Siman Posted August 6, 2003 What U guys think of this article: The beauty of a woman. A precious gift from Allah that is rarely studied seriously. As with any gift, it can be abused, neglected, and used for purposes other than what it has been designed for. We see it often in the world today-women flaunting their gifts on magazine covers, on television, in the market, and so forth. It is a natural inclination within women to beautify themselves( and to show it off), but there are limits set by Allah for these natural instincts. The hijab, of course, is the most obvious example of Allah’s limits. Modesty would be the virtue encompassing this issue. But there is another side to the story, underneath that abaya or jilbab. The question we need to ask ourselves is, “If a Muslim woman obligated to conceal her beauty whenever she goes out the door, what is the true purpose of that gift after all?” A seemingly simple question with a comparable response, but one that is often forgotten and neglected. This is an issue that is emerging in marriages with greater frequency and it can have serious implications. It would be wise to take a closer look a the phenomenon along with some possible solutions. THE PROBLEM The amount of fitna (trials, temptations) that constantly surrounds a person is a major cause of the problems related to this issue. It is a wonder that a man can get any work done with the distractions that he has to deal with on a daily basis. As natural as it is for women to desire to beautify themselves, it is as natural for men to react to that beauty. It is all biologically programmed for obvious purposes. The test for men is to ensure that their behaviors in this realm are restricted to the limits set by Allah. Thus, the institution of marriage and various other guidelines. Some of the marital problems arise when husbands begin to compare their wives to the women that they see on their jobs, in the street, on TV, etc. They began to notice that their wives are not as attractive and beautiful as those other women, and may even lose interest in their wives altogether. This can become a major problem and may even lead to family breakups. It is, in reality, part of Satan’s plot to destroy marriages through the uncovering and temptations of women. There is another side to the issue as well. Many women(and men as well) spend a great deal of time and effort to look their best for their prospective spouse during engagement and marriage process. Once married, however, they soon forget the importance of this factor and may neglect their spouse’s desire to se them in attractive form. Some women do not take care of their bodies (no exercise, no diet) and may not bother to dress up except when going to meet friends or to join sisterly gatherings. Women seems to forget the real function of their beauty- the pleasure and enjoyment of their husbands. SOME SOLUTIONS For men, it is imperative that they follow the command of Allah, Subhanahu Wa ta’ala, to lower the gaze. Allah says, “Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is acquainted with what they do”. [24:30] This command actually comes before instructions for women to cover. It is clear from the verse that the purpose of this injunction is to ensure purity of the individual (as well as the family and society). It may be a difficult ruling to follow, but it is very important in relation to this issue. Men need to understand that what they see around them is the trap of Satan to lead them down to road of deception and sin. Much of what is there is artificial beauty, with makeup, perfume, and dressing styles that present an attractive picture. Husbands should focus on their wives and recall the special nature of the marital bond. Encouragement, advice, and compliments should be given in a sensitive manner. Husbands may also have to be patient at times as wives go through pregnancies and childbirths. These events lead to physical and emotional changes for women that are only temporary. Childrearing and responsibilities within the home may also take time away from the woman’s beauty care and the more romantic side of things. It may be a good idea to schedule these activities into the week so that they are given some priority. Women, for example, may want time for exercise or a visit to the salon, and romantic dinners or walks may be planned. For women, it is essential that they look the best for their husbands. This is actually a right of the husband so that he may enjoy his wife and take care of natural desires in a permissible manner. She may want to ask her husband what he prefers and go from there. Taking care of herself through exercise and a healthy diet would be the basics. It would be advisable to dress up at times and use that make-up, perfume and clothing that is so alluring to men. Every woman has a special beauty about her and he was attracted to that when making the decision to get married. It only needs to be enhanced and given attention. Excused may be made that there is no time, but time must be given to this significant and often neglected matter. Doing this will definitely have a positive influence on the marriage, and he will soon forget what he has just passed him on the street. Written by Dr. Aisha Hamdan Published on Al Jumuah Magazine Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
- diamond princess - Posted August 6, 2003 Very Interesting... I think the article is true in some ways. I couldn't agree more with the women who just forget the importance of their beauty after marriage. I've seen this happen so many times. .:peace n luv:. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
qoslaaye Posted August 6, 2003 Good article, I support it. Women should look better for thier husbands and husbands should enjoy what they have. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Qac Qaac Posted August 9, 2003 qoslaaye put it in a nice way, women should try to look good for their husbands and men should stay only to his wife. nice article Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Business_Man Posted August 11, 2003 This article really highlights the insights into muslim marriages and ways that two people, a husband and a wife should deal with each other through times of physical and emotional change. I personally agree with this article. Men need to understand that women are not tools for pleasure but fellow human beings who can work together to achieve success in this dunya and the one after. Men should indulge in pleasing their wifes at all times. Women should also participate in pleasing their husbands for allah's sake. Basically it takes two to tango!. Once again, I would like to state that this article sums up good points. Peace Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Valenteenah. Posted August 14, 2003 Interesting article Siman. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites