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328chapter fiveChart 2: Legislation of women’s dress codeTo coverDressUpper Limit (set by the Messenger of Allah)Transgression of the limit set by MuÈammad (ß)The covering of the entire body except the face and hands; the naturaldisposition of human beings in setting up dress codes makes them movebetween the upper and lower limits according to their traditions andcustoms. Curvature (al-ÈanÊfiyya) results from this movement between thelimits of Allah and His Messenger (this is, basically, the essence of verse 59of Sårat al-AÈr§f).Lower Limit (set by Allah): the covering of all juyåb private parts (breasts,area of the belly, vagina/vulva, and buttocks).Transgression of the lower limit means complete nakedness in front of themaȧrim (taboo-)relatives (including the ba’l husband); also the exposure ofthe upper private parts to everyone except those mentioned in 24:31.Historical time and place (contingency)OccupationNo upper limit.All other possible occupations are allowed as long as society viewsthem as proper workplaces for women. Societies will set up theirown limits for female occupation, but these limits are neitherabsolute taboos nor absolute permissions (this is the prerogative ofAllah).The lower limit (set by God) is not to work as a prostitute orstriptease dancer.Transgression of the lower limit implies work in forbiddenoccupations (e.g., prostitution, striptease) because it would spreadindecency, adultery, and fornication.Historical time and place (contingency)