as salaamu alaykum wa rahma!
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As a translator of the works of our imams (as), I can say that our imams simply advise one to be cautious and God-conscious in respect to beautifying oneself.
If I may, let me bring your attention to something mentioned by Imam al-Haadi (as) in his
Ahkaam that is instructive. When discussing divorce, he says:
As for the waiting period of one with a revocable divorce, there is no restriction in beautifying herself or applying perfume. Rather, she can apply perfume, beautify herself and manifest such to her husband in order to entice him back to her. She is to observe her waiting period in her husband’s house until the completion of her waiting period.
Thus, according to the imam, a woman upon whom the pronouncement of divorce has taken place, who seeks to entice her husband back to her before the waiting period is over, is permitted to wear kohl, jewellery and perfume in the confinements of one's home. That withstanding, the application of makeup and scents is connecting to the desire to attract towards oneself. Although I am aware that many women may beautify themselves in this manner to 'feel good about themselves' and not necessarily to attract the male gaze, it nonetheless has this consequence. Therefore, as an imam who is to look after the spiritual wellbeing of the community, our imams restrict beautification to the private sphere.
And Allah knows best!
IRS
