Question
Dear Sheikh, I need to know if the verse below relates to any women or only for the wives of Rasullullah (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam)) ?
I see in todays times many Sheikhs speak directly to women and also many gatherings have men and woman together.
Allah Ta’ala says in Surah al-Ahzab, verse 53:
وَإِذَا سَأَلْتُمُوهُنَّ مَتَاعًا فَاسْأَلُوهُنَّ مِنْ وَرَاءِ حِجَابٍ ذَلِكُمْ أَطْهَرُ لِقُلُوبِكُمْ وَقُلُوبِهِنَّ
And when you ask anything from them (the blessed wives of the Prophet), ask them from behind a curtain. That is better for the purity of your hearts and their hearts.
I thank you for your kind efforts in giving us guidance. Jazakallah !
Answer
The Shari’ah strongly discourages free mixing between opposite genders.
‘Allamah Qurtubi (rahimahullah) has stated that the ayah in question does include all women.
(Tafsir Qurtubi, vol.17 pg.208- Ar-Risalah edition)
This rule is also clearly supported by verse: 59 in Surah Ahzab.
O Nabi, tell your wives, your daughters and the wives of the believers to lower their veils over themselves
This ayah proves the rule of covering the face. See Ahkamul Quran of Imam Jassas (rahimahullah), vol.3 pg.486.
Whatever activities, gatherings etc that we engage in, should always be governed by the above law.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,
Answered by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomer
