Surah al-Ahzab (The Confederates) 33 : 55

Explanatory Note

Having made this warning, the sūrah makes the exception of some close relatives with whom the Prophet’s wives did not have to be so guarded:

“It is no sin for them [to appear freely] before their fathers, their sons, their brothers, their brothers’ sons, their sisters’ sons, their womenfolk, or such men slaves as their right hands possess. [Wives of the Prophet!] Always remain God-fearing; for God is witness to all things.”

These are the relatives a woman cannot marry, i.e. her maĥram. In fact it is lawful for all Muslim women to appear before these relatives in normal clothes, without covering their heads. I could not establish with any degree of certainty whether this verse addressing the Prophet’s wives in particular or verse 31 of Sūrah 24, Light, addressing all Muslim women was revealed first. It is more likely, however, that the order was first issued to the Prophet’s wives and then made applicable to others.

We should note here the instruction to always be conscious of God, and the reference o His awareness of everything. “Always remain God- fearing; for God is witness to all things.” This is indeed the best guarantee that people will pay heed.