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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books A Code of Practice For Muslims in the West Women's issues Introduction There are specific laws for women in Islam that the books of jurisprudence have discussed in detail. However, as a result of being in the midsts of non-Muslim societies, new situations have come up that have given rise to new questions and inquiries.

General Rules A woman is allowed to keep her face and hands uncovered in the presence of a non- mahram man, provided that she does not fear of getting into a haram act, that the exposure of her face and hand does not cause men to gaze at her in a forbidden way, and that it does not give rise to immorality in general. Otherwise, it is obligatory on her to conceal [her face and hands], even from those who are mahram to her.

It is not permissible for a woman to expose the top part of her feet to a non- mahram onlooker. However, she is allowed to keep her feet —top as well as sole— exposed during salat , if she is in a place where she is immune from the looks of a non- mahram person.

A woman is allowed to use antimony ( kohl **)** on her eyelashes and wear rings in both hands, provided that it is not intended for drawing lustful attention of men towards herself and that she is confident of not getting into a haram act. Otherwise, it is obligatory on her to cover [the eyes that have kohl and the hands with rings] even from those who are mahram to her.

It is permissible for a woman to go out, wearing perfume even if non- mahram men can smell her perfume ; in so doing, she should not aim to arouse or attract such men. It is permissible for a woman to ride in a car by herself with a non- mahram driver as long as she is confident of not getting into a haram act. It is not permissible for a woman to masturbate until she reaches climax and has discharge.

If she did so, it is obligatory on her to perform major ablution (ghusl) ; and this ghusl will make up for wudhu, [if she intends to pray after that]. A woman who is barren is permitted to expose her private parts [to the doctor] for the sake of treatment, if she desperately needs to become pregnant and that failure to do so would place her in a difficulty of the kind that would normally exempt her from other obligations.