Transliteration:( Walqawaa’idu minan nisaaa’il laatee laa yarjoona nikaahan fa laisa ‘alaihinna junaahun ai yada’na siyaabahunna ghaira mutabarrijaatin bi zeenah; wa ai yasta’fif na khairul lahunn; wallaahu Samee’un ‘Aleem )
"And as for elderly women who have reached menopause and no longer have any desire for marriage [161], there is no sin on them if they remove their outer garments without displaying their adornment [162]. But to abstain from doing so is better for them [163]. And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing."
This verse addresses a specific group: elderly women who have passed childbearing age and have no interest in marriage. Islam recognizes their distinct situation and eases the rules of dress modestly, reflecting the compassionate nature of Shariah.
There is no sin on them if they relax certain aspects of hijab, given their changed social and physical state.
Though they are permitted to remove their outer garments, the condition remains that they must not display their adornment. This ensures that modesty is upheld, even as leniency is offered.
This balance between concession and caution shows how Islam maintains dignity without burdening its followers unnecessarily.
While the allowance is granted, the verse encourages a higher level of modesty:
“But to abstain from doing so is better for them.”
This highlights that even when something is permissible, voluntary restraint earns greater spiritual reward. It teaches believers to always strive for what is more pleasing to Allah, not just what is allowed.
The verse closes with: “And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.”
This serves as a reminder that inner intentions and outer actions are both known to Allah. Sincerity, modesty, and discretion are always under divine observation.
The tafsir of Surah An-Nur verse 60 by Ibn Kathir is unavailable here.
Please refer to Surah Nur ayat 59 which provides the complete commentary from verse 59 through 60.
(24:60) The women who are past their youth (and can no longer bear children) and do not look forward to marriage[92] will incur no sin if they cast off their outer garments[93] without displaying their adornment.[94] But if they remain modest, that is still better for them. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.
92. Literally, this means those women who are no longer capable of bearing children, who no longer cherish sexual desires, and who cannot excite the passions of men.
93. Obviously it cannot mean that they should strip themselves naked. That is why all the jurists and commentators agree that it implies the outer garments which are used to hide the adornments as enjoined in (Surah Al-Ahzab, Ayat 59).
94. Tabarruj is display and exhibitionism. When used with regard to a woman, it would imply the one who displays her charms and adornments before other men. The permission to lay aside the outer garments is being given to those old women who are no longer interested in personal embellishments and whose sex desires are gone. But if they still have a hidden desire smoldering in their hearts and an urge to display, they cannot avail of this permission.
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