"The Muslim Woman's Makeup Book" - The True Meaning of the Word "Ziynat" and Its Sharia Basis

CHAPTER ONE

The true meaning of the word "Zinat" and its Sharia foundations

Definition of adornment.

Shariah evidence and rules of adornment

Types of jewelry

The word "adornment" is used in the dictionary to refer to anything beautiful and also means to make something beautiful.

It is the antonym of ugly and is also used in reference to religious and cultural celebrations.

Al-Azhari defined adornment as follows:

"The word 'decoration' refers to all things that give beauty and make a person look beautiful. For example, when it is said that a day of adornment is said, this can be understood as a holiday."

In addition to its literal meaning, the term is also used to refer to celebrations and cultural events that are presented to a person.

Scholars have defined it as follows, based on its dictionary meaning:

"Adornation is to beautify, to add to and decorate something that already exists," they say.

In short, there are three types of adornment:

The adornment of the soul is knowledge and beautiful belief. Allah Almighty says in the Holy Quran:

"This is a grace and favor from Allah. Allah is Knowing and Wise."

Physical beauty - being strong, tall, and similar human beauties.

External adornment is the abundance of wealth, fame, etc. Allah Almighty says about this:

"So he (Qarun) came out to his people in the splendor of a zebu. Those who desired the life of this world said, "If only we had some of what Qarun has been given. Indeed, he is the possessor of a great fortune."

Based on the above definitions of adornment, it can be concluded that it is used to refer to all beautiful things that a person can adorn themselves with, encompassing all beautiful qualities, both internal and external, folk and moral.

PART TWO

The popularity of adornment and its norms

Part one.

Evidence from the Holy Quran

There are many verses in the Holy Quran about adornment and beautiful clothing. We will discuss these in detail below.

“O children of Adam, We have sent down to you garments to cover your private parts and adornment. The garment of piety, that is better. Those are among the signs of Allah, that they may remember.”

Allah Almighty, through this verse, emphasizes that at the beginning of His address to the children of Adam, He created clothes that cover their private parts, and He sent down cotton, hemp, silk, wool and other raw materials to make them. People use this to decorate and beautify themselves. At the same time, this address also reveals the need to be modest in their private parts. Clothes that cover the private parts are also considered beautiful, and there are several divine wisdoms and purposes in them. This verse emphasizes that man has been given the means of making clothes, must seek piety, and must comply with the rights of Allah Almighty.

Allah Almighty says in the Quran: “O children of Adam, take your adornment at every time of prayer . ” In this verse, He addressed not only Muslims, but all the children of Adam, and commanded them to take adornment in front of the mosques and cover their private parts with it. These human clothes protect their reputation, their position in society, and ensure their distinction from other creatures. Clothing is one of the types of adornment within its scope, and Sharia adornment is emphasized based on laws.

In another verse , Allah says : “Say, ‘Who has forbidden the adornment and good things that Allah has brought forth for His servants?’ ”

In his commentary on this verse, Shawkani (may Allah have mercy on him) says in his book “Fathul-Qadir”: “The verse explains that adornment is clothing that a person can wear and minerals that are permissible and have not been mentioned in any slander. There is no harm in wearing clothes made of precious stones and fabrics that Allah Almighty has not forbidden. There is no harm in wearing anything that is not forbidden by Shariah and is included in the category of adornment for a Muslim.”

Allah Almighty blesses you with this: "Are you one who was raised in adornment and cannot be clear in times of conflict?"

This verse was revealed to refute the hateful claims of the disbelievers that Allah has daughters. Undoubtedly, Allah, the Exalted, is greater and more exalted than these claims. In addition, the verse emphasizes that adornment is permissible for women, and it is also mentioned that women are created to be curious about jewelry and ornaments, which are among the types of adornment.

Allah Almighty commands in Surah An-Nur: “Tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts and not to display their adornment except what is apparent.”

Zamakhshari interpreted this verse in his work "Kashshof" as follows: "It is clear from the verse that wearing any kind of jewelry and adornment is one of the rights of a woman. However, the condition is that the woman should not show them to anyone other than her mahrams and her husband. This is not permissible for her."

This verse indicates that the inclusion of adornment in Sharia law, although based on several rules, was actually applicable to women.