hidden).’ (Mirat al-Manajih, vol. 5, p. 13)

Bear in mind, you only hide something you wish to protect from the gaze of others. Also, when considering the meaning of others or unfamiliar people, what does this actually mean? In relation to this, the beloved of Allah Almighty صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم has stated: ‘A woman is that which is kept hidden. فَاِذَا خَرَجَتْ اِسْتَشْرَفَھَا الشَّیْطَانُ - When she comes outside, Satan looks at her closely.’ (Tirmizi, Bab, 18, vol. 2, p. 392, Hadith 1176)

In explaining this blessed Hadith, the renowned Quranic commentator, Hakeem-ul-Ummat, Mufti Ahmad Yar Khan رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَـلَيْه writes: ‘The meaning of Istishraaf is to look at something attentively. It can also mean to make something attractive in the eyes of people, so they look at it closely. Meaning, whenever a woman uncovers herself, Satan makes her appear attractive to people, so they look upon her willingly or unwillingly.’ (Mirat al-Manajih, vol. 5, p. 17)

صَلُّوْا عَلَی الْحَبیب!                                    صَلَّی اللہُ عَلٰی مُحَمَّد

Why is there a veil only for women?

Dear Islamic brothers! Indeed, Islam is a religion of purity, which protects the honour and sanctity of women. For this reason, the ruling was given for women to remain at home and manage household affairs in an upright and virtuous fashion, fulfil the rights of her husband, and raise her children in a noble manner. In this way, her modesty and honour is maintained and safeguarded. How important is it for women to remain in the home, and how much benefits does this bring? Let us listen to some Madani pearls in relation to this from the book of Maktaba-tul-Madinah, entitled, ‘Islami Zindagi’: