Is it permissible for a man to enter upon women out of necessity, such as to ask about a jurisprudential matter, especially given the narration of Salim Sabilan entering upon Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) before she drew the curtain over herself?

The Hadith (definition) cited by the questioner has an authentic chain of narration and indicates that the Companion Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) did not veil herself from Salim Sublan because he was a mukātab (a slave who has a contract of manumission with his master). When he informed her of his freedom, she then lowered her veil in front of him. Scholars have differed on the permissibility of a woman uncovering herself in front of her mukātab or her slave whom she does not own.

Some scholars permitted this, while others stipulated that he must be her owned slave.

Accordingly, the Hadith does not indicate the permissibility of entering upon women. Rather, Aishah veiled herself from him immediately upon learning of his manumission, which indicates the obligation for a non-mahram (definition) woman to veil herself from a non-mahram man.

As for entering upon women out of necessity, necessity permits prohibitions. However, it should be noted that merely asking about a jurisprudential matter does not necessitate looking or entering. Rather, questions can be asked from behind a veil or through modern means of communication.

Furthermore, the need for a man to ask women about religious matters is almost non-existent today due to the presence of male jurists. However, if a man cannot find a male jurist, there is no impediment to asking women, while avoiding causes of fitnah (temptation).