Islamic teachings outline certain actions and behaviors considered haram (forbidden) for both men and women. However, some prohibitions are particularly emphasized for women due to social context and interpretations of Islamic texts. Here's a breakdown of commonly understood prohibitions, acknowledging that interpretations can vary among different Islamic schools of thought and cultures:
Dress Code and Appearance
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Showing Hair in Public: The Quran mandates modesty in dress. Many interpretations see covering the hair with a hijab as an essential aspect of this modesty for women in public.
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Wearing Revealing or Tight Clothes: Clothing should be loose and not revealing the shape of the body. The intention is to avoid attracting undue attention.
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Excessive Perfume in Public: Wearing strong perfumes that attract attention outside the home is often discouraged.
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Excessive Makeup: While makeup itself isn't inherently haram, using excessive makeup that is intended to attract attention is generally discouraged.
Body Modifications and Grooming
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Eyebrow Plucking/Shaping: Some interpretations consider altering the natural form of the eyebrows to be haram.
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Hair Extensions (in certain interpretations): Adding hair extensions is sometimes viewed as a form of deception or altering Allah's creation.
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Prolonged Nail Growth: While maintaining hygiene is crucial, allowing nails to grow excessively long (beyond 40 days without trimming, as the reference indicated) is discouraged due to cleanliness concerns related to performing wudu (ritual ablution before prayer).
Social Interactions
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Being Alone (Khalwa) with a Non-Mahram Male: Khalwa refers to being alone in a secluded place with a man who is not a mahram (a close relative with whom marriage is permanently forbidden). This is to avoid potential temptation or compromising situations.
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Imitating Men: Deliberately imitating the appearance or behavior of men is generally discouraged.
Other Prohibitions
- Backbiting and Gossip: These are forbidden for both men and women, but the emphasis is often placed on discouraging women from engaging in such behavior due to its potential to cause harm and discord within the community.
- Engaging in Activities that Neglect Religious Obligations: Prioritizing worldly activities over prayer, fasting, and other religious duties is discouraged.
Important Note: This information is based on common interpretations of Islamic texts. Understanding and practicing these guidelines can vary based on individual beliefs, cultural contexts, and scholarly opinions. It is always best to seek guidance from knowledgeable and trusted religious scholars.
