What has been authentically reported from the Companions—may God be pleased with them—regarding the interpretation of the Most High’s saying: {and not display their adornment except what is apparent thereof}?

Hikmat al-Mawsili said in his exegesis of the verse: (and not display their adornment except what is apparent thereof): Al-Tabari, Al-Hakim, and others narrated from Ibn Mas'ud that it refers to clothes. Al-Tabari narrated from Ibn Abbas that the apparent adornment is the face, kohl on the eyes, henna on the hands, and the ring, and this is displayed within the home to those who enter upon her. Al-Mawsili added that Ibn Abbas mentioned that when believing women go out, they cover their faces except for one eye.

Al-Suyuti narrated from Ibn al-Mundhir, from Anas: that the apparent adornment is kohl and the ring. And from Aisha: that it is the anklet and the finger ring without a stone. And from al-Miswar ibn Makhramah: that it is the bracelet, the ring, and kohl.

Al-Mawardi mentioned that the apparent adornment does not have to be covered; it is clothes according to Ibn Mas'ud, and kohl and the ring according to Ibn Abbas and al-Miswar, and the face and hands according to Al-Hasan, Ibn Jubayr, and 'Ata'. As for the inner adornment, it must be covered from non-mahram men. The husband is allowed to look at it and derive pleasure from it, while other mahram relatives are allowed to look at it without deriving pleasure.