Question:-
Is the voice a woman considered as her Awrah (something that needs to be concealed?)
Answer:-
Mufti Muhammad Shafi Saheb Rahimahullah has stated in Ma’ariful Quraan that there is difference of opinion amongst the A’immah in regards to the voice of a woman being Satr or not. In the Kitaabs of Imaam Shafi Rahimahullah it is stated that the voice of the woman is not considered as Satr (which needs to be concealed.)
There are however varying narrations in the Hanafi school of thought. Based on the narration of Nawaazil, Ibn Humaam Rahimahullah has stated that the voice of a woman is considered as Purdah. It is for this reason that it is Makrooh for a woman to call out the Adhaan in the Hanafi Madhab.
However, it is proven from the Ahadith that the pure and noble wives of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam used to engage in conversation with Ghair Mahram men, behind the veil, even after the injunction of donning the veil was revealed. (Obviously, this refers to conversations out of necessity, or there was a need to enquire a Mas’ala of Deen. It was not on the basis of enjoyment and futile discussions).
Hadrat Mufti Shafi Saheb Rahimahullah states that from the above discussion, we understand that when there is a fear of Fitna (due to the voice of a woman) then it will be prohibited to listen to her, and if there is no fear of Fitnah, then it will be permitted. However, caution demands and dictates that one should not speak to Ghair Mahram men without necessity even if carried out behind a veil. [Reference:- Ma’ariful Quraan Pg.406 Vol.6]
Maulana Yusuf Ludhyanwi Rahimahullah has stated, “If there is a need and necessity to speak to a Ghair Mahram woman, then the woman should speak in such a manner that the Ghair Mahram doesn’t incline towards her. There shouldn’t be any form of sweetness in her voice, rather there should be roughness and firmness. [Reference:- Aap Ke Masaa’il Aur Unka Hal Pg.68 Vol.8]
In conclusion, due to Fitna being prevalent in our times, one should refrain from listening to the voice of Ghair Mahaarim women, although according to the Saheeh view, the voice of women is not Purdah. One is however, permitted to speak at the time of necessity (only) in the manner explained above. [Reference:- Fataawa Darul Uloom Zakariyya Pg.228 Vol.7]
ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date: 01 Jumad-al-Ula 1443 / 06 December 2021
