Most of us may have seen the word 'Tabarruj' used alot on here.

What does Tabarruj mean according to Quran, Sunnah & The Salaf?

A Thread:

Allah says in The Quran:

'And abide in your houses and do not display yourselves (Tabarruj) as [was] the display of the former times of ignorance' [33:33]

This ayah is regarding women as the female pronoun has been used in this verse.

There are some Ahadeeth which talk of Tabarruj:

- It is reported Umaymah Bint Ruqayqah RA pledged allegiance to the Prophet and promised to refrain from Tabarruj - [Majma'Az Zawaaid, Ahmad, Tabrani]

Graded authentic by Haythami, Ahmad Shakir, and Al Arna'ut

- There is also another narration that states The Prophet ﷺ disliked 10 things, from them 'Tabarruj biz zeenah' is mentioned. This means 'displaying beauty' [Ahmad, Nasai, Ibn Hibban]

Although many do quote this narration when telling sisters they are doing Tabarruj,

You'll find that the Scholars of Hadeeth have had various opinions on this narration:

- Ahmad Shakir has said it is authentic, Ibn Hajr and Imam Suyuti have said it is sound

- Uqayli, Ath Thahabi, Imam Bukhari, Haythami, Albani, Al Arna'ut have said this narration is weak

Imam Bukhari, Thahabi and Albani have indicated it is to be rejected and left due to narrators in the chain.

So what is the description given by The Salaf on Tabarruj?

Under the ayah [33:33]

< Ibn Kathir states: >

- Mujahid said: Women would leave [their houses] & walk amongst men. This is Tabarruj

- Qatadah said: Women would leave their houses [in jahiliyyah] walk and flirt with men. Allah has prohibited this.

- Maqaatil bin Hayyan said: The women would cover their heads with a scarf but not tight [itd be loose] and they would show their strands of hair, their fringes and necks.

< Imam Bagawi states in his Tafseer: >

- Ibn Najeeh said: Its being perfumed [infront of non Mahram]

- Imam Bagawi also states: It has been said (no names mentioned): to show and expose your beauty for men

< Imam Tabari states: >

Its has been said it means: To be perfumed and to flirt.

He them brings a chain of narrators quoting Qatadah and Ibn Najeeh.

< Tha'labi states: >

- Exactly the same as the above scholars

< Showkaani states in his Tafseer >

- (Tabarruj is when) a woman shows her beauty which is necessary for her to cover (awrah) and invites the desire of men

<As Sam'ani states in his Tafseer >

- Al Mubarrid said: A woman revealing of herself, that which is to be covered.

He also quotes Qatadah and Mujahid like the above scholars.

A quick summary on Tabarruj

- The Quran & Hadeeth have mentioned it
- According to the Salaf people who do Tabarruj are:
. those who flirt
. show fringe, strands of hair and neck
. walk amongst men
. perfumed infront of men
. expose her Awrah
. invites attention from men

The only reason ive made this tweet is to help people realise what Tabarruj really means & what it is. Many people just throw it around.

Obviously there is a major difference of opinion on covering the face. But we are not discussing that here nor am i giving any rulings on it

In short, have the knowledge and dont assume what a word from The Quran means and then just label people with it.

Allah knows best.