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Fatwa CenterImam appearing with uncovered woman for TV interview
Question
What do you say if an Imam has an interview on TV with a woman without Hijab?
Answer
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; and blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.
It is compulsory for the woman to cover her whole body from the gaze of alien men. This is the Command of Allah; Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e.screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allâh is Ever OftForgiving, Most Merciful.}[33: 59].
Covering head, neck and chest is compulsory for every Muslim woman. This is the consensus of all Muslim scholars. As for face and palms the majority of Muslim scholars believe that she should even cover her face and hands at the time of depravity or at the time of temptation.
The presence of a woman on television or other places without covering herself properly is a big evil and this practice becomes worst if she appears with make-up.
A man is commanded to lower his gaze and not to look at women intentionally. Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc.). That is purer for them. Verily, Allâh is All-Aware of what they do.}[24: 30].
The Prophet said: "O Ali! Do not follow an unintentional look (at forbidden things) with another look. The first glance is for you (pardonable) whereas the other glance is not for you (that is sin). Jareer said: I asked the Prophet about the unintentional look being forbidden. He replied: You should turn away your eyes". [Muslim]
These Ahadeeth prove that one should not sit with an unveiled woman since sitting with her means approving her bad practice. In addition, he commits a sin by sitting with her without any dire necessity. On the other hand, a scholar or a Sheikh should not sit with such a woman as this could cause common people to neglect the obligation of Hijab because of the Sheikh's attitude towards it. The ignorant people might also believe that these meetings and what is practiced in such meetings like complaisance in talking, smiling, etc., is permissible.
If every Muslim scholar abstains from attending such meetings, the media administration will be forced to appoint men for those programs especially when they are in need for them.
Allah knows best.
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