speech on importance of hijab in islam

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The significance of hijab

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It often occurs to me that many of our sisters in Islam are not correctly enlightened or encouraged once they begin to observe the requirements of Hijab (Islamic women's dress). It may be that a sister has been obliged to wear the Hijab without truly pondering over its superiority and uniqueness .

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Women in Islam Versus Women in the Judaeo-Christian Tradition: The Myth and Reality

When will our lands return to us, virtues of hijab, the.

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/* */ Contents [ Hide ] An Act of Obedience The Hijab is IFFAH (Modesty) The Hijab is Tahara (Purity) The Hijab is a Shield The Hijab is Taqwa (Righteousness) The Hijab is Iman (Belief or Faith) The Hijab is Haya' (Bashfulness) The Hijab is Ghirah An Act of Obedience The hijab is an act of obedience to Allah and to his Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam , Allah says in the Qur'an : "It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have an option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, has indeed strayed in a plain error." [ Al-Qur'an 33:36] Allah also said: "And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things) and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc) and not to show off their adornment except what must (ordinarily) appear thereof, that they should draw their veils over their Juyubihinna ." [ Al-Qur'an 24:31] Juyubihinna : The respected scholars from as-salaf as-salih (righteous predecessors) differed whether the veil cover of the body must include the hands and face or not. Today, respected scholars say that the hands and face must be covered. Other respected scholars say it is preferable for women to cover their whole bodies. The Hijab is IFFAH (Modesty) Allah ( subhanahu wa ta'ala ) made the adherence to the hijab a manifestation for chastity and modesty. Allah says: "O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) over their bodies (when outdoors). That is most convenient that they should be known and not molested." [ Al-Qur'an 33:59] In the above Ayah there is an evidence that the recognition of the apparent beauty of the woman is harmful to her. When the cause of attraction ends, the restriction is removed. This is illustrated in the case of elderly women who may have lost every aspect of attraction. Allah ( subhanahu wa ta'ala ) made it permissible for them to lay aside their outer garments and expose their faces and hands reminding, however, that is still better for them to keep their modesty. The Hijab is Tahara (Purity) Allah ( subhanahu wa ta'ala ) had shown us the hikma (wisdom) behind the legislation of the hijab : "And when you ask them (the Prophet's wives) for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen, that is purer for your hearts and their hearts." [ Al-Qur'an 33:53] The hijab makes for greater purity for the hearts of believing men and women because it screens against the desire of the heart. Without the hijab , the heart may or may not desire. That is why the heart is more pure when the sight is blocked (by hijab ) and thus the prevention of fitna (evil actions is very much manifested. The hijab cuts off the ill thoughts and the greed of the sick hearts: "Be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy or evil desire for adultery, etc) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honourable manner." [ Al-Qur'an 33:32] The Hijab is a Shield The Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "Allah, Most High, is Heaven, is Ha'yi (Bashful), Sit'tir (Shielder). He loves Haya' (Bashfulness) and Sitr (Shielding; Covering)." The Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam also said: "Any woman who takes off her clothes in other than her husband's house (to show off for unlawful purposes), has broken Allah's shield upon her." The Hadith demonstrates that depending upon the kind of action committed there will be either reward (if good) or punishment (if bad). The Hijab is Taqwa (Righteousness) Allah ( subhanahu wa ta'ala ) says in the Qur'an : "O Children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover yourselves (screen your private parts, etc) and as an adornment. But the raiment of righteousness, that is better." [ Al-Qur'an 7:26] The widespread forms of dresses in the world today are mostly for show off and hardly taken as a cover and shield of the woman's body. To the believing women, however the purpose is to safeguard their bodies and cover their private parts as a manifestation of the order of Allah. It is an act of Taqwa (righteousness). The Hijab is Iman (Belief or Faith) Allah ( subhanahu wa ta'ala ) did not address His words about the hijab except to the believing women, Al-Mu'minat . In many cases in the Qur'an Allah refers to the "the believing women". 'A'ishah, the wife of the Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam , addressed some women from the tribe of Banu Tamim who came to visit her and had light clothes on them, they were improperly dressed: "If indeed you are believing women, then truly this is not the dress of the believing women, and if you are not believing women, then enjoy it." The Hijab is Haya' (Bashfulness) There are two authentic Hadith which state: "Each religion has a morality and the morality of Islam is haya'." AND "Bashfulness is from belief, and belief is in Al-Jannah (Paradise)." The hijab fits the natural bashfulness which is a part of the nature of women. The Hijab is Ghirah The hijab fits the natural feeling of Ghirah , which is intrinsic in the straight man who does not like people to look at his wife or daughters. Ghirah is a driving emotion that drives the straight man to safeguard women who are related to him from strangers. The straight MUSLIM man has Ghirah for ALL MUSLIM women. In response to lust and desire, men look (with desire) at other women while they do not mind that other men do the same to their wives or daughters. The mixing of sexes and absence of hijab destroys the Ghirah in men. Islam considers Ghirah an integral part of faith. The dignity of the wife or daughter or any other Muslim woman must be highly respected and defended. (s) University of Essex Islamic Society

An Act of Obedience

The hijab is iffah (modesty), the hijab is tahara (purity), the hijab is a shield, the hijab is taqwa (righteousness), the hijab is iman (belief or faith), the hijab is haya' (bashfulness), the hijab is ghirah.

The hijab is an act of obedience to Allah and to his Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam , Allah says in the Qur'an :

"It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have an option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, has indeed strayed in a plain error." [ Al-Qur'an 33:36]

Allah also said:

"And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things) and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc) and not to show off their adornment except what must (ordinarily) appear thereof, that they should draw their veils over their Juyubihinna ." [ Al-Qur'an 24:31]

Juyubihinna : The respected scholars from as-salaf as-salih (righteous predecessors) differed whether the veil cover of the body must include the hands and face or not. Today, respected scholars say that the hands and face must be covered. Other respected scholars say it is preferable for women to cover their whole bodies.

Allah ( subhanahu wa ta'ala ) made the adherence to the hijab a manifestation for chastity and modesty. Allah says:

"O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) over their bodies (when outdoors). That is most convenient that they should be known and not molested." [ Al-Qur'an 33:59]

In the above Ayah there is an evidence that the recognition of the apparent beauty of the woman is harmful to her. When the cause of attraction ends, the restriction is removed. This is illustrated in the case of elderly women who may have lost every aspect of attraction. Allah ( subhanahu wa ta'ala ) made it permissible for them to lay aside their outer garments and expose their faces and hands reminding, however, that is still better for them to keep their modesty.

Allah ( subhanahu wa ta'ala ) had shown us the hikma (wisdom) behind the legislation of the hijab :

"And when you ask them (the Prophet's wives) for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen, that is purer for your hearts and their hearts." [ Al-Qur'an 33:53]

The hijab makes for greater purity for the hearts of believing men and women because it screens against the desire of the heart. Without the hijab , the heart may or may not desire. That is why the heart is more pure when the sight is blocked (by hijab ) and thus the prevention of fitna (evil actions is very much manifested. The hijab cuts off the ill thoughts and the greed of the sick hearts:

"Be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy or evil desire for adultery, etc) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honourable manner." [ Al-Qur'an 33:32]

The Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "Allah, Most High, is Heaven, is Ha'yi (Bashful), Sit'tir (Shielder). He loves Haya' (Bashfulness) and Sitr (Shielding; Covering)." The Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam also said: "Any woman who takes off her clothes in other than her husband's house (to show off for unlawful purposes), has broken Allah's shield upon her." The Hadith demonstrates that depending upon the kind of action committed there will be either reward (if good) or punishment (if bad).

Allah ( subhanahu wa ta'ala ) says in the Qur'an :

"O Children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover yourselves (screen your private parts, etc) and as an adornment. But the raiment of righteousness, that is better." [ Al-Qur'an 7:26]

The widespread forms of dresses in the world today are mostly for show off and hardly taken as a cover and shield of the woman's body. To the believing women, however the purpose is to safeguard their bodies and cover their private parts as a manifestation of the order of Allah. It is an act of Taqwa (righteousness).

Allah ( subhanahu wa ta'ala ) did not address His words about the hijab except to the believing women, Al-Mu'minat . In many cases in the Qur'an Allah refers to the "the believing women". 'A'ishah, the wife of the Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam , addressed some women from the tribe of Banu Tamim who came to visit her and had light clothes on them, they were improperly dressed: "If indeed you are believing women, then truly this is not the dress of the believing women, and if you are not believing women, then enjoy it."

There are two authentic Hadith which state: "Each religion has a morality and the morality of Islam is haya'." AND "Bashfulness is from belief, and belief is in Al-Jannah (Paradise)." The hijab fits the natural bashfulness which is a part of the nature of women.

The hijab fits the natural feeling of Ghirah , which is intrinsic in the straight man who does not like people to look at his wife or daughters. Ghirah is a driving emotion that drives the straight man to safeguard women who are related to him from strangers. The straight MUSLIM man has Ghirah for ALL MUSLIM women. In response to lust and desire, men look (with desire) at other women while they do not mind that other men do the same to their wives or daughters. The mixing of sexes and absence of hijab destroys the Ghirah in men. Islam considers Ghirah an integral part of faith. The dignity of the wife or daughter or any other Muslim woman must be highly respected and defended.

(s) University of Essex Islamic Society

Be Mindful O Mankind!

You will never meet Allah with anything better for you than having few sins. Whoever wants to surpass those who exert themselves in worship, let him stop himself from committing numerous sins. 'A'ishah (d. 58H), Mother of the Believers, may Allah be pleased with her

• Cover me ...
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• Only for Allah - A Sister's Story
• Biggest Change in My Life, The
• Hijab is Beautiful, The
• What do you see when you look at me?

World Hijab Day – We Asked Muslim Women What the Hijab Means to Them

Artwork by Dr Munazza Alam

Women’s Section, The Review of Religions

Since 2013, World Hijab Day has been celebrated internationally on February 1 st .  It was the initiative of New Yorker Nazma Khan (#WorldHijabDay), and its purpose is ‘ To encourage women of all religions and backgrounds to wear and experience the hijab.’ [1] It recognises that millions of Muslim women choose to wear the hijab (veil) and live a life of modesty according to Quranic teaching [2] . The Review of Religions Women’s Section contacted Muslim women across the globe and asked them to share their thoughts on the significance of the Hijab, in the hope of promoting a better understanding of this Islamic practice. These Muslim women responded enthusiastically, and their insightful responses are presented below:

Mariam Andersson Malik, Math teacher, Metuchen, New Jersey, U.S. :

‘Wearing the hijab is a big part of my identity. I would feel very underdressed without it. It is a constant reminder to myself that I am representing Islam in my actions and how I interact with my colleagues, neighbours, and the people I meet. I definitely feel a different level of respect at work. One of the many joys of wearing the hijab is feeling a connection to other Muslim women, regardless of race, ethnicity or nationality. True sisterhood!’

Munazzah Chou, MBBS, MSc, FRCOphth, England, UK :

‘At college I remember being asked whether my headscarf was a fashion statement; it was unusual to see anyone in a head covering in that area at the time. These days when I wear one to work or out and about, there is no such confusion because the hijab is not infrequently making headlines. The hijab hasn’t held me back in any way and has additionally given me a different perspective and experience of the world from others, which I am certain has been to my advantage spiritually.’

Amnah Khan MSc Research Scientist, Malta :

‘I, as a valued part of society cover, myself with the hijab. When asked by others, I have always responded by saying it gives me a sense of security and I feel secure as a result. I remember being asked by other women in Malta that given the hot weather here, I must be boiling in this attire. They were further puzzled how as a scientist, I practice Purdah (the veil). I explained that on the contrary, given the high rates of skin cancer in Malta, and due to my own personal research into harmful cancers, I feel it protects me from harmful ultraviolet rays found in direct sunlight. It’s of a very light material, saves me from sun burn, and the overall feeling of peace and comfort it offers, can only be experienced by women trying it out for themselves.’

Emma Ahmed SEN teacher, Leicester, UK :

‘I wear hijab as a way to protect myself from the unfair portrayal of women being inferior in society. The hijab masks my femininity, allowing me to be judged based on my values and actions rather than my appearance. This allows my achievements to be given equal weighting to that of a man. Wearing hijab allows me to feel liberated and empowered, and I am given a voice which is taken more seriously. Since wearing hijab, I have participated in lots of talks, spoken on radio and had my articles published in magazines. Before wearing hijab, I would not have had this type of confidence.’

©Shutterstock

Dr Aisha Qayyum, MBBS, MRCGP, Fareham, UK :

‘As a GP my job involves following up on patients for months or even years and hence it gives me an opportunity to develop a doctor-patient relationship with them. At work, it is very important for me to identify as a Muslim through wearing my hijab and with each patient interaction, I feel that I am representing myself as an Ambassador of Islam. I make a conscious effort to listen to my patients and develop a good doctor-patient relationship. I want my patients to go back and reflect that the doctor treating me was a Muslim and through this I try and spread the message of the beautiful teachings of Islam, which unfortunately is being portrayed negatively in the media. This is really important for me.’

Ayesha Malik, LLM (Harvard Law School), UAE :

‘The hijab is so much more than a mere garment worn on one’s head. Over the years, it has served as a profound lesson in the internal and external facets of our being. It has been a poignant reminder that while we choose to cover certain externalities, the depth and beauty of our souls should shine forth and be visible for all, transcending the physical parameters of our garments. Our hearts and our actions should win people over, not the facade of our external beings. On countless occasions I have felt that without my hijab, this vital life lesson might not have been so powerful and so clear.’

Syeda Maria Daniel, BMedSci (Hons) Medical Student, University of Southampton, UK :

‘The hijab – for some it may just be a cloth, but for me its significance is beyond what I can describe. From a very young age, I made the independent decision to wear the Hijab, as for me the Hijab signifies peace and protection. It’s one of the most special aspects of my faith. It reminds me that I am a Muslim and that my Allah has given me all the blessings I have in my life. I believe the Hijab represents equality, that I am not lower or inferior to anyone else, while also humbling me and giving me all the strength and faith that I need to pursue my goals. The Hijab. Far from oppression, it represents progression.’

S. N. Ahmed, BSc (Hons), PGCE (Cambridge University), The Gambia :

‘Throughout our lives, we are often given the advice ‘don’t judge a book by its cover.’ Despite the idiom’s popular usage, it seems a far cry from the reality of society. If it were the case, we’d walk into bookshops with our eyes closed, opening books only to determine whether the inside contained in it what we were searching for. My cover has been carefully curated, not by society’s ever-changing standards of beauty for women, but to symbolise what I value: my morality, my spirituality, my conduct, my individuality within a collective identity, and perhaps most pertinently in this day and age, my right as a woman to be perceived through my character, rather than trend-oriented external beauty. This represents true freedom to me. Ultimately, I wear the hijab because God, in His infinite Wisdom, has commanded that I do so. He has commanded I be seen for my qualities, not my cover.’

Mariam Siddiqa, (Research Assistant and Student, Institute of Educational Sciences) University of Bremen, Germany :

‘When I was a teenager, I couldn’t get used to the idea that women are often reduced to their appearance. I wanted to prove to myself that I could be a successful woman because of my personality, my abilities and my intellect – without exploiting my femininity. This was significantly possible because of my hijab. My hijab is like a mirror to me. It helps me to reflect on my actions. It helped me to free myself from many shallow temptations around me. It shows me the beautiful sides of me, which do not necessarily have anything to do with my appearance. The decision to wear a hijab is not only a decision to cover certain parts of the body, rather it is a conscious decision for a philosophy of life that has increased the quality of my life immeasurably.’

Shamamah A Dogar, M.A. Journalism & Media Management, M.A Political Psychology, Bournemouth, UK :

‘My Hijab and full-length dress always stood out and helped me in making my identity. I am sometimes judged but mostly highly appreciated. People’s curiosity towards my style of hijab mostly initiates a talk, which ends with me telling them about the Promised Messiahas and always helps establishing my identity and improving my social circle. I feel that people give me a certain, special level of respect being a hijabi girl, and are considerate of my religious obligations. So, every day, I feel more confident, more secure and prouder of my Hijab.’

Dr Munazza Alam, Astronomer, Washington D.C., US A:

‘My hijab does not limit me, it empowers me. It is a reminder that I can authentically be who I am without hesitation – an Ahmadi Muslim, living and working in the western world. Society today is moving toward acceptance of diversity, and hijabi women are included and celebrated in this. In fact, one quote from a previous interview that I did for The Review of Religions about the impact of my faith on my scientific research, will be displayed on a plaque at the Lowell Observatory’s Astronomy Discovery Center (scheduled to open in 2023). The plaque will also feature my own artwork: a silhouette of a hijabi woman with a galaxy-inspired background. (featured at the beginning of the article).’

These percipient testimonies of Muslim women seem to concur with what the Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad aba said regarding Purdah (practice of the Hijab),whilst addressing Ahmadi Muslim women in 2014:

‘Today, I have spoken particularly about Purdah because it is often alleged that Purdah takes away women’s rights. However, we know that this is not the case, and the truth is that Purdah and Hijab actually establish the true dignity, independence and freedom of women. Hijab does not only give women physical security but is also a key means of giving them spiritual security and purity of heart.’ [3]

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Hijab_Day

[2] Holy Qur’an, Ch24-V32, Ch33-V60

[3] https://alisl.am/e3237

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10 Reasons Why We Wear Hijab

 A group of young Muslim women who are extremely passionate about hijab and proud of wearing it started this document to share the reasons why they wear hijab.

They hope this explains why Muslim women wear it and encourages many other women to take this beautiful step.

They came up with more than a hundred reasons why they wear hijab.

In this article, we just share ten of them but you can read the full list  here .

On Hijab : Reflections, Fashion, Stories and More

 1-Hijab is a  fardh  (required obligatory act, a Divine instruction by the Creator of the Heavens and the earth, Allah Almighty).

" title="Advertise and Market to Muslims" target="_blank">Ads by Muslim Ad Network

2- Everything that He, The All-Knowing, instructs and requires us to do is for our own benefit, even if we don’t get it.

You trust the doctor and follow his orders and prescriptions, even when he gives you a bitter pill you don’t like, because you trust he can help you heal.

How then do we not trust the Ultimate Healer Himself when He instructs us to do something?

“How could He not know His own creation? For He ˹alone˺ is the Most Subtle, All-Aware.” (Qur’an 67: 14)

3- The most beloved thing through which you can seek Allah is to humbly and sincerely follow His instructions.

If you love someone and this person refuses to listen to you or do the things that you love or ask him to do, will this be a loving relationship?

Helping Hijabis Understand Hijab

4- Hijab is not about protecting you from males. Hijab is mentioned in Surat AnNur (i.e. The Light) and it is linked to the name of Allah anNur.

It is a spiritual light for the woman, it increases and protects her spiritual light.

Hijab is an  Imani  (faith) act. This is why Allah addressed believing women when He ordered it. It is about  iman  (faith).

Empowerment

5-Hijab makes me feel strong and empowered. No one has access to my body. I’m in control.

6-You don’t blindly follow society, fashion, or what people think is pretty/fashionable. You’re a leader, not a follower.

7-While wearing a proper hijab, people are not distracted by my looks, rather by my intellect, talent, and what I have to say.

It helps me and everyone dealing with me focus on what really matters.

8-Your body is an  amanah  (a trust that you’re entrusted with). You only live in this body temporarily, so you should treat it the way it’s Owner instructed.

If you live in a hotel for a few days, and you get instructions on how you’re expected to leave the place looking upon check out, and then you completely ruin and abuse the rooms and places you occupied, would this be acceptable?

9-Women are asked to dress modestly and behave modestly, and men are asked to lower their gaze and behave modestly.

Answering Why Muslim Women Wear Hijab in Summer

Both men and women are part of this equation. They both have requirements.

We don’t dress immodestly and then say, “ Oh, well, it is men’s complete responsibility to lower their gaze.”

You also have the responsibility to dress modestly. It is an injustice if men force women to be immodest, thus commiting a sin; and it’s an injustice if women are immodestly dressed, thus tempting men to also commit sins.

We should help one another, not destruct one another. We are allies, not enemies!

10- What I’ve learned in the last few years from Islam is how Allah ordered us to many actions that give us value as human beings.

Wearing hijab from the woman side, and lowering gaze from the man side is the balance.

It’s like organizing our lives in a way that makes them more focused, dignified, and productive.

This article is from our archives.

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Why do Muslim women wear a hijab?

Professor of Sociology, Drew University

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Caitlin Killian does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

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Nazma Khan, who immigrated to the United States from Bangladesh at age 11, faced years of shaming over wearing a headscarf in New York.

So, in 2013, she started World Hijab Day – a day for both Muslim and non-Muslim women to experience wearing a headscarf.

Celebrated on Feb. 1, the day is an expression of solidarity and support for religious freedom.

As a scholar of Muslim immigrants , I have also long argued for women’s right to religious expression in their clothing choices. The hijab is not simply about religion – women wear it for a variety of reasons that can change, depending on the time and social context.

Is the veil an Islamic requirement?

Muslim religious writings are not entirely clear on the question of veiling.

Various passages in the Quran, the Muslim holy book, and the Hadiths, statements attributed to the Prophet Mohammad, make reference to veiling by the prophet’s wives. But scholars disagree about whether these statements apply only to the prophet’s wives or to all Muslim women.

According to some, the veil has been used as a way of curbing male sexual desire. Yet covering the head and body predated Islam. Jewish, Christian and Hindu women have also covered their head at various times in history and in different parts of the world.

Certainly, the headscarf is tied to religion . Many women who cover talk about it as a way demonstrating their submission to God and a constant reminder to hold fast to Islamic beliefs such as being honest and generous to those in need.

Asserting identity

However, there are other reasons for adopting the hijab.

French and British colonizers encouraged Muslim women to remove the veil and emulate European women. Consequently, in North African and Middle Eastern countries, the veil became a symbol of national identity and opposition to the West during independence and nationalist movements.

Today, some women wear the hijab to signal pride in their ethnic identity. This is more so for immigrants in Europe and the United States , where there has been an increase in Islamophobia.

In a Facebook post for World Hijab Day 2018 that went viral, Columbia College student Toqa Badran wrote,

“I wear this scarf because when I was a child I was socialized to be embarrassed, even ashamed, of my religion and my culture. I was told that to be a Muslim was to be a terrorist and that to be outwardly Muslim was to endorse violence and oppression … I understood that I would be unwelcome as long as I wore symbols of my heritage and chose to, in however modern a way, embrace my ancestors.”

Muslim African-American women in the U.S. sometimes wear a hijab to signal their religious affiliation. They also want to dispel the assumption that all African-Americans are Christians, and that only people with origins abroad can be Muslim. In fact, 13 percent of adult Muslims in the U.S are black Americans born in the country.

Different reasons for wearing a hijab

For many other women, the headscarf has become a means of resistance to standards of feminine beauty that demand more exposure. Proponents of this view argue that removing clothing for the benefit of the male gaze does not equal liberation .

According to researchers, women in hijabs note that employers must interact with them based on their qualifications rather than their appearance and that, therefore, the hijab levels the playing field. In Western countries, however, women find that wearing a head covering makes it harder to get hired .

Finally, for some women, the headscarf is a convenience. It can reduce comments from others about women being out in public and lessen incidents of harassment on the street and at work .

Despite the multiple, complicated reasons behind wearing a hijab, there are those who routinely assert that women who wear a headscarf are necessarily oppressed .

Examples of hijab-wearing women in the government, such as newly elected Congresswoman Ilhan Omar , or athletes such as Olympian fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad , may help dispel these stereotypes.

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What the hijab means to me

From Nigeria to Uruguay, women share their thoughts and feelings about the hijab.

Women from around the world share their thoughts and feelings about wearing – or not wearing – the hijab.

For more, watch the documentary The Veil.

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Ifat Gazia is from Kashmir and recently graduated from the University of London.

After the Paris attacks of November 2015, I faced an assault-like situation on Oxford Street in London when a group of boys and girls pushed me to the ground and started abusing me. I didn’t understand what they were saying because I was startled and they didn’t speak English.

I was new to the city and the only obvious way of identifying that I was Muslim was by my hijab. There was a strong wave of Islamophobia in European countries in those days, and I was one of many who faced the brunt, but it cannot change a place entirely and there is no doubt that the UK is a very tolerant country; London even has a Muslim mayor now.

One year down the line, and I have never felt uncomfortable wearing my hijab in any part of the UK. In fact, I have never felt this happy and confident in a hijab anywhere else except for Kashmir, my homeland.

I wear hijab not because it represents my morality, intellect, backwardness or modernity, but because it makes me feel complete. I choose to wear a hijab and it represents my pride in being a Muslim and somehow makes me fulfil my duties to my religion, but it doesn’t give me the liberty to judge those who don’t wear it.

Wearing a hijab in no way makes me a better Muslim than those who don’t wear it. It is a part of my personality and my existence, and it is definitely challenging in these times, when looks matter as much as qualifications when searching for a job.

But I have chosen this piece of cloth, not as an obligation or as a sign of oppression, but as my own choice of freedom, for the hijab makes me feel free.

As told to Showkat Shafi.

‘It took a while before I realised I can be both Muslim and queer’

Azeenarh Mohammed is from Abuja in Nigeria.

I started wearing hijab when I was around three years old. It was both cultural and religious, so I never questioned it and wore it on and off until I was in my 20s.

I attended Hajj with my siblings around that time – about 10 years ago. During Hajj, I became fascinated with the niqab – that is the full veil that covers everything except your eyes. I started wearing the niqab in Saudi Arabia and continued after I returned to Nigeria.

I really liked the sense of freedom I felt from wearing the niqab – freedom from people’s gaze, comments and judgment. And wearing it also came with respect. In northern Nigeria, when people see a woman in niqab, they assume you’re a very pious person.

But after a while, people’s reactions made wearing the niqab more of a political statement than I intended for it to be, and my parents wondered if I was becoming ‘radicalised’ or a fundamentalist.

I just became exhausted, and after about seven months, I stopped wearing the niqab and went back to just the hijab. But then I phased out the hijab entirely and went to just wearing scarves. Then, I stopped wearing scarves.

Now, I’m well into my 30s and I pretty much have my head uncovered.

My evolution from niqab to uncovered happened in around 2008 when I was dealing with my sexuality and was exploring my feelings about Islam. I felt I couldn’t be both Muslim and queer at the same time, so I prioritised being queer and rebelled against everything else.

First, I chopped off my hair and went for a stereotypical lesbian haircut. I stopped going to religious spaces and even stopped participating in cultural activities that had religious leanings, stuff like weddings. I didn’t go to any place that required me to wear a scarf, a veil or any covering.

I had a hard time with my family during this period. They didn’t take it well. Neither did my friends or my community. It was a great shock to everyone.

It took a while before I realised I can be both Muslim and queer.

These days, I miss wearing the hijab for various reasons – familiarity, fitting in and a veil from aggressive eyes and attention. In Nigeria, there’s a certain harassment that comes to people who do not wear stereotypical female clothes. Because I sometimes wear masculine clothes, people will say really mean things.

They ask me if I have a man’s private parts. They ask why am I trying to be a man. So to avoid this, every now and then I throw on a hijab and just get on with my day. And as weird as it sounds, in the right moment, the hijab can be a source of protection for me.

As told to Chika Oduah.

‘My hijab gives me an identity as a Muslim woman’

Aziza Paula Di Bello, a Uruguayan psychologist, converted to Islam five years ago.

I was 23 years old when I first saw a woman wearing hijab. My heart felt paralysed. I immediately understood the essence of it. This woman was a queen, who was able to defy it all. She was free from the influences of fashion, not caring to follow the masses. That image stayed with me for years.

Ten years later, I embraced Islam.

I started wearing the hijab, and from the first moment started to feel the benefits of it. Wearing the hijab is not just about covering the hair … It also includes an attitude of modesty.

Only after experiencing it did I realise that my hijab gives me an identity as a Muslim woman, devout and respectable. It protects me – not only from the eyes of men, but from anyone who can value me and evaluate me based on anything other than my ability, my intellect, my heart.

It elevates me in status by choosing to submit to my creator and not to his creation. And I’m not submissive, on the contrary. My hijab is for me a rebellion against the consumerism of the flesh; it frees me from submission to others to satisfy their needs.

It is an act of mercy between men and women because it forces the other not to distract themselves in superficialities, and things that can affect a marriage, a family, and therefore society. Therefore, its benefits reach the social sphere. My hijab makes me feel that my interlocutor is focused on who I really am.

As told to Giulia Iacolutti.

‘I show my blackness proudly to the world’

Jacinda Townsend is an African-American author.  

I converted to Islam as a 20-year-old law student searching for peace, and I went about finding it not only in the religion itself but in Islamic custom: the five prayers a day that solidified my faith, the wudu [ablution] that so cleansed me of anxiety, the hijab, which became a public proclamation of my modesty.

Initially, when I zipped up my abaya and wrapped my hair in a scarf, I felt disconnected from my sexuality, freed of the male gaze that had so plagued me as a young woman.

There came a day, however, that a fellow Muslim – a complete stranger – approached me in the supermarket and asked for my telephone number.

Everyone can tell what’s really under that hijab, joked a friend, and it occurred to me for the first time that I’d actually traded one form of male gaze for another, one form of presumed subjugation for a different, yet altogether similar one.

But what finally drove me to uncover? My hair. My gorgeous, nappy, African-American hair, which I’d just stopped straightening before I converted. 

So much of African-American culture was being drowned out of me by the voices of older women at the mosque, from those who said it was haram to celebrate Kwanzaa (although Kwanzaa isn’t a religious holiday) to those who told me I needed to pray in a language I didn’t even understand.

Every time I wrapped the hijab around my burgeoning curls, I felt that I was covering the gorgeous black self I had just discovered, and letting the ethnocentrism I had run up against so many times in the mosque win the upper hand.

Eventually, I stopped wearing the hijab. I put my hair in dreadlocks and have never taken them out, and I show my blackness proudly to the world. Ultimately, uncovering led me to a deeper love of blackness than I’d previously known.

‘My hair is an essential part of me’

Riham Alkousaa is a  Syrian-Palestinian journalist covering Syria and refugees in Europe.

It’s been more than two years since I made the decision to take off my hijab. I was on the plane to Berlin, leaving Syria for the first time. I was sitting next to an old Asian couple. They were falling asleep. I took it off as we arrived at Frankfurt International Airport. They didn’t even notice.

Why did I wait until I was in Europe? I didn’t have the courage to upset my father and take it off in Syria. When I told him that I wanted to, he said do that when you can distance yourself from the gossip of others, when you leave the country.

My father is not as religious as my mother, but people’s opinions matter a lot to him.

What I recall the most from this experience was the massive fear I felt about taking such a big step. I thought that this would be one of the most challenging decisions of my life – but it wasn’t.

I wanted to take it off because I wanted to look more natural. I didn’t like the idea that the “me” who wakes up and looks in the mirror while brushing my teeth, is totally different from the “me” who leaves for college covering my head and trying to substitute my hair with extra make-up on my face. I wanted to be as close as possible to the Riham I know.

The first few days were a bit tricky. I was so worried about the way I looked. I didn’t really know how to take care of my hair after 10 years of covering it. It suddenly looked huge and untamed. It took me some months until I had finally figured it out.

Now, my hair is an essential part of me. It reflects my character, how messy and strong I can be. I don’t regret it at all. Will I wear hijab again one day? Maybe, but I don’t see that now.

‘Islam isn’t the headscarf’

Anna Stamou, a Greek PR consultant, converted to Islam 15 years ago.

To tell you the truth, before I wore the headscarf, I felt a certain sadness for women wearing it. I thought: “Oh, poor women, they’re obliged to wear it.”

Today, many people ask me why I wear it since I live in Greece where I’m not obliged to. I get tired of the questions, but it’s my duty to answer. People haven’t understood that everyone should have the right to express themselves the way they want.

Comments on what women wear disturb me in general. A woman is wearing a pair of shorts and people draw conclusions. But we’re not meat.

There are many non-Muslim feminists who say that if they were in our position, they’d do everything in their power to get rid of the headscarf. They say that because they don’t know what it symbolises. Why don’t they talk about women’s education instead or the fight against authoritarian regimes? Why is everything about the way we dress?

I personally support those women who choose not to wear a headscarf. I tell Iranian women that don’t want to wear it to take it off. Islam isn’t the headscarf. Can you imagine a big religion like Islam depending on a piece of cloth?

When I was studying Islam, I decided to adopt it in its wholeness, so I decided to wear a veil. Of course, I was lucky enough to be self-employed and to be a dynamic person. But there are many Greek Muslims who don’t wear the headscarf because they know they won’t find a job. At the end of the day, though, it’s not the headscarf that defines how religious we are.

This is a discussion the so-called Western world talks about. The Muslim world’s problems are much more important. People are dying, and we’re talking about headscarves.

As told to Nikolia Apostolou.

‘As a western woman, for me, the hijab is a war I’ve won’

Maria Martinez* is a Mexican who converted to Islam two years ago.

I learned about Islam because I was interested in learning about different religions. I began to read the Quran and chose the theme of the role of women in Islam for my undergraduate thesis.  

My curiosity was so great that I decided to fast during Ramadan and to start praying. It was at that moment that I decided to make my  shahada  [profession of faith]. I wore the hijab only when I’d go to the mosque. I would remove it because I felt embarrassed of showing it to my family, believing they would not understand.

The biggest challenge was my mother; she refused to see her only daughter covering her hair. My husband, who is Saudi, never pushed me to wear it. On the contrary, he believes the hijab’s function is to protect women, so if wearing it would cause me problems, that was contrary to its purpose.

But, one day, I decided to wear it. I knew that I would face the rejection of society and my family – and that maybe I would even lose professional opportunities. But I didn’t care because, just as we westerners have the right to dress or undress as we please, wearing the hijab for me is the claim of the right we have as Muslims. At first, I was afraid that people would offend me, but overall, the response was positive.

People respect me, and the hijab gives me the opportunity to show them that I am a happy woman, to show that one can be Muslim and professional – a student, a mother, and comply with the codes and the way of life in Islam. It is a great responsibility – all eyes are on you, and you should not give a bad image of Islam.

As a western woman, to me the hijab is a war I’ve won, and what I had seen as a disadvantage has become my fortress. I am currently doing my social service in the Ministry of Economy, finishing my major in communication sciences at the university and starting a business.

*Name has been changed

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Importance of Hijab in Islam

Publication : 01-05-2001

Views : 22111

Is it right for someone to say that since wearing Hijab is not one of the five pillars of Islam therefore it is really not that important?

Summary of answer

Praise be to Allah.

This is a mistake, because Hijab is obligatory for women . Allah is the One Who has commanded women to cover their adornments , including the face, bosom and all their adornments. 

Hijab has been enjoined upon women as a protection against abuse and temptation. That is because women are the focus of desire, and the focus of what those who are tempted look at.

So if a woman uncovers her beauty she will provoke desire, and people will become attracted to her and will follow her. This is the cause of many immoral actions such as adultery and the things that lead to it. So Hijab is obligatory for women and was enjoined upon them in the verse (interpretation of the meaning):

“…and to draw their veils all over Juyubihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)…” [An-Nur 24:31]

The veil ( Khimar ) is that which comes down from the head and covers the face, and the Jilbab is an outer garment with which a woman covers herself, leaving no part of her body showing.

And Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“…And when you ask (his [the Prophet’s] wives) for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen…” [Al-Ahzab 33:53] 

So Hijab is a protection for women so that there will be no room for people to treat them as playthings.

And Allah knows best.

Was this answer helpful? No Yes

Source: Shaykh ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Jibreen

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This Ramadan, let your rizq raise a voice for the ummah.

Ḥayāʾ: More Than Just Modesty in Islam

Published: August 5, 2021 • Updated: December 15, 2023

Author : Sh. Mohammad Elshinawy

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ

In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Introduction

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What is  ḥayāʾ .

Ḥayāʾ  is of the most superior qualities, of the greatest in status, and of the most beneficial. Indeed, it is quintessential to humanness, for whoever carries no  ḥayāʾ  has no share of humanness other than flesh, blood, and outward appearance. Likewise, there is no potential for good in a person [without it]. Were it not for this quality, he would never be hospitable to a guest, keep a promise, fulfill a trust, take care of anyone’s needs, prefer what is pleasant, avoid the obscene, cover his private parts, or abstain from fornication. Were it not for  ḥayāʾ , many people would not have fulfilled any of their obligations, nor acknowledged the rights of any being, nor kept the ties of kin, nor even shown kindness to parents. The driving element in these acts is either religious, namely hoping for its good outcome [ultimately], or it is worldly, which is the  ḥayāʾ  of its doer from the [eyes of] creation. Therefore, were it not for ḥayāʾ  from either the Creator or the creation, one would not have engaged in these acts.

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Instinctual  ḥayāʾ, the ten shades of  ḥayāʾ.

• The  ḥayāʾ  of guilt ; this is like the  ḥayāʾ  of Ādam عليه السلام when he fled in Paradise after committing a sin. It is reported that Allah said to him, “Are you fleeing from Me, O Ādam?” He said, “No, my Lord! Rather, out of  ḥayāʾ  from You.”
• The  ḥayāʾ  of inaptitude ; this is like the  ḥayāʾ  of the angels who tirelessly glorify Allah by night and day. Then, once the Day of Resurrection begins, they say, “Glorified You are! We have not worshipped You as You deserve to be worshipped.”
• The  ḥayāʾ  of awe ; this is the  ḥayāʾ  of being deeply acquainted with the greatness of Allah. This  ḥayāʾ  intensifies in proportion to the slave’s knowledge of their Lord.
• The  ḥayāʾ  of generosity ; this is like the  ḥayāʾ  of the Prophet ﷺ from those he invited to Zaynab’s wedding dinner. They overstayed their welcome, but he ﷺ was too shy to tell them, so he simply stood and left.
• The  ḥayāʾ  of chastity ; this is like the  ḥayāʾ  of ʿAlī b. Abī Ṭālib رضي الله عنهwhich prevented him from asking the Messenger of Allah ﷺ about washing away pre-seminal fluid, as he was married to his daughter.
• The  ḥayāʾ  of humility ; this is like the  ḥayāʾ  of the slave from his Lord, the Mighty and Majestic, when he asks Him for his needs. This may stem from the asker belittling himself and realizing the enormity of his sins, or from grasping the greatness of the One being asked.
• The  ḥayāʾ  of love ; this is the  ḥayāʾ  of the lover of his beloved. It is so powerful that whenever his beloved, who is absent, simply comes to mind, an unexplainable ḥayāʾ may flare in his heart and heat his face. Most people do not realize why they tremble and become bashful upon suddenly seeing their beloved. This is caused by the heart sensing the beloved’s authority over it, and hence that thrill and fear overtakes it.
• The  ḥayāʾ  of servitude ;   this  ḥayāʾ  is necessitated by a blend of love, fear, and recognizing that a person must serve Allah, but can never do so adequately due to His incomprehensible grandeur.
• The  ḥayāʾ  of dignity ; this is the  ḥayāʾ  of a noble soul when it feels that it acted towards others in a way that is beneath its standards of dignity, be it in sacrifice, generosity, or kindness.
• The  ḥayāʾ  from oneself ; this is the  ḥayāʾ  of a noble soul when it detects its own deficiency, or that it has settled for less. It is almost as if one has two souls, one ashamed of the other. This is the most complete  ḥayāʾ , for if people were to be ashamed of themselves, then by greater virtue, they would become ashamed in front of others.

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Ḥayāʾ  in islam, Ḥayāʾ  is a quality of allah.

Whoever exhibits  ḥayāʾ , even during acts of obedience, wherein his heart is cast between his Lord’s hands in shame and intimidation… Were such a person to fall into sin, Allah (the Glorified and Exalted) is shy to look at him in this state, due to his significance in Allah’s eyes. He has  ḥayāʾ  to see His cherished slave, who is valuable to Him, in such a foul state… In everyday life, we see this. Were a man to come across someone very dear, beloved, and near to him—perhaps a child, companion, or another loved one—while they are betraying him, this discovery brings about a strange feeling of  ḥayā , as if he were the criminal, and this is the peak of nobility.

Ḥayāʾ  is the hallmark of the prophets

Ḥayāʾ  kept his words ﷺ few, as if he were sick, Though his body had not suffered the slightest prick.

Ḥayāʾ  among the Companions and early Muslims

Where  ḥayāʾ  does not belong.

The chosen one [(Prophet Muhammad)] ﷺ was certainly committed to  ḥayāʾ  himself, and would instruct others with it and encourage it. However, his  ḥayāʾ  would never prevent him from speaking the truth, nor fulfilling any religious injunction. This was in adherence to His words (the Most High), “...and Allah does not shy from the truth.” (33:53)   That is the epitome of  ḥayāʾ  and its most perfect, beautiful, and balanced form.

As for someone who is overwhelmed by  ḥayāʾ  such that it deters him from truth, then such an individual has abandoned shyness before the Creator to be shy before the creation. Whoever is like this loses out on the benefits of  ḥayāʾ , and becomes characterized with hypocrisy and showing off.

How to cultivate  ḥayāʾ

When my Lord says to me, Had you no shame to disobey Me? You hide the sins from My creation, And with those sins you come to Me?

Disclaimer: The views, opinions, findings, and conclusions expressed in these papers and articles are strictly those of the authors. Furthermore, Yaqeen does not endorse any of the personal views of the authors on any platform. Our team is diverse on all fronts, allowing for constant, enriching dialogue that helps us produce high-quality research.

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Importance of Hijab in Islam

Importance of hijab in islam..

The Arabic word hijab means “barrier” or “partition.” However, it has a wider meaning in Islam. It is a concept of modesty that covers both male and female conduct and dress. In Islam hijab has its own importance. Hijab is the women’s cloth which she should wear while going outside the house. In Islam, there are many ayats for the hijab. Hijab is the beauty of Muslim women in Islam. Hijab is the protection of the women from evil eyes.

The Hijab, or veil, is actually one of the most divisive topics in both Muslim countries and the Western world, where it triggers mass hysteria. The “veil” is undeniably at the heart of a complex topic that is connected -in a very perplexing way- to various topics. Such as tradition, modernity, equality, women’s bodies, identity tragedies, and the difficulty of coexistence in multicultural societies. Hijab has its own importance in Islam. Islam gives rights to women so that women will be saved in this world.

O Prophet ! Ask your wives, daughters, and believing women to draw their cloaks over their bodies. In this way it is more likely that they will be recognized ˹as virtuous˺ and not be harassed. And Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful Quran 33:59

In some ways, the hijab is a Muslim woman’s primary identifier. Islam, on the other hand, grants women rights both at home and in society. They also have the right to work for themselves, to buy and own property. To be educated, to be entitled to a family inheritance. to be treated with love, to vote, to keep their maiden names, and to divorce. You may have noticed that Muslim women receive the best education.

Why Muslim Women wear Hijab?

In Islam, women are regarded with respect and granted the highest status. Hijab is more than just a fashion statement; it reflects something deeper. It is a barrier between a man and a Muslim woman, for example. Hijab, in turn, offers spiritual and physical peace and harmony to Muslim women.

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Hijab – unveiling the mystery 7 min read.

877-WHY-ISLAM Brochure

By Saulat Pervez

Hijab: More Than Just a Head Covering, a Symbol of Faith and Modesty

In: the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Islam’s code of modesty extends to all aspects of one’s life, including attire. Hijab, the head-covering worn by Muslim women, is an outer manifestation of an inner commitment to worship God. This brochure explores the different dimensions hijab brings to the lives of women and the responsibility men and women share in upholding modesty in society. Along the way, it debunks common stereotypes and celebrates the voices of women who practice hijab with pride!

One of the questions often asked by people is, “Why do Muslim women cover their heads?” The answer lies in understanding the essence of one’s existence as explained in Islam.

The Meaning of Hijab in Islam

Muslims believe that their true purpose in life is to worship God according to His instructions, as revealed in the holy book of Quran and through the teachings of Muhammad (peace be upon him), the final prophet of Islam. Worship in Islam is a holistic concept which encourages God-consciousness in every facet of daily life, from charity and neighborliness to prayer and honest dealings in business. Modest clothing is an integral aspect of worship in Islam as well.

In the Quran, God says, “And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms…” (24:31). When God revealed this verse, the female companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) promptly adopted these guidelines. In a similar spirit of obedience, Muslim women have maintained modest covering (hijab) ever since.

Hence, the primary motivation for wearing the hijab is to obey God (Allah in Arabic).

A Personal Journey

Wearing hijab is a personal and independent decision that comes from a sincere yearning to please God while appreciating the wisdom underlying His command. Many people mistakenly believe that women are forced to wear the hijab. This concept is not based on Islamic teachings as God says in the Quran, “Let there be no compulsion in religion” (2:256). Likewise, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) never forced religion upon anyone. If a woman is being forced to cover, it is contrary to this clear Islamic principle and might be due to cultural or social pressure. According to Islam, a woman willfully chooses to commit to this act of worship.

Days of contemplation, an inevitable fear of consequences as well as reactions and, ultimately, plenty of courage weigh heavily in making the leap. Katherine Bullock, a Canadian convert to Islam, stated, “For me, the lead up to the decision to wear hijab was more difficult than actually wearing it. I found that, praise be to God, although I did receive negative comments from people, I appreciated the feeling of modesty that wearing the hijab gave me.”

Further, many people make the error of thinking that the hijab is a definitive statement of a woman’s religiosity, as if it is a clear indicator of her spiritual commitment. While veiling is a reflection of one’s beliefs, the hijab simultaneously becomes a tangible reminder to the woman herself: to embody the modesty and dignity it represents and to carry one’s self in a way that pleases God. In that sense, the hijab symbolizes a journey of devotion rather than the end-result of piety.

The Hijab: A Path to Self-Discovery and Empowerment

“After I started wearing hijab,” continued Bullock, “I noticed that people would often behave more cautiously with me, like apologizing if they swore. I appreciated that. I feel that wearing hijab has given me an insight into a decent and upright lifestyle.”

Another Muslim woman, Saba Baig, a graduate of Rutgers University who currently lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and children, reminisced, “Before I started covering, my self-perception was rooted in other people’s perceptions of me. I dressed to elicit compliments, keep up with the latest trend, wear the most desired brand name … very little of it had to do with me, and more importantly, what God thought of me. Pre-hijab, I was in bondage to the surrounding society; post-hijab, I became attached to God. With that connection to God came an enormous amount of freedom. Confidence and self-respect were just some of the benefits.”

Ambassadors of Faith

Generalizations and stereotypes about Islam and Muslims are rampant in today’s society and, by extension, in the minds of many people whose worldview is shaped by the media. Muslim women in hijab are frequently stigmatized; they are regarded on the one hand as oppressed and, on the other, as religious fanatics. Due to such misconceptions, unfortunately, the larger society fails to acknowledge and appreciate Muslim women’s courage in standing up to societal norms in their determination to preserve their modesty.

Hijab clearly identifies women as followers of Islam, which can have its disadvantages in a land where misinformation about the faith and its adherents abounds. For instance, some Muslim women are discriminated against in the workplace while others are emotionally abused through insensitive remarks. Yet, drawing on inner strength and resolve, Muslim women take these incidents in stride. Their love for God and commitment to modesty empower them in the face of challenges.

Indeed, Muslim women identify themselves with Mary who is commemorated for her piety and modesty. Aminah Assilmi, who converted to Islam in 1977, was once asked about going out in public without her hijab and she responded, “I cannot help but wonder if they would have ordered Mary, the mother of Jesus, to uncover her hair.”

Hijab: A Symbol of Strength, Success, and Faith

“By focusing on what God wants from me, and thinks of me, I am no longer a prisoner of other people’s desires,” declared Baig. “Knowing that I am doing what God, my Creator, has ordained for me gives me a contentment and happiness like no other.”

Despite all the odds, Muslim women in hijab have managed to carve a niche for themselves while upholding their Islamic identities. They actively participate in their surroundings, be it as homemakers or professionals, on the sports field or in the artistic arena, in public service or in charitable activities. Conspicuous in their head-coverings, these women have become ambassadors of the Islamic faith.

Mutuality in Modesty

More than a dress code, the hijab encompasses modest behaviors, manners and speech. The inner humility as exhibited through etiquettes and morals completes the significance of the physical veil. However, contrary to popular belief, these characteristics are not limited to women alone.

God also commands men to maintain their modesty in the Quran: “Tell believing men to lower their glances and guard their private parts: that is purer for them. God is well aware of everything they do” (24:30).

In Islam, the responsibility falls on each gender to protect their own modesty and to control their own desires. Whether a woman dresses modestly or not, it is the obligation of each man to guard his own chastity. While many people may think that hijab is worn primarily to restrain men’s illicit desires, this is another misconception. Indeed, it is not women’s duty to regulate the behavior of men. Men are accountable for their own conduct; they are equally required to be modest and to handle themselves responsibly in every sphere of their lives.

In reality, Muslim women wear the hijab to seek the pleasure of God and to uphold Islam’s code of modesty. The majority of women who wear hijab consider it a constant reminder that they do not adorn their bodies for men. “Hijab forces someone to look past the external and focus on the internal. How many women do we know that feel they have to sexualize themselves to gain attention; why don’t we see as many men wearing short bottoms and tighter tops? Because we have always given men a pass on their looks, demanding from them success and intellect instead,” reflected Baig.

“Women however, are valued for their looks, their beauty. We have entire industries built upon making a woman feel that she isn’t pretty enough, or thin enough,” she added. “Hijab, on the other hand, takes one beyond the superficial. It elevates her in society by desexualizing her, and individuating her instead.”

The Power of Hijab: A Symbol of Strength and Faith

Islam is a religion of moderation and balance; it does not expect women alone to uphold society’s morality and dignity. Rather, Islam asks men and women to strive mutually to create a healthy social environment of practical values and morality. In short, the concept of modesty in Islam is holistic, and applies to both men and women. The ultimate goal is to please God and to maintain a wholesome and stable society.

As more and more Muslim women embrace hijab, they renew their commitment to God through their appearance as they continue their lifelong spiritual journey. Unfortunately, such women often seem mysterious to those not acquainted with the religious significance of hijab. Understanding the beliefs and lifestyle choices of Muslims, and the emphasis Islam places on modesty, eliminates the stereotypes associated with hijab. People of many different faiths and beliefs make up this patchwork world of ours. Muslims are an integral part of this diversity. It’s time we overcome our fears and bridge our distances. So, the next time you see a Muslim, stop and chat with them – and decide for yourself!

Note: The “peace be upon him” next to Prophet Muhammad represents the invocation Muslims say with his name as a form of respect

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Importance of Hijab in Islam

What is a hijab?

Hijab does not mean hiding your beauty nor does it make you less beautiful in any way. It gives a sense of security to a woman and it’s not used to disgrace her.

At the same time, it is strongly advised that she starts dressing modestly. In Islam wearing a ‘black burka’ or headscarf is not the main requirement as most people like to associate the ‘hijab’ with a black cloak covering. Some even go to the extent and ask why do Muslim women dress like ninjas? Covering the face is not mandatory and some women simply do this for their own self contentment.

The clothing should be loose, so the body shape is not revealed. Some cultures have specific clothing for females and may be offended by some of the types of clothing available in the western world. A Muslim woman is free to wear any kind of modest clothing, as long as it meets the standards and is not too revealing.

Although there are many benefits of Hijab. It is first and foremost a commandment from Allah. Therefore, wearing it is an act of faith and obedience to the creator, as mentioned in the Quran :

‘’TELL THE BELIEVING WOMEN TO DRAW THEIR OUTER GARMENTS AROUND THEM.’’   QURAN 33:59

Hijab does not mean that you are not like other Women. It means that you choose to save yourself from other social evils. Hijab provides a sense of security to a woman. It increases her confidence because she knows that she is well covered and can move around easily in areas which are congregated by male counterparts.

Identification of Muslim Women

Hijab in Islam in some sense is the main identification of a Muslim woman. However, Islam gives women rights in the home as well as in society. The other valuable privileges they have are the right to earn their own money, to buy and own property, to be educated, entitlement to family inheritance, to be treated with love, to vote, keeping their maiden name, to be able to worship in a mosque and to divorce. One might have observed that Muslim women are gaining the finest education.

When the weather is hot people will recognise a Muslim lady due to their attire and may think that they are at risk due to to the way they are covered up. However, there are plenty of ways around this and the   hijab   can be adjusted according to needs as long as it follows the basic principles.

Why do Muslim women wear Hijab

Women have been given the utmost respect and highest status in Islam. Hijab is not just a dress code, it signifies something deeper. For Example, it is a barrier between a man and a Muslim woman. In essence, Hijab provides the Muslim woman with both spiritual and physical peace and harmony.

Adapted from muslims-life.

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Concept of Purdah in Islam – 8 Important Things To Know

Purdah in Islam: Islam has heavily emphasized the idea of modesty and decency in interactions between people of different genders. The overall teaching includes the dress code, also referred to as the “Pardah”. 

What is the True Meaning of Purdah in Islam?

The more common word used alternatively for Pardah is “Hijab”. The Arabic term “hijab” means “barrier” or “partition.” However, it has a more expansive connotation in Islam. It is based on the modesty concept and applies to both men’s and women’s behaviour and attire.

The head covering worn by many Muslim women is the most obvious example of a hijab. But the hijab extends beyond a head covering and also includes decent and modest behaviour in its definition. And we all know the elevated status of women in Islam .

Surahs that refer to the Hijab in Quran include Surah Nur, Surah Al-Ahzab, and Surat Al-‘A`raf.

1- What is Pardah for Muslim men?

The Pardah for men is not a common debate but Allah (SWT) has also laid down specific rules for men to maintain a modest appearance. In the following verse of the Holy Quran, Allah (SWT) commands the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H.) to convey those modesty rules to the believing men.

The verse states that a man’s Pardah lies not only in their chastity but also in their gaze. So, the believing men are told to keep their gazes low. However, if you happen to face anything inappropriate, remove your gaze immediately as you notice. Indeed, Allah (SWT) knows best and nothing is hidden from Him.

Only males are subject to the silk prohibition since it is regarded as effeminate. For the same reason, Muslim men are prohibited from wearing gold jewellery.

2 – What does Quran say about Purdah?

The following verse of the Holy Quran lays down the guidelines of Pardah for women. The verse guides the believing women to protect their chaste and lower their gaze from what Allah (SWT) has forbidden for them. Moreover, Allah (SWT) also commands Muslim women not to adorn themselves in a way that attracts someone else.

The women of Medina before the spread of Islam are said to have worn their khumur over their heads with the two ends tucked behind and fastened at the back of the neck, exposing their neck and ears in the process. Hence, in the following verse of the Holy Quran, Allah (SWT) has commanded Muslim women to cover their bosoms as well.

Furthermore, the verse also discourages women from wearing elaborate jewelry and stomp their feet to get attention. The warning to ladies not to stomp their feet to draw attention to themselves supports the interpretation of the jewelry as ankle bracelets were sometimes used by Arabian women to get attention from men.

The verse then lists the mahram, which is their spouse, father, father-in-law, son(s), and others, in whose company the hijab is not necessary.

3 – Importance of Pardah in Islam

Allah reminds His followers of the Libas and Rish He has bestowed upon them. Libas are garments worn to conceal private areas, whereas Rish are external decorations worn for aesthetic reasons. The first kind is, therefore crucial, but the second type is complementary.

4 – Pardah in Islam Quotes

Hazrat Fatima RA, one of the Most Influential Women in Islamic History, was known for her modesty and humility. In the following quote, she illustrates the importance of modesty for Muslim women.

5 – Punishment for Not Wearing Hijab in Quran

When Allah (SWT) has decreed something, then we have no option. The following verse explains that we as Muslims must obey our Creator if we want to be successful in this life and in the Hereafter.

Nonetheless, Allah (SWT) is Merciful and Oft-Forgiving. May He (SWT) guide us all to stay on the path that is beneficial for us in this life and the life after.

6 – Reasons to Wear Hijab in Quran

According to the Quran, this attire is worn so that ladies would be recognized as Muslims and will not be mistreated. Hence, the Hijab not only protects Muslim women against harassment but, also intends to differentiate them as women of Iman.

7 – Concept of Pardah in Islam for Elderly Women

It is not sinful for these women to discard their (outer) garments in a way that hides their private parts since they no longer believe they can carry children and have no prospect of marriage, i.e., they no longer have any desire for marriage. However, refraining is better for them despite this relaxation.

8 – Is Niqab Mandatory in Islam?

The niqab is a part of Arab and Afghan culture. It is not a part of the Islamic dress code as laid down in verse 24:31 of the Holy Quran.

There are several ways to interpret the term “what must generally appear thereof.” This saying is often interpreted as meaning that women should cover just the body portions required for daily activities. Typically, the face and hands are considered to be the body parts that generally appear thereof.

According to Islamic custom, women should remove their facial coverings when performing the Hajj pilgrimage.

Moreover, as for the debate that the wives of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) used to wear a veil. But, the following verse clarifies that the term “hijab” was not originally used in the Qur’an to refer to a veil or head covering. In fact, it was mentioned as a screen or barrier.

When read in the light of history, this passage appears to have been written largely to provide some protection for the Prophet’s wives from bothersome guests and snoopers.

When the passages pertaining to the hijab were revealed, gossip and slander were major issues.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Q. is it sin to not wear hijab.

There are various views on this, and while some scholars believe it is a sin, others do not. While there is no clear punishment for it in the Quran or hadith, not wearing a hijab is disobeying Allah’s command and can be considered sinful. Rest Allah knows best.

Q. Is makeup Haram in Islam?

Wearing makeup with the intention to seduce men is frowned upon in Islam. But if you do makeup only for yourself at home, for your husband or for a women’s only gathering, it is not considered sinful according to most Islamic scholars. But you need to be careful about only using halal makeup products as many makeup products are made from haram animal derivatives such as pig fats.

Q. What is the meaning of Pardah?

Pardah is a screen, drape, or veil that is used to keep women out of sight of males or outsiders.

Q. At what age does a girl start wearing a hijab?

It can be interpreted that a girl starts wearing the hijab when she reaches the age of puberty. In many Islamic societies, such as in Saudi Arabia, girls start wearing hijab from the day of their first periods.

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Mother of two. I would love it if I could make a tiny difference anywhere or in anyone's life. I am not perfect, I make mistakes, but when I say sorry I mean it. Always striving to do better than before.

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