A comparison of understanding of zînet in fiqh and today's understanding of zînet

Beauty has been of a great significance for women for centuries. Thus, women themselves and any kind of beauty of theirs are considered to be zînets in the literature of fıqh. In these days when the beauties of women are presented as commodities,it is important to study any subject related to their zînets in both the Islamic law and in modern law. The scope of the subject, zînets of women, in fıqh sources and elements or practices which can be interpreted as adornment are the subjects of the thesis. Comparing the points of view of Islamic Law and modern law in beauty elements or practices is one of the objectives of the thesis. Physical beauties,clothing and any practice that women do in order to beautify themselves have been seen as adornment and the fact that women are inclined to do all these is accepted as licit under certain circumstances. Intervention in human body, unless it is seen as one of the austerities in Allah's name and has obligatory reasons like treatment, has been understood to be makruh or haram. In modern law, It is seen that any subject concerning ornaments in fıqh is dealt and evaluated within the personal rights,law of obligations and medical law. Key Words: Ornaments, adornment, Beauty, Aesthehics, Clothing, Veiling