What is the limit of ostentatious display (tabarruj), of women who make such display, of spreading indecency, and of normalizing sin in Islam?
The punishment for transgressions and sins for which no prescribed legal punishment (hadd) exists is a discretionary punishment (ta'zir), determined by the Imam's judgment, as he deems appropriate to deter. It is incumbent upon the Imam to prevent ostentatious display (tabarruj) and the spread of indecency, and to take deterrent measures. It is also the duty of the ruler to prevent women from corruption and corrupting others, and to punish them with what will deter them. Ibn al-Qayyim mentioned that the Imam is responsible for preventing women from going out adorned, and from wearing tight or revealing clothing, and for preventing men and women from conversing in the streets. Some jurists have permitted spoiling the clothes of an adorned woman with ink. The ruler may imprison a woman who frequently goes out beautified. Umar ibn al-Khattab prohibited women from walking in the men's path and intermingling with them. The ruler is responsible for preventing intermingling, which is the root of every calamity and evil.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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