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Implication of the Word Khimar for Hijab (Follow Up: Ears)

Question:


Thank you very much for clarifying my doubts. I have read the foot notes references 1 and 2 as well. 
When we say "except the embellishments of the face and hands and feet" does this include ears as part of the face?


Answer:

The verse 24:31 makes exception for those part of the body that are normally revealed and allows not covering them when using embellishments on them.

For the same reason that face, hands and feet are included in the above criteria, ears are also included. Typically and traditionally people (men and women) would not cover their ears (and face, hands and feet) unless for an external factor (e.g. cold, etc.). As Zamakhshari writes:

الا ما جرت العاده و الجبله علی ظهوره و الاصل فیه الظهور

"Except (limbs) which generally and instinctively are not covered and in principle are left bare." (al-Kashshaf, 3:231)

Ears definitely fit the above definition.

It is therefore correct in my view to consider ears as part of the face for the purpose of verse 24:31.

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Related Topics:
- Implication of the Word Khimar for HIjab
- Hijab (Follow Up: Verse 33:59)
- Hijab (Follow Up: While Praying)   
- Follow Up: Why 'What Appears Thereof' does Not Include Head (hair)

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May 2013
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