What is the permissible extent for a man to look at a woman in Islamic law? And does the ruling on looking differ depending on the woman being looked at?

In the rulings concerning a man's gaze upon an unrelated woman, a distinction is made between a young woman, an old woman, and a young girl. Similarly, in some instances, a distinction is made between looking with lust and looking without lust.

There is a difference of opinion regarding the ruling on a man looking at a woman's face and hands without lust. Some scholars permitted it, such as Abu Hanifa, Al-Shafi'i, and one opinion in the Hanbali school. Others prohibited it, which is the apparent view of the Hanbali school and an opinion of Malik.

Furthermore, some scholars permitted looking at an ugly woman who is not typically desired, such as an old woman whose like is not desired, or a disfigured woman.