To what extent is it true to say that looking at women with the intention of sexual pleasure is forbidden, whereas looking at them for work is permissible? And do the accounts reported from Aisha, the Prophet (peace be upon him), and Al-Shafi'i regarding the education and meeting of women constitute evidence for this?

It is not permissible for a man to let his gaze roam freely upon a woman who is not his محرم (unmarriageable kin), due to the Almighty's saying: "Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts." (24:30) For gazing is one of the incitements to temptation. However, some scholars have permitted looking at the face and hands of an unfamiliar woman without lust.

There are cases where looking is permissible due to necessity, such as a sudden glance, a suitor looking at his fiancée, looking for testimony, or during buying and selling out of necessity, provided it is not with lust.

As for 'Aishah or other women teaching men, this does not indicate the permissibility of looking. Rather, the teaching took place from behind a veil, and it is not necessary for there to be any uncovering of the face or hands.