What parts of a female slave (amah) are permissible to look at?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Marriage
Primary text
It is permissible to look at what usually appears on a female slave, such as the face, the head, the hands, and the shins. This ruling is supported by the action of Umar ibn al-Khattab, peace be upon him, who struck a veiled female slave with a whip and commanded her to unveil, stating that veiling is for free women (hurra'ir). Furthermore, Abu Hafs narrated that Umar did not permit any female slave to wear the full covering (qina'a) during his caliphate, asserting that the covering is reserved for free women. This implies that exposure was permissible, as prohibiting concealment would not have been commanded otherwise. Additionally, the narration from Anas concerning the Prophet, peace be upon him, and Safiyyah, where the companions questioned whether she would be an Umm al-Mu'minin (Mother of the Believers) or an Umm Walad based on whether she was veiled or not, demonstrates that the non-veiling of female slaves was a widespread and known practice, while veiling for others was clearly established. This is supported by the consensus that the veil was established for free women.
Supporting text
Some Shafi'i scholars permit looking at everything on her that is not considered 'awrah, defining this as areas above the navel and below the knee. Ahmad ibn Hanbal stated that if a female slave is beautiful, she must veil, and one should not look at the owned woman, citing that many a glance brings turmoil to the heart of the gazer. Furthermore, some companions of Ahmad considered the ruling on a free woman and a female slave to be identical, based on the verse {And not display their beauty except what is apparent thereof} (Quran 24:31), arguing that the underlying reason for prohibiting viewing (fear of temptation/fitnah) is equal for both, as freedom is not a natural attribute affecting temptation. However, if the female slave is beautiful and temptation is feared, looking at her becomes forbidden, similar to looking at a handsome youth who incites temptation.