A boy entering to women's houses

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Q 3: At what age should a boy be forbidden from entering to women's houses? What is the meaning of the Ayah (Qur'anic verse) which reads: ...or small children who have no sense of feminine sex. ?

A: A boy who is still underage and whose sexual appetite has not yet developed is allowed to enter to women's houses. The women do not have to wear Hijab (veil) in his presence. Commenting on the Ayah in which Allah (Exalted be He) says: ...or small children who have no sense of feminine sex. Imam Ibn Kathir (may Allah be merciful to him) states: (Part No. 17; Page No. 193) "The Ayah refers to those children who, because of their young age, do not understand anything about women and their `Awrah (parts of the body that must be covered in public), and are not attracted by their soft voices or their feminine way of walking and moving. If the child is small and does not understand all this, there is nothing wrong with him entering to women's houses." May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.