Meaning of 'old male servants who lack vigor'

Q 2: What is the explanation of the part of the Ayah (the meanings of which are translated as): “… or old male servants who lack vigor…”


A: “Old male servants who lack vigor” include all male attendants considered to be part of the domestic unit, employed to perform household duties like preparing food and the like, who are not known to develop any sexual excitement in the presence of women nor are charmed upon seeing women’s adornment or beauty due to suffering from sexual impotence, mental retardation, imbecility or extreme old age that they have no interest in or desire for women; falling under this are also similar cases of males who have no physical desire for some reason. (Part No. 4; Page No. 266) Since fear of arousal of sexual temptations on their part is secured, women are allowed in front of these categories of men to show the adornment lawful for them to reveal in front of their Mahrams (spouses or unmarriageable relatives) mentioned in the Ayah. Women are also allowed to show their adornment in the presence of other Muslim women and little children who have not yet reached or developed maturity to understand or be aware of the private aspects of women and be stimulated by them.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.


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