Is it inappropriate to make a comment to a Muslim woman that she is pretty or beautiful?

Question

Just ehhhh... not familiar with the customs is all.

Not tryin to make advances... Im very happily married. Thank you very much.

Answer 1

who can stop you?

Answer 2

Actually yes. In Islam, women are valued for their intellect, character and piety, not their beauty alone. This is why muslim women cover (wear veils). It is to tell the world that they respect themselves and want to be respected for what they have to offer, not their beauty or lack thereof over which they have no control. It is considered an insult to a man to comment on his wife's/daughter's/sister's etc. beauty. It is also inappropriate to tell a woman directly that she is beautiful.

These facts are misinterpreted by the west to make covering a sign of oppression. It doesn't matter to the west that most women CHOOSE to cover themselves. They are not forced.

Thanks for asking the question.

Answer 3

There are many Muslim women who are so shy that they would be flustered by the compliment. Some might be able to maintain composure but might not respond verbally. Just take that as a thank you. If you hear her whispering but not really say anything to you, it could be that she said "mashallah", which means that she (like all good Muslims) feels that her good qualities are the work of God and not her own doing. Some people use that saying to try to ward off the evil eye, a concept that is found in many Middle Eastern cultures.

There is no need for you to follow up with anything. Any interaction that you offer most Muslim women needs to be as brief and non-interactive as possible so that if she does not want to interact, she won't feel badly for not responding.

Of course, Muslim women are free to choose how much they want to interact with other women.

Thank you for your thoughtful question.

Answer 4

As salaamu 'alaikym, my friend.

Insha'Allah, if she is alone (i.e., not being escorted by either her husband, father or other relative or non-marriagable escort, as the same is described in the laws by which the Muslims should live), yes, it would be highly inapprorpiate as it might be understood as a sexual advance on your part and by doing so you might be implying (to the understanding of Muslim) that the woman in question is a prostitute or available to act as such.

Insha'Allah, another issue would be that the woman herself had virtually nothing to do with her beauty as such is a gift from Allah, Subhanna wa Ta'ala, and so all praise for her beuaty belongs to Him and to Him alone.

Insha'Allah, in the practice of Islam, Muslims trace all things back to Allah, Subhanna wa Ta'ala, such as knowledge, talents or other blessings, beauty, courage, faith, etc. Noticing any of these or other such blessings and qualities in another individual, one would properly say, "Alhumdulillah!", which may be translated as "All praise be to Allah!".

In making a comment to another regarding some other person, one might say "Mash'Allah", which could be translated as "Allah has willed it so".

If one is making a referrence to something that thte individual is hoping to do or hoping to have occur in the future, one would say, "Insha'Allah" which may be translated as "If it is the Will of Allah", or, "If it pleases Allah".

Insha'Allah, I hope that this helps you.

Ma'a salaam.

Answer 5

Depends on when and how you say it. You obviously wouldn't want to just walk up to someone out of nowhere and say that, thats a little creepy. But, I have had some people tell me that from time to time even wearing headscarf, lol. We do enjoy compliments every now and then, we are human too.

Answer 6

If she's not wearing a veil, I imagine she would be flattered. If she's wearing a veil, even though you can see enough to be sure she is beautiful, you should respect the fact that she's making a gesture of being hidden. Then you should not say anything. But you can't help what your eyes say, can you?

Answer 7

I don't think so... I enjoy it... lol... and I'm both a Muslim and married ;) :D

I guess it depends more on the culture rather than the religion :)






EDIT:
I wear hijab too :D

Answer 8

If you are in a Muslim-centric country and make this statement to a Muslim woman in public, she will be assumed to have disobeyed the Koran, 24:31 and will be immediately put to death for this violation, especially for showing what should not be shown to a non-Muslim in such a way that she should receive that remark.

Elsewhere in the world, she will probably shyly say "thank you" once and quickly move on.

This is NOT an "opening move" of any kind for Muslim women. Since you yourself are not Muslim, dont bother trying to make advances. She can get herself killed for consorting with a non-Muslim man.

Answer 9

Try it, find out
is it any more appropriate
to make a comment to a non
which comes first woman or religion?

Answer 10

Assalamualaikum!
Yeah.........it may be inappropriate esp when she is in hijab or veil............you know she's already trying to hide her from such comments so it can confuse her.
And if you've seen some one beautiful........you can admire her in your own heart.......not necessary to tell her........she might know already.

But if you are in friendly terms with her...........than i think its alright.

But everyone reacts differently..........................so better not to comment.
Allah hafiz

Answer 11

If you really mean it , I dont think it's inappropriate.But I don't guarantee she would not slap you screamingly as it's a matter of calture ; let's take care ;)
good luck .