Al Qurtubi: "Tabarruj meant to show or be seen your awrah to the eyes of others. For example: ’buruj musyayyadah’ (a sturdy wall), or the word: ’buruj sama’ (stars), which means there is no barrier under to cover its beauty."
Abu Ubayd: “Tabarruj: is when a woman exposes her adornment (in the presence of her non-mahram)”
Az-Zajjaj: “Tabarruj is showing the awrah and everything that is inviting to men’s (non-mahram).”
Mujahid said:
“Women used to go out walking in front of men, and this was the Tabarruj of Jahiliyyah.”
Qatadah said:
“When they go out of their homes walking in a shameless and flirtatious manner, and Allah, may He be exalted, forbade that.”
Muqatil bin Hayyan said:
“Tabarruj is when a woman puts a Khimar on her head but does not tie it properly.”
So her necklaces, earrings and neck, and all of that can be seen. This is Tabarruj, and Allah addresses all the women of the believers with regard to Tabarruj.
Taken from Tafseer Ibn Kathir and Tafseer Al Qurtubi
وَلاَ تَبَرَّجْنَ تَبَرُّجَ الْجَـهِلِيَّةِ الاٍّولَى
[33:33]
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The Disgrace Of Tabarruj (Display Of Woman’s Charm) – Dr. Saleh as Saleh
https://soundcloud.com/abdurrahmanorg/the-disgrace-of-tabarruj-display-of-womans-charm
(1) TABARRUJ IS A DISOBEDIENCE TO ALLAH & HIS MESSENGER
The one who disobeys Allah and his Messenger (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) can only harm himself and cannot in any way harm Allah. The Messenger of Allah (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) said:
“All of my followers will enter Al-Jannah except those who refuse.” They said, “O Allah’s Messenger! Who will refuse? ” He said, “Whoever obeys me will enter Al-Jannah, and whoever disobeys me is the one who refuses (to enter it).” (21)
It is reported that Mu’awiyah (رضي الله عنه) gave a sermon in Humss (Syria) and mentioned that the Prophet (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) prohibited seven things and that he (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) named Tabarruj as one of them (22).
Abdullah bin Mas’oud (رضي الله عنه) reported that the Prophet (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) “Used to dislike ten kinds of behavior and he (Abdullah) mentioned amongst them: “Tabarruj by means of displaying beautification in an improper place.”(23). Imam As- Suyouti, may Allah’s mercy be upon him, said: “Tabarruj by displaying beautification is showing off to strangers and this is disliked. This is the explanation of “an improper place.” It is not so if the beautification is done for the husband.
(21) Saheeh Al-Bukhari (English-Arabic, Dar Al-Arabia, Publ. Beirut,Lebanon), V.9, hadeeth # 384, p.284
(22) Related by Imam Ahmed in his Mussnad 4/101-Arabic.
(23) Related by An-Nissa’ee in his ” Sunan “Arabic 8/141.
(2) TABARRUJ IS A GRAVE DESTRUCTIVE SIN
Umay’mah, the daughter of Ruqay’ah came to the Messenger of Allah (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) to acknowledge the message of Islam and that he (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) is the Messenger of Allah. The Prophet (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) told her:
“I give my acknowledgment that you must not set partners to worship besides Allah and that you don’t steal or commit fornication and adultery, that you don’t kill your child, that you don’t commit any falsehood before your hands and between your legs, that you don’t wail, and that you don’t make Tabarruj like that of Jaahiliyyah“ (24).
It is clear that the Prophet (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) associated Tabarruj with grave destructive sins.
(24) Related by Imam Ahmed in his “Mussnad” 2/196. The scholar Ahmed Shaker, may Allah’s Mercy be upon him, said : “Its chain of narration is good”. He also said that Ibn Katheer in his “Tafseer :Explanation of the Qur’an 8: 327-328″ mentioned this hadeeth saying, “its chain of narration is good” and he related it to At-Tirmidhi, An-Nissa’ee and Ibin Majah.
(3) TABARRUJ BRINGS THE CURSE AND EXPULSION FROM THE MERCY OF ALLAH
The Messenger of Allah (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) said:
“There shall be, in the latter part of my nation, women who are dressed but (in fact) naked, on their heads are humps like those of Bukht (one kind of camel), curse them for they are surely cursed.”(25)
(25) At-Tabarani related this hadeeth in “Al-Mu’jam As-Sagheer” p.232 and Al-Albani said it Saheeh as in his book “The Hijab” p.56. As-Suyouti related on behalf of Ibn Abdul’Barr that: “The Prophet (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) intended women who put on light clothes that shows off and shapes the body descriptions. In reality they are naked although they have clothes on them! “.
(4) TABARRUJ IS AN ATTRIBUTE OF THE PEOPLE OF HELL
The Messenger of Allah (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) said:
“Of the people of Hell there are two types whom I have never seen, the one possessing whips like the tail of an ox and they flog people with them. The second one, women who would be naked in spite of their being dressed, who are seduced (to wrong paths) and seduce others with their hair high like humps. These women would not get into Al-Jannah and they would not perceive its odor, although its fragrance can be perceived from such and such distance.” (26)
(26) Saheeh Muslim (English-Arabic, Published by Dar Al-Arabia, Beirut. Lebanon) V. 4 hadeeth # 6840 p. 1486.
(5) TABARRUJ IS DARKNESS ON THE DAY OF RESURRECTION
It is related that the Prophet (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) said:
“The parable of a woman who moves with slow sweeping motion, trailing her beautified clothes, performing not for her husband, is like darkness on the Day of Judgment; she has (or comes with) no light” (27)
(27) Related by Imam At-Tirmidhi in his “Sunan” # 1167. Al-Albani said it is a weak hadeeth (See Al-Albani’s collection “Ad-Da’eefah” (Collection of Weak Hadeeths) # 1800. Abu Bakr Bin Arabi, may Allah’s Mercy be upon him, said: “At-Tirmidhi related this hadeeth and said it is weak but its meaning is correct because the “enjoyment” in disobedience is in fact torture and suffering……”. The meaning indicates that this type of women will come on the Day of Judgment Blackened in darkness as if she physically originated from darkness. In contrast, what appears to be difficult and painful in performance of obedient acts, is a true enjoyment because of the reward awaiting those who obey Allah and His Messenger e.g. the odor of the mouth of a fasting Muslim may not be pleasant in this world. To Allah, however, it is better than the odor of Musk because the Muslim had obeyed Allah and performed what is due upon him from fasting. Similarly the woman wearing her Hijab may be looked upon as “reactionary, old fashioned, a walking tent! etc.” She is the winner on the Day of Judgment and those who mock her put themselves on a dangerous road. They may be subjected to the wrath of Allah.
(6) TABARRUJ IS NIFAQ (HYPOCRISY)
The Prophet (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) said:
“The best of your women is the affectionate , the fertile (in productivity), the propitious (favorable), the consultative if they fear Allah. The Most evil of your women are the Mutabar’rijat (those who do Tabarruj), the Mutakhayelat (who strut/swagger), and they are the hypocrite ones. Those who enter Al-Jannah are like the Cough Crow.” (28)
The Cough Crow has a red beak and red legs. This is an expression of metonymy indicating that few women enter Heaven because this kind of crow is rare.
(28) Reported by Al-Baihaqi in “As-Sunan” V.7 p.82. Also reported by Abu Na’eem in “Al-Hiliyah” V. 8, p. 376 with a reference to Abdullah bin Masoud (رضي الله عنه) as the narrator. See also Al-Albani’s “Chain of Authentic Hadeeths – Arabic” # 1849 and 632.
(7) TABARRUJ IS DISGRACEFUL
The Prophet (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) said:
“Any woman who takes off her clothes in other than her husbands home (to show off for an unlawful purpose), has broken the shield between her and Allah.” (29)
Imam Al- Man’nawi, may Allah have Mercy upon him, said: “The saying of the Prophet (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) ‘ any woman who takes off her clothes in other than her husbands home’ means showing off her beauty to strangers by taking off her shield of clothes. She “has broken the shield between her and Allah” because Allah had said:
يَا بَنِي آدَمَ قَدْ أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكُمْ لِبَاسًا يُوَارِي سَوْآتِكُمْ وَرِيشًا ۖ وَلِبَاسُ التَّقْوَىٰ ذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌ
“O children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover yourselves (screen your private parts etc.) and as an adornment. But the raiment of righteousness, that is better.”(Qur’an 7:26)
So if a woman does not fear Allah and uncover her private parts then she is breaking the shield between her and Allah, Most High. And because she uncovered and dishonored herself and committed a treason with her husband, Allah will uncover her shield, she will be in a scandal… “
(29) Related by Imam Ahmed and Al-Hakim in his “Mustadrek” (Arabic) V.4, p.288 who said it is Saheeh (authentic) according to the conditions of Muslim and Al-Bukhari, and Ad-Dahabi agreed as well as Ibin Majah.
(8) TABARRUJ IS AN UNCHASTE AND DISGRACEFUL SIN
The woman is A’wrah, All of her body is not to be shown (30). To wear the clothes that show off and shapes her body features is disgraceful and Allah orders His slaves to stay away from disgraceful sins:
وَإِذَا فَعَلُوا فَاحِشَةً قَالُوا وَجَدْنَا عَلَيْهَا آبَاءَنَا وَاللَّهُ أَمَرَنَا بِهَا
قُلْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَأْمُرُ بِالْفَحْشَاءِ ۖ أَتَقُولُونَ عَلَى اللَّهِ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ
“When they commit a Fahisha (evil deed, going round the Ka’ba in naked state as in the times of Jahilyeeyah, every kind of unlawful sexual intercourse etc.), they say: ‘We found our fathers doing it and Allah has commanded us of it.’ Say: “Nay, Allah never commands of Fahisha. Do you say of Allah what you know not?” (Qur’an 7:28)
It is Shaytan (Satan) who orders such disgraceful sins. Allah says:
الشَّيْطَانُ يَعِدُكُمُ الْفَقْرَ وَيَأْمُرُكُم بِالْفَحْشَاءِ
“Shaytan threatens you with poverty and orders you to commit sins.” (Qur’an 2: 268)
The Mutabar’rijah is a sinful virus that spreads disgraceful sins amongst the Muslim society. Allah, the Most High, says:
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يُحِبُّونَ أَن تَشِيعَ الْفَاحِشَةُ فِي الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ ۚ وَاللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ
“Verily, those who like, that (the crime of) illegal sexual intercourse should be propagated among those who believe, they will have a painful torment in this world and in the Hereafter. And Allah knows and you know not.” (Qur’an 24:19)
Tabarruj is a leading cause for the spread of Zina (illegal sexual intercourse).
(30) See footnote # 7.
(9) TABARRUJ IS A SATANIC WAY
The story of Adam and his wife demonstrates how the enemy of Allah, Satan, was so covetous to incite them to show their private parts in order to spread evil and disgraceful sins. It also shows that the Tabarruj of women is a primary goal for Shaytan to achieve. Allah says:
يَا بَنِي آدَمَ قَدْ أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكُمْ لِبَاسًا يُوَارِي سَوْآتِكُمْ وَرِيشًا ۖ وَلِبَاسُ التَّقْوَىٰ ذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌ
“O children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover yourselves (screen your private parts etc.) and as an adornment. But the raiment of righteousness, that is better.” (Qur’an 7:26)
It is clear that Satan is the one who established the call for Tabarruj and show off and that he is the leader of those “leaders” who call for the “liberation of women”. Satan is the “Imam” of everyone who obeys and follows him in disobedience to Allah (The Most Merciful), especially those Mutabar’rijat who harm the Muslims and deceive their youth. The Prophet (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) said:
“I have not left after me any (chance) of turmoil more harmful to men than the harm done to the men because of women.(31)
Adam forgot, made a mistake, repented and asked forgiveness from Allah and Allah the Oft-Forgiving accepted Adam’s repentance. The struggle between Adam’s off-springs and Shaytan continues. The devil still whispers to drive us , men and women, to disobey Allah and follow sin. There is no safeguard except in the return to Allah in good faith and repentance, remembering Allah, asking His help to overcome lust and desire.
(31) Saheeh Muslim (English translation; published by Dar Al-Arabia) V. 4, hadeeth # 6603, p. 1431
(10) TABARRUJ IS THE WAY OF JEWS
Jews have an important role in the destruction of nations through the Fitna. (seduction/temptation) of women. The spread of Tabarruj is an effective weapon of their widespread establishments. They have an extensive experience in this field. One should look around only to see who runs Hollywood and famous Houses of “Fashions” and “Magazines” as well as the world of advertisement!. R-rated, X-rated movies and clothes are widespread. In fact the Prophet (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) said:
“Watch out for this worldly life (safeguard yourselves from its temptations); avoid the allurement of women: verily, the first trial for the people of Israel was caused by women. (32)
Their Books also testify to this fact. In the Third Chapter of Isaiah ( 16, 17):
“The Lord said: “Because the daughters of Zion are haughty and walk with necks outstretched ogling and mincing as they go, their anklets tinkling with every step. The Lord shall cover the scalps of Zion’s daughters with scabs, and the Lord shall bare their heads.” Furthermore, “On that day the Lord will do away with the finery of the anklets, sunbursts, and crescents; the pendants, bracelets, and veils; the headdresses, bangles, cinctures, perfume boxes, and amulets; the signet rings, and the rose rings; the court dresses, wraps, cloaks, and purses; the mirrors,..” (Isaiah, 3, 18-23; The New American Bible).
Although the Prophet (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) warned against mimicking the Kuffar (non-believers) and their ways, especially the ways of women. Many Muslims do not abide by this warning (33). This is a testimony for the prophecy of the Prophet (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) who said:
“You would tread the same path as was trodden by those before you inch by inch and step by step so that if they had entered into the hole of a Dhab (a desert lizard), you would follow them in this also. We said: Allah’s Messenger, do you mean Jews and Christians (by your words)” those before you”? he said: Who else (than those two religious groups). (34)
The similarity of those women who disobey Allah and his Messenger to the Jews is very evident because their response to Allah’s commands was similar to that of the Jews:
قَالُوا سَمِعْنَا وَعَصَيْنَا
“We have heard and disobeyed” (Qur’an 2: 93)
This is unlike the response of the believing women:
َقَالُوا سَمِعْنَا وَأَطَعْنَا
“We hear and we obey.” (Qur’an 2: 285)
They remember the saying of Allah:
وَمَن يُشَاقِقِ الرَّسُولَ مِن بَعْدِ مَا تَبَيَّنَ لَهُ الْهُدَىٰ وَيَتَّبِعْ غَيْرَ سَبِيلِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ نُوَلِّهِ مَا تَوَلَّىٰ وَنُصْلِهِ جَهَنَّمَ ۖ وَسَاءَتْ مَصِيرًا
“And whoever contradicts and opposes the Messenger (Muhammad صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) after the right path has been shown clearly to him, and follows other than the believers’ way, We shall keep him in the path he has chosen and burn him in Hell; what an evil destination!” (Qur’an 4: 115)
(32) Ibid, footnote # 31; Hadeeth # 6606, p.1432
(33) It is sad to see many who dislike the Kuffar in certain ways imitate them in their ways of living thinking that their materialistic progress could not be achieved except in acting, dressing, eating, jogging, sleeping ..like them. The true Muslim, however, remembers that any progress must meet the purpose for our presence on earth: all action must be related to the worship of Allah. The Kuffar have taken some of the means which Allah had created and used it for worldly gains. We are ordered to make the means adhere to the purpose of our creation: the worship of Allah Alone and thus uses the means to defend Islam and Muslims and secure the needs of life as well. Why should some of us dress the way Allah ordered and some does not? Should we choose Allah’s way or the Kuffar way? All the success is measured by one criterion: does it meet the pleasure of Allah or not?
(34) A famous and Saheeh hadeeth reported by Al-Bukhari, Muslim and others. The text here is as reported in Saheeh Muslim V. 4, hadeeth # 6448, p.1403
(11) TABARRUJ IS A FILTHY JAHILYEEYAH (IGNORANCE)
Allah says:
وَقَرْنَ فِي بُيُوتِكُنَّ وَلَا تَبَرَّجْنَ تَبَرُّجَ الْجَاهِلِيَّةِ الْأُولَىٰ
“And stay in your houses and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance” (Qur’an 33:33)
The Prophet (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) described the times of ignorance as filthy and wicked and ordered us to reject it. Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) described the Prophet (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) as :
يُحِلُّ لَهُمُ الطَّيِّبَاتِ وَيُحَرِّمُ عَلَيْهِمُ الْخَبَائِثَ
“He allows them as lawful At-Tayyibat (all i.e. good and lawful as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons, foods, etc.), and prohibits them as unlawful Al-Khaba’ith (all i.e. evil and unlawful as regard things, deeds, beliefs, persons, foods, etc.)” (Qur’an 7: 157)
The call to bring about the times of Jahilyeeyah is similar to the call for Tabarruj, both of which are wicked ways that the Messenger (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) made unlawful. He (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) said:
“Verily! every matter of Jahilyeeyah is under my feet!” (35)
Tabarruj and all forms of Jahilyeeyah such as false pride and haughtiness, ill thoughts about Allah, call for falsehood, setting up rivals with Allah, ruling by other than the laws of Islam, usury, etc., are all included.
(35) Related by Abu Dawoud, At-Tirmidhi, Ibin Majah, and Ad-Darime’i and Imam Ahmed.
(12) TABARRUJ IS AN ANIMAL ACT, RETARDATION (DECADENCE) AND DECLINE
To reveal and expose are natural behaviors of animals. Whenever man inclines towards such behaviors he starts his decline to a level lower than the level of manhood which Allah had bestowed upon him. Allah bestowed a natural inclination (Fitrah) towards covering, preservation, and safeguarding modesty. To consider the acts of display, exposition, and uncovering as acts of beauty reflects a corruption to the Fitrah and a degeneration in taste and a sign of decadence and decline.
The progress of man’s civility is linked to his/her covering of the body. The Hijab cover is fitting to the instinct of Gheerah which draws its strength from the soul. The so called “liberation from the chains of covering” is an instinct that draws its strength from lust which incites Tabarruj and mixing of the sexes. The one who is satisfied with this latter instinct must sacrifice the first one in order to silence the voice of the innate Gheerah in his heart in return for the “enjoyment” of Tabarruj and mixing. From this we understand that the Tabarruj is a sign of corruption of Fitrah, lack of bashfulness, Gheerah, and insensitivity.
(13) TABARRUJ IS A DOOR TO WIDESPREAD EVIL
Anyone who carefully examines the Islamic Texts (Qur’an and Sunnah) and the lessons of history, becomes convinced about the evils of Tabarruj and its harm, both on religious and worldly matters especially when it is associated with the mixing of sexes. Some of its underlying consequences are:
The Competition amongst the Displaying Women in Showing Off their Beauty. This is seduction, and it leads to the spoiling of morality and leaves women as merchandise articles exhibited for anyone to look at.
The Corruption of the Morality of Men, Especially the Youth and Those in Adolescence. It pushes them to commit various kinds of sins (36).
The Destruction of Family Ties and Causing a Lack of Trust Between Family Members and the Spread of Divorce.
The Commercial Abuse of Women In The World of Advertisement, Entertainment And Other Areas As Well.
Doing Harm to Women by Declaring Their Ill Intentions and Evil Conscience Thus Rendering Her Venerable To Harm By The Wicked And The Insolent.
The Spread of Diseases.
The Prophet (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) said:
“Sins didn’t spread in any particular nation until they openly conduct it and as a result, plague and other illnesses that were not present among their predecessors became widespread amongst them.” (37)
Facilitates The Sin of Zina (Fornication) By The Eye.
The Prophet (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) said:
“The adultery of the eyes is the lustful look. .” (38)
Tabarruj Makes it Difficult to Lower The Gaze.
Justifiably Brings Down Allah’s Punishment
The punishment of Allah is more severe than atomic bombs and earthquakes. Allah says:
وَإِذَا أَرَدْنَا أَن نُّهْلِكَ قَرْيَةً أَمَرْنَا مُتْرَفِيهَا فَفَسَقُوا فِيهَا فَحَقَّ عَلَيْهَا الْقَوْلُ فَدَمَّرْنَاهَا تَدْمِيرًا
“And when We (39) decide to destroy a town (population), We (first) send a definite order (to obey Allah and be righteous) to those among them [or We (first) increase in number those of its Population] who are given the good things in this life. Then, they transgress therein, and thus the word (of torment) is justified against it (them). Then We destroy it with complete destruction.” (Qur’an 17: 16)
The Prophet (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) said:
“When people see wrong (or evil) and they don’t change it, then it is imminent that the punishment of Allah will fall upon them. (40)
(36) You may have seen teen-age kids on the corners of many streets in Europe and in North America rooming around, smoking to get high, half naked, and on drugs looking to engage in sex. Why? What happened? Many try to hide from the hard facts! The drive for lust and materialistic life became the “god” of the new generations: the Pepsi-Michael-MTV- Jackson generations. The result: AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.
(37) Part of a lengthy hadeeth related by Ibin Majah, Abu Na’eem, and Al- Hakim who said: “it has a good chain of narrators”. Ad-Dahabi agreed to Al-Hakim’s report.
(38) Saheeh Muslim V.4, hadeeth # 6421 p. 1397
(39) “We” Plural Pronoun: Is used to stress the Greatness and Power of Allah Who is One. It is common with Semitic languages for any Monarch to use Plural Pronoun. It is also used by members of the Royal Family in England. To Allah, however, belong the Highest and most Perfect Example.
(40) Related by Abu Dawoud, At-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah and Imam Ahmed
Source: Posted from the e-Book: The Hijab .. Why? by Muhammad Bin Ahmad Bin Ismail AL-Mokadam| Dr. Saleh As-Saleh [PDF] & Audio Series