THE VOICE OF THE FEMALE

Is the female voice to be considered as "Aurah", i.e. a voice that should only be heard by the "mahaarim"? On this point there is a difference of opinion among the scholars of Islam.

Imaam Shaafi'i (Rahimahullah) considers that a woman's voice is not "Aurah". On the other hand, Allaaamah ibn Humaam (Rahimahullah) thinks the opposite. It is for this reason that a woman's Azaan and Iqaamah are considered Makruh.

In the light of the Ahaadith we can see that the Ummahat-ul-Mumineen (the mothers of the believers) - the wives of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) used to speak to the ghair mahaarim. However, this was done behind a curtain.

[English version of "La voix féminine" – Al Haadi – Vol. 1 No. 5]