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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Woman Chapter 5: Veil and Chastity The issue of veil “covering” being one of self­-evident truths of Islamic jurisprudence, having multifarious and extensive arenas. Before broaching it, I find it necessary to give a bright image of the matter on hand, and the terms used in these subjects of discussion. The words that are used in this field being: Covering, veil “hijaab”, sitr, chastity, limits of relations between woman and man.

It is possible that what is intended by these words being keeping off and detaining the woman inside the house, or observing some of regulations in regard of social associations. The issue that I intend to manifest and expound by this article being the meaning antithetical to unrestrain, sexual liberalism which is called by the Qur’an tabarruj “displaying the charms”.

In other words, we are in search of an answer to this question: Can femininity and masculinity of women and men be displayed on scene of society? Or is this quality confined inside the realm of family, and the woman and man should appear in arena of society and act as two human beings?

Al­Ostaz Mutahhari is quoted to have said: “In fact concerning the issue of covering and according to term used recently Hijaab, we don't intend to talk about whether is it good for the woman to appear within society with a covering or naked? The essence of speech is that: can the woman and man's enjoyments “seeking content by marriage” be free of charge? Has the man any right to enjoy himself as much as he can of any woman, other than fornication or not?

So the core of matter, being confining all the successes to the sphere of family and legal spouses, or setting free the successes and extending them to environment of society.”[^1] On this basis, my intention, in this article is neither to prove the seclusion of woman nor talking about a special issue. i.e.

covering of the woman as Sitr, but what I intend is a more distant subject within the framework of which many Islamic legislated rules can be propounded through a harmonious thought structure, like obligation of Hijaab “cover”, prohibition of gazing at a foreigner, and abominations such as adultery and homosexuality and alike. The following pages are determined to give answers to questions such as: What is intended by Islam from veil and covering?

What criteria Islam depended upon in regard of limits of relations between women and men? What is philosophy of covering?