What is the ruling on a woman looking at a man?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Marriage
Primary text
There are two narrations regarding a woman looking at a man. The primary view states that a woman is permitted to look at that which is not considered 'awrah (intimate parts). This view is supported by the narrative concerning Fatimah bint Qays, where the Prophet (peace be upon him) permitted her to observe her waiting period in the house of Ibn Umm Maktum, who was blind, indicating permission to look upon him. Further evidence is found in the Prophet (peace be upon him) covering Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) with his cloak while she watched the Abyssinians playing in the mosque. Additionally, the command for women to lower their gaze, similar to men, implies that looking is regulated, not absolutely prohibited. The permission to look is further established when the Prophet (peace be upon him) addressed the women after the Eid sermon, accompanied by Bilal, and commanded them to give charity, necessitating their sight of him.
Supporting text
The alternative view holds that a woman is not permitted to look at a man except for that which a man is permitted to look at concerning her. This position was favored by Abu Bakr and is one opinion of Ash-Shafi'i. The supporting evidence is the narration from Umm Salama, where the Prophet (peace be upon him) commanded his wives to veil themselves from Ibn Umm Maktum, even though he was blind, evidenced by the statement, 'Are you both blind, that you do not see him?' This is further reasoned by analogy, asserting that the reason prohibiting looking (fear of fitnah/temptation) is even stronger regarding women, as they are deemed to have stronger desires and less intellect, leading to swifter temptation.