revelation of both eyes behind the veil is likely to encourage women to put make-up on and accentuate their eyes. This is corrupt behavior which conflicts with Islamic principles
A new fatwa (Islamic edict) issued by a Muslim cleric on the al-Majd satellite television channel has commanded Muslim women not only to cover the head, neck, and entire body with a long, billowy abaya (body-length veil) when in public, but also to cover one of their eyes.
The new law comes in addition to those which forbid women to leave the home without a male escort from their families, fraternize with males in public, drive cars, wear makeup, or walk in high heels.
Sheikh Mohammed al-Habadan said the “revelation of both eyes behind the veil is likely to encourage women to put make-up on and accentuate their eyes. This is corrupt behavior which conflicts with Islamic principles.” Habadan encouraged women to cover one eye with a cloth patch, which she can briefly remove when she needs to assess a product while shopping.
According to the United Nation’s annual report on the state of women in the Arab world, Saudi women are ranked as the most deprived and devoid of rights in Muslim society.