What Is Aurat
The verse certainly arose in a particular social context involving harassment. However, the command is addressed not only to “ the Prophet’s wives” but also to “the believing women” generally. The lesson is based on the generality of the wording, not merely the specificity of the occasion. Therefore, while the occasion explains why the verse was revealed, it does not necessarily restrict the ruling to that occasion. My argument is that harassment, unwanted attention, and the need for dignified public interaction still exist today and will last till the End. Therefore, the rationale has not disappeared. Since, the above circumstances still exist, the verse is applicable to believing women in today’s life. Hence, I would not fully agree with the claim that 33:59 was only for a temporary circumstance and therefore no longer applies. The wording extends beyond the Prophet’s wives to all believing women, and the underlying concerns have not disappeared.