Is the verse of the Hijab—"And when you ask [his wives] for anything, ask them from behind a partition"—specific to the wives of the Prophet (PBUH), and does it include the women of the Ummah?

Scholars have differed in their interpretation of the verse of Hijab, "And when you ask them [his wives] for anything, ask them from behind a partition. That is purer for your hearts and their hearts." (33:53). Is it specific to the wives of the Prophet (peace be upon him) or general to all women?

The first view: The verse is specific to the wives of the Prophet (peace be upon him), as Ibn Ashour stated that it legislated the ruling of hijab for the Mothers of the Believers, and it is a hijab specific to them.

The second view: The verse is general to all women, and this is the preponderant view, based on the following evidence:

1. The default in religious address is generality unless there is evidence to indicate specificity. 2. The reason given for the command of hijab is that it is "purer for your hearts and their hearts." This reasoning applies to all women, as the hearts of women other than the Mothers of the Believers are more in need of purity. 3. The Hadith, "Beware of entering upon women," which warns against men entering upon women in general, indicating the generality of the ruling of hijab.

Conclusion: The verse is general concerning the obligation of hijab for the wives of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and all women of the Ummah.