HIJAB

The status of women in Islam is often the target of attacks in the secular media. The Hijab or the Islamic dress is cited by many as an example of the “subjugation” (defeat, suppression) of women under Islamic Law. Before we analyze the reasoning behind the religiously mandated Hijab, let us first study the status of women in societies before the advent of Islam.

In the past women were degraded and used as objects of lust.

Examples from History

 *Babylonian Civilization: If a man murdered a woman, instead of him being punished, his wife was put to death.
   
*Greek Civilization: The so called most glorious of all ancient Civilization, an “imaginary women” called Pandora is the root cause of misfortune of human beings. They consider women subhuman and inferior to men. Though chastity of women was precious, and women were held in high esteem, the Greeks were later overwhelmed by ego and sexual perversions. Prostitution became a regular practice amongst all classes of Greek society.
   
*Roman Civilization: A man even had right to take the life if his wife. Prostitution and nudity were common amongst the Romans.
   
 *Egyptian Civilization: They considered women evil and as a sign of a devil.
 *Pre- Islamic Arabia: Before Islam spread in Arabia, the Arabs looked down upon women, and very often when a female child was born, she was buried alive.

Islam uplifted women and gave them equality and expects to maintain their status:

HIJAB FOR MEN

People usually only discuss hijab in the context of women. However in the
Holy Quran, Allah (swt) first mentions Hijab for men before Hijab for the women. The Quran mentions in Surah Noor, chapter # 24, verse #30

“Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: That will make for greater purity for them: and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do”

The moment a man looks at a woman and if any brazen or unashamed thought comes to his mind, he should lower his gaze.


HIJAB FOR WOMEN

 
The next verse of Surah  Noor 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 veils over their bosoms and not sdisplay yheir beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband’s fathers, their sons…”
(Al-Quran 24:31)

Six criteria for Hijab

According to Quran and Sunnah, there are basically six criteria for observing Hijab:


1: EXTENT

The first criterion is the extent of the body that should be covered. This is the different for men and women. The extent of covering obligatory on the male is to cover the body at least from the navel to the knees. For women, the extent of covering obligatory is to cover the complete body except the face and the hands upto the wrist. If they wish to, they can cover even these parts of the body. Some scholars of Islam insist that face and the hands are part of the obligatory extent of hijab.
All the remaining 5 criteria are the same for men and women.


1.The cloths worn should be loose and should not reveal the figure.

 2.The clothes worn should not be transparent such that one can see through them.

 
3.The clothes worn should not be so glamorous as to attract the opposite sex.

  
4.The clothes worn should not resemble that of opposite sex.


 5.The clothes worn should not resemble that of the unbelievers i.e. they should not wear clothes that are specifically identities or symbols of the unbeliever’s religions..


Hijab Includes conduct and behavior among other things

Complete hijab besides the six criteria of clothing, also includes the moral conduct, behavior, attitude & intention of the individual. A person only fulfilling the criteria of hijab of the clothes is observing hijab in a limited sense. Hijab of the clothes should be accompanied by hijab of the eyes, hijab of the heart, of the thought and hijab of intention. It also includes the way a person walks, the way a person talks, and the way he behaves.

HIJAB PREVENTS MOLESTATION

The reason why Hijab is prescribed for women is mentioned in Quran in Chapter no. 33 


Surah Al-Azhab Verse no. 59

“O Prophet! Tell thy wives and daughters, and the believing women that they should cast their outer garments over heir persons (when abroad); that is most convenient, that they should be known (as such) and not molestated. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful”
(Quran 33:59)

The Quran says that Hijab has been prescribed for the women so that they are recognized as modest women and it will also prevent them from being molestated.


Example of Twin Sisters

Suppose two sisters who’re twins, and who r equally beautiful, walk down the street. One of them is attired in the Islamic hijab i.e. the complete body is covered, except for the face and the hands up to the wrists. The other sister is wearing western clothes, a mini skirt or shorts. Just around the corner there is a hooligan or ruffian, who is waiting for a catch, to tease a girl. Whom will he tease? The girl wearing the Islamic Dress (Hijab) according to the status of being a woman, or the girl wearing the skirt or mini, not knowing who is she?
Naturally he will tease the girl wearing the skirt or the mini. Such dresses are an indirect INVITATION to the opposite sex for teasing and molestation. The Quran rightly says that hijab prevents women from being molested.

Why Is Hijab Necessary?

Why Hijab is Necessary?

Until the Imperialists invaded Believing Countries and the Believers started mixing with non-believers, all our Believing women walked in this world with great respect and dignity. The non-believers were finding it very difficult to come anywhere near the border of our Believing sister's purity. The Hijab (peaceful dress for women) did not only protect them from those evil eyes of non-believers but also gave them freedom and independence from being misused by them.

Also, a scholar said: Modesty is the symbol of faith and whoever has no modesty (Hijab), has no religion.

There are many sisters who have failed to understand the actual meaning of Hijab.

To observe proper Hijab is to dress up oneself modestly and appropriately covering all parts of body except face and hands, without showing one's figure or curves and without using any sort of make-up like plucking eyebrows for the sake of show off.

Almighty has given equal rights to both men and women; He forbids either sex claiming supremacy over the other.

Almighty states in Holy Scripture: "O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Almighty is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Almighty has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things)." Holy Scripture (49:13)

Hijab is one of the righteous deeds and it is a sign of honor and equality with men and stands as a shield of protection against evil man.

A Believing woman is bestowed with respect and honour and a Believer gives great importance to his wife. Our Holy Prophet's (saw) saying reads, ” the best of you are those who are best in resting their wives.”

The status of wife is so respectable that she is not bound to do any house-hold work unless she does it willingly and with affection; but if her husband forces her to do any work; he will have to answer to Almighty for his conduct. Also, she is not bound to earn and maintain the house of her husband. Her work shall always conform to the laws of Pure Submission. Unlike the Western world, the Believer wife is a queen in her husband's house. The first thing a husband does for his wife is to provide a servant and a cook according to his ability and when she becomes a mother, she receives greatest respect from her husband. Contrary to this, is considered a sin by Almighty.

And Almighty states in Holy Scripture: "And your Lord has commanded that you shall not serve (any) but Him, and goodness to your parents. If either or both of them reach old age with you, say not to them (so much as) "Ufh" nor chide them, and speak to them a generous word." Holy Scripture (17:23)

Almighty has given great impedance to women and for that reason He orders their children to address them in terms of honor.

What kind of dignity a non-believer has by the way; they conduct their life and expose themselves. They have removed the shield of protection, that modesty of Hijab and left themselves unprotected and that is the cause for the assault, which takes place once every ten seconds in rape and murder around the world. But those true Believers who observe proper Hijab are protected from such assaults and not one ease or this type is ever heard of.

Moreover Hijab also gives the women an air of authority, dignity and respect, which a non-believer can never claim to possess. Only those who are well behaved can expect admiration and high esteem from others and definitely, those who try to attract men can never be called a well-behaved person.

Those who reject Hijab and wish to attract men are suffering from inferiority complex. They believe men are superior and in order to overcome this feeling, they use their feminine charms. But why should a Believer woman have such a feeling when she is fully aware of her equality with men?

Hijab, therefore, has such benefits as a guard against any assault, equality with men, air of respect and honor and most important of all, obedience to Almighty which is equivalent to blood of martyr. Hijab requires women to avoid any sort of attraction to men.

We have many Believers sisters who are more concerned to please themselves and their non-believer friends than Almighty. Let us not forget the purpose of our existence, which is to cultivate love and affection for Almighty in our heart and not for anything else. How can we create that love when we disobey Him? Adoration and affection come from the heart and those who truly love Almighty will not do anything contrary to this.

Some of our sisters come up with the excuse that the non-believers laugh at them if they observe Hijab and they feel degraded. They may laugh for a little while but after some time, they will have no choice but to respect the Believer women observing Hijab for their discipline and principles which could not be shaken by their little laugh.

Let us not forget the famous phrase: He who laughs last laughs the longest.

A Believer sister lives for the future and not for the day; we can all look forward to be in Heaven for believing and obeying Almighty.

Hijab is one of the commandments of Almighty. The Holy Prophet said that those women who do not observe proper Hijab are blatantly defying the commandment of Almighty. Discarding Hijab puts their sacrifices in vain. But for those who disobeyed, what punishment is awaiting them but Hell-Fire!

Hijab (Hejab, Hijaab): Hijab (Islamic dress for women) supplement
Almighty states in Holy Scripture: "Not for (idle) sport did We create the heavens and the earth and all that is between! If it had been Our wish to take (just) a pastime, We should surely have taken it from the things nearest to Us, if We would do (such a thing)." Holy Scripture (21:16-17)

The above verse amply emphasizes the seriousness with which Almighty created this world and everything that exists therein, including the human beings. Almighty created us for a specific and important purpose and it is the duty of every Believer to lead a disciplined life, realizing the seriousness of this purpose.

Human beings must distinguish themselves from animals by decent and disciplined behavior. But how many of us take this life with the seriousness it deserves? All of us originated from one father and one mother and belong to one big family, but it is unfortunate that many of us live without any sense of collective responsibility. We are one community and the action of one-person will not only reflect on other individuals but also the whole community.

In no other religion in the world is human life to be considered to be so sacred that one man's murder is considered to be the murder of the entire human race, and whoever saves a life it is as if he had saved the lives of all mankind.

Almighty states in Holy Scripture: "For this reason did We prescribe to the children of Israel that whoever slays a soul, unless it be for manslaughter or for mischief in the land, it is as though he slew all men; and whoever keeps it alive, it is as though he kept alive all men." Holy Scripture (5:32)

When Almighty commanded our sisters to observe Hijab, it was because of the universal damages that would be caused by refusing to observe it. It is not a matter of individual behavior, as many people may think. A woman going out exposing her charms attracts men, which sets off a chain of undesirable events, causing lot of harm to several people. Thus, the indecent behavior of one person affects the community as a whole. Although the person, who originally caused the damage, is to be blamed for all the consequences, other members of the community are also responsible to some extent for allowing such a thing to happen. Therefore, it becomes a collective responsibility of all of us to ensure that such damages are not caused.

For example, some people were sailing in a boat, which they jointly owned when one of them stated making a hole in the place which was allocated to him in the boat. When others tried to stop him, he argued that it was his part of the boat and he was free to do whatever he wished. But if he was allowed to continue, the boat would sink and all of them would be drowned.

Discarding Hijab will harm not only one's own self but also millions of others. Exposure of physical charm of our women may destroy many homes and cause innumerable rapes and murders for which we all are responsible.

Who is to be blamed for all the consequences but the person who causes them? If a woman observes Hijab and refraines from displaying her attractions, these crimes will never take place.

Our Holy Prophet  has said that on the Day of Judgment, such people would be brought forward for trail on charges of quasi-crimes in which they had a share of responsibility. They would plead that they did not commit those crimes, but then they would be told that they removed their Hijab and attracted this person, which made him indulge in those crimes.

Almighty states in Holy Scripture: "Except those who believe and do good and remember Almighty much, and defend themselves after they are oppressed; and they who act unjustly shall know to what final place of turning they shall turn back." Holy Scripture (26:227)

Liberation or Sexploitation
Look at the glossy cover of any magazine or advertisements on TV and newspaper, you will find that most of these advertisements have scantily dressed women in alluring poses to attract the attention of men. This proves that the Western society considers woman only as a sex symbol.

The liberation of women in Islam is far superior to Western liberation as it allows women to live with respect, dignity and equality in society.

Equality does not mean aping and behaving like men or dancing to their carnal tunes; that would be an act of inferiority in the face of one's own femininity.

A truly liberated woman always dresses decently and modestly. A true woman will never degrade her body and sell her dignity to the highest bidder. No woman is truly liberated if she is still the slave of her wayward conscience, bodily lust or infidelity.

However, in Islam, women, whatever their role as mothers, wives, sisters or daughters, command respect and have a constructive role to play in society. The Hijab itself gives an aura of freedom to the womankind, facilitating their movement and protecting them from provocation and wanton greed of the human wolves. Removal of the Hijab makes you vulnerable to the lust of men.

By removing your Hijab, you have destroyed your faith. Islam means submission to Almighty in all our actions. Those who refuse submission cannot be called Believers.

What is Hijab? (Hijaab (Believer Veil), Hejab (An Act of Faith), Islamic dress for women)
There are many sisters who have failed to understand the actual meaning of Hijab. Hijab technically means covering. Islam desires the preservation of social tranquility and familial peace. Hence, it asks women to cover themselves in their inter-actions with men, whom they are not related to.

Why is Hijab necessary? (Hijabs, Hijab Pictures, Hijab Girls, Hijabi Fashion)
The dangerous consequences of the Western culture of nakedness and permissiveness are before us. We should think twice before blindly trying to imitate Western life-styles.

How should women observe Hijab correctly?

Basically, the dress of ladies should cover the whole body except the face and hands (i.e. palms and fingers). Hair should not be exposed because Islam considers it as half of the total beauty of women. The Hijab could be of any form and color, a one-piece chader or a three-piece ensemble, as long as it is not tight fitting and does not attract people's attention.

Baseless objections against Hijab

• Hijab seeks to imprison women: Those who feel that Hijab imprisons women should refrain from living in houses because it is nearer to a prison than Hijab.
• Hijab subordinates women: In fact, culture, which promotes nakedness, takes people nearer to the culture of animals. Wearing the Hijab, on the contrary, liberates women from the trap of Western fashion and maladies. It gives them greater, rather than less freedom and mobility.
• Why only women? Science has confirmed that visual stimulation plays a predominant role in the physiology of men compared to women. The fact that the sex-industry in the West is targeted towards the male-market confirms it.
• Victims of Ridicule: Some of our sisters come up with the excuse that the non-believers laugh at them if they observe Hijab and they feel degraded. They may laugh for a little while but after some time they will have no choice but to respect the Believer women observing Hijab for their discipline, which could not be shaken, by their little laughs.
• Let us not forget the famous phrase: The one who laughs last laughs the longest.
• Beauty is meant to be appreciated: True! But only by the husband. Hence women who truly love their husbands would never wish to be seen in public without Hijab.

What are the disadvantages of discarding Hijab?

• Becoming an easy target of anti-social elements.
• Causing great stresses, insecurity and suspicion in the minds of husbands, ultimately disturbing the familial harmony.
• Instigating young people to deviate towards the path of lust and immorality.
• Giving rise to cases of divorce, adultery, rape and illegitimate children.

What are the advantages of observing Hijab?

• Confidence in social participation as human being and not as sexual commodity.
• Guarding one self from the lustful looks of men.
• Not diverting people's attention from constructive social work.
• Improving the moral character of the society.

In conclusion, women can achieve true dignity and experience true emancipation by observing Hijab and not by discarding it.

Hijab (Modesty) is also for Believer Men
"Say to the believing men that they cast down their looks and guard their private parts; that is purer for

them; surely Almighty is Aware of what they do." Holy Scripture (24:30)

To cast down one's glance, means not to look in a fixed way, not to stare. The sentence means, "Tell the believers not to stare at or flirt with women."

Almighty has given equal rights to both men and women; He forbids either sex claiming supremacy over the other. Almighty states in the Holy Scripture: "The most honored of you in the sight of Almighty is (he who is) the most righteous of you." Holy Scripture (49:13)

2,900 raped every day in America

Washington: Nearly 2,900 women are raped every day in America, according to a study released on Thursday that paints a much grimmer picture than US Justice Department figures announced earlier this week.

The National Victim Center, which promotes the rights of victims of violent crime, said 3.1 adult women are raped every minute and 983,000 US women are raped each year, based on a survey of more that 8,000 women, including 1500 rape victims.

One in eight adult American women has been raped, bringing the total of rape victims to at least 17.1 million, it said.

The survey indicated that 61 per cent of all rape cases involve women under 18 and that 29 percent of all rapes occurred when the victim was less than 11 years old. Reuters (Source: MID-DAY Bombay 25-4-02)

Can a woman look for her life partner herself?

 

I have been accused repeatedly for finding a boyfriend while wearing hijab. Personally i don't think wearing a hijab should stop me from choosing a suitable partner. When i found him, i showed him to my parents asking for their openion on him. Some say "better not to wear hijab at all than doing this". Am i right to say that Islam does not prevent any girls from finding a suitable partner and wearing hijab has nothing to do with it?.

Praise be to Allaah.  

Firstly: 

The Muslim woman must know that she is obliged to wear hijaab and observe proper Islamic hijaab at all times. It is not permissible for a woman to make a wanton display of herself (tabarruj). Tabarruj is a major sin for which the one who does it deserves the wrath and punishment of Allaah.  A woman, as the saying goes, is a jewel, and when she is shown to people and makes a wanton display of herself she loses her value. 

So I advise the questioner and every Muslim woman to adhere to proper Islamic hijaab, which is pleasing to Allaah and is an act of obedience to Him, and is a means of Allaah guiding His slave and making things easier for him. 

Secondly: 

With regard to marriage, it may be obligatory if a man or woman longs for marriage and fears falling into immoral ways. It is also the Sunnah of the Prophets (peace be upon them). 

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“And indeed We sent Messengers before you (O Muhammad), and made for them wives and offspring”

[al-Ra’d 13:38] 

Thirdly: 

There is a difference between a Muslim woman looking for a husband and her mixing with and talking to men for that purpose, and meeting by accident a man who she thinks is a potential husband. The former is contrary to modesty, for a woman is required to be of modest character and shy, which is an adornment and beauty for women; the virgin is the epitome of modesty as it says in the hadeeth of Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri (may Allaah be pleased with him): “The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to be more shy than the virgin in her seclusion, and if he disliked something it would be known from his face.” 

Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5751; Muslim, 2320 

A woman can do something better than that, which is to make du’aa’ asking Allaah to give her a good and righteous husband. Du’aa’ is one of the best things with which a Muslim may equip himself and the best way in which a Muslim may seek to meet his needs. She can also speak to some of her Muslim sisters whose religious commitment and honesty she trusts to tell her of someone who can tell a young Muslim man who wants to get married about a Muslim girl. This is better than her doing something that is contrary to modesty. 

Fourthly: 

Undoubtedly the one who told you to take off the hijab and that that is better than wearing it is wrong. How can a woman give up her religious commitment and hijab and ignore something that Allaah has enjoined upon her and said that if she forsakes it then she will deserve the wrath and punishment of Allaah and will not be granted His support? 

The Muslim woman must adhere to this virtue which many Muslim women have forsaken, for it is the symbol of the Muslim woman, a sign of her commitment, sincere faith and piety.   

I advise the sister to fear Allaah and to adhere to hijab, and Allaah will help her and make her life easier for her. And Allaah is the One Whose help we seek. 

And Allaah knows best.

She wants to wear hijab and her family don’t want her to. Should she obey them?

 

I am a muslimah & am hoping 2 get married in a few mths Insha'Allah. My parents are from Pakistan & would like me 2 wear a traditional bridal outfit which consists of an embroidered scarf, tunic & long, baggy skirt (lengha). Initially,I had no qualms about wearing this outfit as I would be covered according 2 the Islamic requirements 4 a woman. However, I was talking 2 a few sisters who have commented that 4 me 2 wear such an outfit would not be acceptable in Islam as it would be bright & some non-mahrem men would c me in it. I am confused now as 2 what 2 do, because in my whole family I am the only one who wears hijaab & 2 refuse 2 wear this outfit would cause major distress & upheaval in my family,especially as I am already getting married outside the family. But I also am aware that obedience 2 Allah (s.w.t)come first & therefore am asking u 4 advice.  
I would appreciate a reply from yourselves at the earliest oppurtunity with advice,evidences etc.

Praise be to Allaah.  

We appreciate your keenness and your efforts to seek advice. We ask Allaah to make things easy for you and to give you a way out. 

Women are commanded to conceal their adornment from strange men who are not their mahrams, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer palms of hands or one eye or dress like veil, gloves, headcover, apron), and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband’s fathers, or their sons, or their husband’s sons, or their brothers or their brother’s sons, or their sister’s sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islam), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of feminine sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allaah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful”

[al-Noor 24:31] 

Hence it is required that the clothes with which a woman covers herself should not be an adornment in themselves, because she is commanded to conceal her adornment as stated above. 

It is also essential that the clothing be wide and loose so that it covers all the body, and it should be thick so that it is not see-through. 

You should advise your family and explain to them the necessity of adhering to that which Allaah has prescribed and enjoined. Explain that to your husband also, for he is responsible before Allaah and is required to protect you and have protective jealousy concerning you. 

Ask Allaah to protect you and to guide your family to that which is good; remain steadfast in what you are doing even if that makes them angry and upset. For there is no obedience to any created being if it involves disobedience towards the Creator, and it is not permissible for you to obey your parents or husband in wearing that which Allaah has forbidden, or neglecting to do something that Allaah has enjoined, either at your wedding or afterwards. 

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There is no obedience if it involves sin, rather obedience is with regard to that which is good and proper.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 7257; Muslim, 1840. 

See also questions no. 11967, 6408, 6991, 5393; these questions explain the ruling on hijab and the description of hijab. You should read them and choose whatever is appropriate to show to your parents so that they will be convinced of the shar’i ruling. 

We ask Allaah to make you steadfast until death. And Allaah knows best

My husbad is Muslim and has talked frequently about me becoming Muslim myself. I just have one concern... the women being covered. Why do they need to cover themselves and only reveal what is odinarily revealed. I am American, we reveal almost the entire body here. I just want to get an understanding.

Praise be to Allaah.  

There can be no doubt that Allaah only enjoins that in which there is wisdom, but in some cases the wisdom behind some rulings may be hidden from people, and in some cases it may be quite obvious – such as the prohibition on alcohol which clouds the mind and hinders people from the remembrance of Allaah and from prayer [cf. al-Maa'idah 5:91]. 

The wisdom behind the prescription of hijab is one of the most clear, because it is a covering for woman and guards their chastity, and it prevents the foolish from making approaches and harassing them. How often has a woman’s hijab prevented the devils among mankind from harrassing her? How often have unveiled women made a display of their beauty and charms, which has led to their being harrassed by the foolish? Concerning this, Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allaah is Ever Oft‑Forgiving, Most Merciful”

[al-Ahzaab 33:59] 

This verse gives the complete answer to your question, because Allaah mentions here the command to His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) to tell his wives and daughters and the believing women to wear hijab, and it mentions the wisdom behind that, which is so that they may be protected and not exposed to annoyance. 

When women go out showing most of their bodies – as the questioner mentions – this is one of the greatest causes of crime and corruption of men’s morals, and of the spread of immorality. It is also degrading for woman, as we see women becoming cheap products for business-owners and advertisers, who show woman half-naked and devoid of modesty in order to attract customers and market their products. 

A woman’s body belongs to her and is not to be shared with people. When she gets married it belongs to her husband and she should not let anyone else have a share in it. What does a woman want when she shows her body and exposes her charms to onlookers? Does she just want them to look and stare, and what is the affect of that on rapists and the foolish? How are you going to stop them from getting what they want by attacking you and trying to rape you. Are you going to show some meat to the hungry and then try to stop them from eating it? 

In a modern study it was shown that: 

65% of female workers are exposed to sexual harassment in their place of work in some European countries. 

18% of women in America have been raped or been subjected to attempted rape at some stage in their lives. 

More than half of victims were under the age of 17. 

Kitaab Ihsaa’aat, Diraasaat, Arqaam (p. 140). 

Islamic sharee’ah brought that which is best for men and for women, and for the family and society. It does not impose restrictions on women as some enemies of Islam claim. Islam allows women to work, seek knowledge, engage in business, testify in court, uphold the ties of kinship, visit the sick, and so on, but it has set limits regarding her going out in order to protect her and to prevent the foolish from harassing her. 

We say to the questioner: 

Many western women, when they think about it and come to know the reality of Allaah’s laws concerning women, do not hesitate to declare their Islam and enter into the religion of the Prophets and the righteous. 

In Islam, women are protected and looked after. That is not in return for her staying in the home only, rather that is because she plays a great role, which is taking care of her husband and raising and caring for children. This is an important role, because the soundness or corruption of society depends on the extent to which mothers are successful in their raising and teaching of their children. 

One of the largest British insurance companies carried out a study on one million housewives, which produced amazing results. This study showed that the average full-time housewife spends 19 hours per day meeting the needs of her family, because she is the one who is raising the children, teaching them, looking after family members when they fall sick, and is responsible for the household budget. 

In addition to that – looking at what the houswife’s value from a purely materialistic point of view, far removed from any emotional criteria – a woman who stays at home is the most valuable thing the family can have. 

Op. cit., p. 118, 119 

It has become clear to many wise women the serious danger posed by the false freedom that they are enjoying and they have finally realized where this path will lead them. It is stated in another study that: 

80% of American women think that the freedom that women have gained in the last 30 years is the reason for the promiscuity and violence that are prevalent nowadays.  

75% feel worried about the loss of values and the disintegration of the family. 

80% have great difficulty in combining their responsibilities at work with their responsibilities towards their husbands and children. 

87% said that if the clock was turned back they would consider the demands for equality as a social conspiracy against the United States and they would resist those who raise the banner of equality. 

op. cit., p. 147 

All it needs is for you to think about the matter a little, and look at real life, and you will see that hijab spares women from evil, harm and crimes. Islam has closed the door to such evils with its laws, including the requirement for women past the age of puberty to wear hijab. 

Finally we would like to congratulate you on the fact that Allaah has granted you a Muslim husband, so that you will be able to see Islam in practice from him and his Muslim relatives, which may encourage you to enter Islam and which may remove the barrier of fear about entering this great and purely monotheistic religion. Also note that entering this final religion, which Allaah wants for all people, is a great honour of which you may be deprived if you delay and death then overtakes you. So hasten to enter Islam, with submission to the will of Allaah, with eagerness and delighting in this blessing of Allaah.  

You should note that if you fall short in your observance of hijab because your human weakness or you feel embarrassed in front of your people, this is regarded as a sin. That should not prevent you from doing the great good deed which will lead you to Paradise and save you from Hell, namely embracing Islam. You should also note that the Shaytaan (Satan) is the enemy of all the sons of Adam, and he is the one who is stirring up these doubts in order to prevent you from entering this religion, so that he can increase the number of those who will follow him to Hell. So be strong and courageous in making the decision that will lead to eternal happiness, by Allaah’s leave. We ask Allaah to help you and to give you the will power to enter Islam as our sister in Islam, and to share this blessing. We thank you for your confidence in us. 

And Allaah is the Guide to the Straight path

Is hijab obligatory for beautiful women only or for all women?

 

Is hijab obligatory or something extra? If it is obligatory, is it obligatory for attractive and beautiful women only or for all Muslim women?.

Praise be to Allaah.  

Hijab is obligatory for all Muslim women who have reached the age of puberty. In the answer to question no. 12525 you will find an explanation that the face is ‘awrah. We have already quoted the evidence that it is obligatory to cover it in the answer to question no. 21134 and 21536. In the answer to question no. 11774 you will find detailed evidence stating that hijab is obligatory for all women. This general obligation is indicated by the verse in which Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allaah is Ever Oft‑Forgiving, Most Merciful”

[al-Ahzaab 33:59] 

The women of the Muhaajireen and Ansaar obeyed that command. 

‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: “May Allaah have mercy on the first Muhaajir women. When Allaah revealed the words ‘and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)’ [al-Noor 24:31] they tore their aprons and covered their faces (akhtamarna) with them.” 

Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 4480; Abu Dawood, 4102 

What is meant by akhtamarna is covering the face, as al-Haafiz Ibn Hajar stated in al-Fath, 8/490. 

It was narrated that Umm Salamah said: When the words ‘draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies’ were revealed, the women of the Ansaar went out as if there were crows on their heads because of the way they covered themselves. 

Narrated by Abu Dawood, 4101; classed as saheeh by Shaykh al-Albaani in Saheeh Abu Dawood. 

Undoubtedly many of the women of the Muhaajireen and Ansaar were known to be blessed with beauty, but no one thought that this ruling applied only to them and not to others. 

These ahaadeeth show that the women of the Muhaajireen and Ansaar obeyed the command to cover their faces and they did not understand the command as applying only to those who were beautiful.  

The scholars have explained that this ruling is general in meaning and applies to all women. 

In his commentary on the verse ‘draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies’, al-Jassaas al-Hanafi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: 

This verse indicates that young women are commanded to cover their faces in front of strangers (non-mahram men) and to be modest when they go out lest people with suspicious minds raise their hopes when they see them. 

Ahkaam al-Qur’aan, 5/245. 

Ibn Jazi’ al-Kalbi al-Maaliki (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: 

The Arab women used to uncover their faces as slave women do, which was an invitation to men to look at them. So Allaah commanded them to cover themselves with their jilbaabs and cover their faces with them. 

Al-Tas-heel li ‘Uloom al-Tanzeel, 3/144 

Shaykh al-Islam ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: It is not permissible for women to uncover their faces where non-mahrams can see them. The people in authority have to enjoin what is good and forbid this evil and others. Whoever does not obey should be punished for that in a way that will deter him (from doing it again). 

Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 24/382 

Al-Suyooti (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: 

This is the verse of hijab which applies to all women and shows that they are obliged to cover their heads and faces.

Hijab does not cause vitamin D

 

What should hijabi women do 4 deficiency of Vitamin D and calcium which is becoz of less exposure to sun? What can we provide if someone argues with us that they dont wana wear hijab due to this reason?.

Praise be to Allaah.

What is required of women is to cover the head and the entire body in front of non-mahram men, because Allah, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):

“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allaah is Ever Oft‑Forgiving, Most Merciful”

[al-Ahzaab 33:59]. 

And because of other evidence which has been discussed previously in the answer to question 11774. 

Hijab is a definite obligation for every Muslim woman. Deficiency in calcium and vitamin D is something that can be treated medically and by eating food that contains those nutrients, and by exposure to the sun in a place where there are no non-mahram men, such as exposure to the sun through windows, on the roof of the house, in remote parks, and so on. 

Allah, may He be exalted, has prescribed and enjoined hijab, and He knows best about His creation and what is best for them. Sharee‘ah does not enjoin anything that causes obvious harm or considerable problems. 

Following a medical study in which a number of doctors took part, Dr. Muhammad al-Shaakir (consultant in bone disease at the specialist King Faisal Hospital in Riyadh) rejected what has been said about women’s Islamic clothing playing a part in vitamin D deficiency and said: This theory has no connection to truth. 

Specialists think that one of the means of protection against bone disease is exposure to the sun so as to enable the skin to produce vitamin D. The Muslim woman’s hijab does not prevent her being exposed to the rays of the sun, because minimal daily exposure is enough to produce sufficient amounts of this vitamin. 

End quote from the [Saudi] Ministry of Health website.

http://www.moh.gov.sa/des/sections.php?CatParent=13&CatID=42

It should be said to women who do not wear hijab for this reason: Fear Allah, may He be exalted, and beware of His Punishment; adhere to that which He has enjoined upon you, and stop making false excuses, for nothing is hidden from Allah; Allaah knows the fraud of the eyes, and all that the hearts conceal (cf. Ghaafir 40:19). Seek remedies and treatments in that which Allah has not forbidden, and you will find it, in sha Allah. 

May Allah help us all to do that which He loves and which pleases Him. 

And Allah knows best.

Could u please supply me with some qoutes from the Hadith and Quran on the impotance of hijab for women.

Praise be to Allaah.  

Verses that have to do with hijab: 

1 – Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer palms of hands or one eye or dress like veil, gloves, headcover, apron), and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband’s fathers, or their sons, or their husband’s sons, or their brothers or their brother’s sons, or their sister’s sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islam), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of feminine sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allaah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful”

[al-Noor 24:31] 

2 – Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“And as for women past childbearing who do not expect wedlock, it is no sin on them if they discard their (outer) clothing in such a way as not to show their adornment. But to refrain (i.e. not to discard their outer clothing) is better for them. And Allaah is All‑Hearer, All‑Knower”

[al-Noor 24:60] 

“Women past childbearing” are those who no longer menstruate, so they can no longer get pregnant or bear children. 

We shall see below the words of Hafsah bint Sireen and the way in which she interpreted this verse. 

3 – Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allaah is Ever Oft‑Forgiving, Most Merciful”

[al-Ahzaab 33:59] 

4 – Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“O you who believe! Enter not the Prophet’s houses, unless permission is given to you for a meal, (and then) not (so early as) to wait for its preparation. But when you are invited, enter, and when you have taken your meal, disperse without sitting for a talk. Verily, such (behaviour) annoys the Prophet, and he is shy of (asking) you (to go); but Allaah is not shy of (telling you) the truth. And when you ask (his wives) for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen, that is purer for your hearts and for their hearts. And it is not (right) for you that you should annoy Allaah’s Messenger, nor that you should ever marry his wives after him (his death). Verily, with Allaah that shall be an enormity”

[al-Ahzaab 33:53] 

With regard to the Ahaadeeth: 

1 – It was narrated from Safiyyah bint Shaybah that ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) used to say: When these words were revealed – “and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)” – they took their izaars (a kind of garment) and tore them from the edges and covered their faces with them. 

Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 4481. The following version was narrated by Abu Dawood (4102): 

May Allaah have mercy on the Muhaajir women. When Allaah revealed the words “and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)”, they tore the thickest of their aprons (a kind of garment) and covered their faces with them. 

Shaykh Muhammad al-Ameen al-Shanqeeti (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: 

This hadeeth clearly states that what the Sahaabi women mentioned here understood from this verse – “and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)” – was that they were to cover their faces, and that they tore their garments and covered their faces with them, in obedience to the command of Allaah in the verse where He said “and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)” which meant covering their faces. Thus the fair-minded person will understand that woman’s observing hijab and covering her face in front of men is established in the saheeh Sunnah that explains the Book of Allaah. ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) praised those women for hastening to follow the command of Allaah given in His Book. It is known that their understanding of the words “and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)” as meaning covering the face came from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), because he was there and they asked him about everything that they did not understand about their religion. And Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“And We have also sent down unto you (O Muhammad) the Dhikr [reminder and the advice (i.e. the Qur’aan)], that you may explain clearly to men what is sent down to them, and that they may give thought”

[al-Nahl 16:44] 

Ibn Hajar said in Fath al-Baari: There is a report of Ibn Abi Haatim via ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Uthmaan ibn Khaytham from Safiyyah that explains that. This report says: We mentioned the women of Quraysh and their virtues in the presence of ‘Aa’ishah and she said: “The women of Quraysh are good, but by Allaah I have never seen any better than the women of the Ansaar, or any who believed the Book of Allaah more strongly or had more faith in the Revelation. When Soorat al-Noor was revealed – “and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)” – their menfolk came to them and recited to them what had been revealed, and there was not one woman among them who did not go to her apron, and the following morning they prayed wrapped up as if there were crows on their heads. It was also narrated clearly in the report of al-Bukhaari narrated above, where we see ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her), who was so knowledgeable and pious, praising them in this manner and stating that she had never seen any women who believed the Book of Allaah more strongly or had more faith in the Revelation. This clearly indicates that they understood from this verse – “and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)” – that it was obligatory to cover their faces and that this stemmed from their belief in the Book of Allaah and their faith in the Revelation. It also indicates that women’s observing hijab in front of men and covering their faces is an act of belief in the Book of Allaah and faith in the Revelation. It is very strange indeed that some of those who claim to have knowledge say that there is nothing in the Qur’aan or Sunnah that says that women have to cover their faces in front of non-mahram men, even though the Sahaabi women did that in obedience to the command of Allaah in His Book, out of faith in the Revelation, and that this meaning is also firmly entrenched in the Sunnah, as in the report from al-Bukhaari quoted above. This is among the strongest evidence that all Muslim women are obliged to observe hijab. 

Adwa’ al-Bayaan, 6/594-595. 

2 – It was narrated from ‘Aa’ishah that the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to go out at night to al-Manaasi’ (well known places in the direction of al-Baqee’) to relieve themselves and ‘Umar used to say to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), “Let your wives be veiled.” But the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not do that. Then one night Sawdah bint Zam’ah, the wife of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), went out at ‘Isha’ time and she was a tall woman. ‘Umar called out to her: “We have recognized you, O Sawdah!” hoping that hijab would be revealed, then Allaah revealed the verse of hijab. 

Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 146; Muslim, 2170. 

3 – It was narrated from Ibn Shihaab that Anas said: I am the most knowledgeable of people about hijab. Ubayy ibn Ka’b used to ask me about it. When the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) married Zaynab bint Jahsh, whom he married in Madeenah, he invited the people to a meal after the sun had risen. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) sat down and some men sat around him after the people had left, until the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) stood up and walked a while, and I walked with him, until he reached the door of ‘Aa’ishah’s apartment. Then he thought that they had left so he went back and I went back with him, and they were still sitting there. He went back again, and I went with him, until he reached the door of ‘Aa’ishah’s apartment, then he came back and I came back with him, and they had left. Then he drew a curtain between me and him, and the verse of hijab was revealed. 

Al-Bukhaari, 5149; Muslim, 1428. 

4 – It was narrated from ‘Urwah that ‘Aa’ishah said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to pray Fajr and the believing women would attend (the prayer) with him, wrapped in their aprons, then they would go back to their houses and no one would recognize them. 

Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 365; Muslim, 645. 

5 – It was narrated that ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: “The riders used to pass by us when we were with the Messenger of Allaah (S) in ihraam, and when they drew near to us we would lower our jilbabs from our heads over our faces, then when they had passed we would uncover them again. 

Narrated by Abu Dawood, 1833; Ibn Maajah, 2935; classed as saheeh by Ibn Khuzaymah (4,203) and by al-Albaani in Kitaab Jilbaab al-Mar’ah al-Muslimah. 

6 – It was narrated that Asma’ bint Abi Bakr said: We used to cover our faces in front of men. 

Narrated by Ibn Khuzaymah, 4/203; al-Haakim, 1/624. He classed it as saheeh and al-Dhahabi agreed with him. It was also classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Jilbaab al-Mar’ah al-Muslimah. 

7 – It was narrated that ‘Aasim al-Ahwaal said: We used to enter upon Hafsah bint Sireen who had put her jilbab thus and covered her face with it, and we would say to her: May Allaah have mercy on you. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And as for women past childbearing who do not expect wedlock, it is no sin on them if they discard their (outer) clothing in such a way as not to show their adornment” [al-Noor 24:60]. And she would say to us: What comes after that? We would say: “But to refrain (i.e. not to discard their outer clothing) is better for them”. And she would say: That is confirming the idea of hijab. 

Narrated by al-Bayhaqi, 7/93. 

For more information please see Question no. 6991. 

And Allaah knows best

My question is about hijab. Women here are forbidden to wear hijab and they are treated badly in addition to the fact that they are not allowed to enter their workplaces or other places such as police stations, so they have no choice but to take off their hijab. What is the solution, especially since we have to meet our own needs and especially at work?.

Praise be to Allaah.

For a woman to wear hijab in front of non-mahram men is an obligation that is indicated in the Qur’aan and Sunnah and by scholarly consensus. It is not permissible for anyone to enjoin otherwise or to prevent those who want to follow this command, otherwise he is going against the command and laws of Allaah. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allaah and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have any option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allaah and His Messenger, he has indeed strayed into a plain error”

[al-Ahzaab 33:36] 

“And whoever contradicts and opposes the Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) after the right path has been shown clearly to him, and follows other than the believers’ way, We shall keep him in the path he has chosen, and burn him in Hell — what an evil destination!”

[al-Nisa’ 4:115] 

“But no, by your Lord, they can have no Faith, until they make you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission”

[al-Nisa’ 4:65] 

Secondly: 

It is not permissible for a woman to be careless about this obligation or to go out of her house with any part of her body uncovered, unless she is forced to do so in a case of necessity that makes that which is haraam permissible, such as if she is summoned to a police-station, and she cannot avoid going there because that would result in harm to herself or her property.  

As for going out to work, if she does not have to do that because what she is given by her husband or father or other relative who is obliged to support her is sufficient for her, then it is not permissible for her to go out to work if that will result in her taking off her hijab.

The Muslims have to cooperate with regard to this matter and ensure that Muslim women are independent of means so that they are not compelled to go out in ways that involve sin. That may be achieved by calling on fathers and relatives to spend generously on them and to provide some useful work that women can do in their homes, so that they will have no need to go out for any reason that may lead to them taking off their hijab and exposing them to harm because of wearing it.  

This depends on convincing the men that hijaab is obligatory, because many of them do not care about that, and some of them are keen for their wives and daughters to go out and work, and some of them will not agree to marry a woman who does not work, even if her work means that she has to take off the hijaab. This ignorance and shortcoming on the part of the men is one of the greatest causes of this problem, and one of the reasons why the matter is not being resolved. We should strive to spread this knowledge, remind people of it and train them to follow it, so that every man will be keen to protect his family and dependents, and will realize that he will be questioned tomorrow about this trust – did he take care of it or not? The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There is no person to whom Allaah entrusts the care of others and he does not take care of them sincerely, but he will not even smell the fragrance of Paradise.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (7150) and Muslim (142). 

In fact, Muslims are individually obliged to strive to remove this evil, and to adopt all the necessary means of achieving that, through organizations and associations etc., so as to relieve their women of hardship and enable every Muslim woman to wear her hijab. They should not despair and give up on doing this duty. How many rights have been restored to people by means of patience, effort and striving.  

Thirdly: 

If a woman is in dire straits and cannot find any alternative to going out to work because she has no one to support her, and she is also forced to take off the hijab, then if she is able to migrate to a land where she will be able to practise her religion openly and obey the commands of her Lord, she is obliged to do so.  

Ibn al-‘Arabi said in Ahkaam al-Qur’aan (1/612): 

Migration (hijrah) from dar al-kufr (kaafir lands) to dar al-Islam (Muslim lands) is obligatory.  

And from a land where innovation is widespread. Imam Maalik (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: It is not permissible for anyone to settle in a land in which the salaf are reviled. 

And from a land in which haraam things are prevalent, for seeking halaal is an obligation for every Muslim. 

But not everyone may be able to migrate, and it cannot be regarded as a solution for all Muslim women. 

If a women really needs to go out of her house to work or do some errands  etc, and the matter is limited to uncovering the face only, then we hope that there is nothing wrong with her doing that. 

But we must strive to solve this problem completely, as stated above, by advising those who are in positions of responsibility and asking them for this religious and personal right. The daa’iyahs who call people to Allaah and the scholars have to explain to the people that hijab is an obligation that Allaah has enjoined upon the Muslim women. 

It is very strange that we see this intense war against hijab, the symbol of chastity and purity, and at the same time we see that the door is wide open for immoral and promiscuous women.  

Be patient, O believing women, for the reward of Allaah is precious and there will come a day in which the religion of Allaah will prevail over all other religions. 

“It is He Who has sent His Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) with guidance and the religion of truth (Islam), to make it superior over all religions even though the Mushrikoon (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allaah) hate (it)”

[al-Tawbah 9:33] 

“And Allaah has full power and control over His Affairs, but most of men know not” [Yoosuf 12:21 

We ask Allaah to guide this ummah so that people of obedience will be honoured and people of disobedience will be humiliated, , and to help you and all the Muslim women to adhere to hijab and give up wanton display and unveiling. 

And Allaah knows best.