Is it permissible to adopt the view of the shaykh who permits looking at an unveiled unbelieving woman under certain conditions, or to adopt your fatwa which prohibits it except for a sudden glance? And what can a Muslim living in America say to an unveiled unbelieving woman when he lowers his gaze from her, so as not to be a trial for the unbelievers?

Ibn Kathir transmitted from Sufyan al-Thawri his saying that it is permissible to look at the adornment of the women of the People of the Book, and he based this on the Almighty's saying: "and the believing women" and "that is more suitable that they should be known and not be abused." However, this statement does not contradict explicit evidence nor does it restrict absolute evidence. Allamah Ibn al-Qattan holds that a non-Muslim woman is like a Muslim woman in the prohibition of looking at her, due to their equality in arousing desire and exposing the observer to temptation. The wisdom behind the command to lower the gaze is summarized in the Almighty's saying: "That is purer for them," as it is purer and more beneficial for hearts and religion, since looking can be a cause of temptation and falling into forbidden acts. Narrations have been reported that encourage lowering the gaze and explain its virtue.