Question
Reference number: 125777 | Clothing and Accessories Legislations | March 5, 2019
What is the ruling if a hairdresser posts a photo of my hair without showing my face as a form of advertisement taking into consideration that in this way I am unknown and none can recognize who I am?
Answer
Praise Be to Allah and Peace Be Upon His Messenger.
Referring to your question, the hair of a woman is considered to be a part of ‘Awrah which must not be shown off but to other women, her husband or mahrams. Therefore, strange men should not look at it even if it is only a picture. Allah says: “Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts). That is purer for them. Verily, Allah is All-Aware of what they do.” An-Nur: 30
Shaikh Muhammad Ahmad Hussain, the General Mufti (Muslim Legal Scholar), in the Palestinian Legal Verdict Council was once asked about the ruling on looking at women without any sexual intention, and whether this has any negative consequences or not.
He said that it is not allowed for a Muslim man to look at other women if there is no necessity whether there are sexual intentions or not so as to stay away from falling into lust. The prophet said that the devil flows in a man like his blood. The prophet said: “I have not left behind me a trial which is harmful to men than women”. Related by Bukhari.
It means that seducing men by women is harmful. A Muslim who does not lower their gaze is considered to be sinful.