What is the meaning of 'fitnah' when it is related to females?

Answer

Fitnah has many different meanings. In the context of intermingling of sexes it means sexual desire and lust. The Qur'aan describes this malady of lust also with the word, "maradh (a disease) in the heart". According to the Qur'aan, this malady exists in the hearts of all human beings regardless of their piety and status. Thus, the aayat commanding the erection of a screen between men and women if there is a need to speak, is in the first instance directed to the Holy Wives of Rasulullah

(sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and the Sahaabah.

When it is said that a woman constitutes a 'fitnah' for men, it simply means that men will be sexually attracted to her. Hence Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said to the Sahaabah: "I have not left after me a greater fitnah for you than women." To block this fitnah, the Shariah has instituted very stringent restrictions which are Waajib to observe.

This word is not always utilized in this context. The Qur'aan Majeed says: "Some of your wives and children are a fitnah." On this aayat it means a 'trial'. When wives and children divert a man from the Deen, then they are a fitnah for him.