Why do women wear hijab? 

The term “hijab” refers to a headscarf or veil worn by Muslim women as a symbol of modesty and privacy. It is a traditional form of Islamic dress that covers the head and neck, leaving the face visible. The hijab is often worn in combination with modest clothing that covers the body.

What is a hijab?

The hijab is the dress code of a Muslim woman subject to specific characteristics as prescribed by Islamic law, with the intention of concealing her and not drawing attention to her. The hijab is a symbol for Muslim women, a manifestation of a woman’s modesty, and an indication of her chastity and purity. In the past, it was the custom of Arab women to display themselves and uncover their faces as slave-girls did. This led to men looking at them and entertaining various thoughts. Some foolish people would mistake the believing women for slave-girls and would call out to them. This issue was brought to the attention of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

Why is the hijab mandatory and important in Islam?

The hijab is mandatory and important in Islam because it is a direct command legislated by the All-Knowing Creator. If a girl reaches the age of womanhood, it becomes obligatory for her to wear the hijab, just as it is obligatory for her to fulfill the duties and obligations of Islam. 

1.  Allah Almighty directly commands the Muslim women to cover up saying:

“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their chastity, and not to reveal their adornments except what normally appears. Let them draw their veils over their chests”

(24:31)

2. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) warns Muslim women not committed to proper hijab to be exposed to Hellfire: “Two are the types of the denizens of Hell whom I did not see: … and the women who would be dressed but appear to be naked.” (Sahih Muslim)
3. The hijab keeps modesty–one of the higher objectives to be met in Islam. 

Thus, by wearing hijab, the Muslim women take the reward of Allah Almighty for obeying His commands and keep the community modest.

What are the conditions of hijab?

The hijab has many conditions set by Muslim scholars after investigation of the Quranic verses, and authentic hadiths, as well as considering the main objectives of Islamic Law. These conditions are:

1. Hijab should cover her entire body except for the face and hands. Scholars differ on whether covering the face and hands is obligatory, but they agree that it is necessary due to the potential for causing temptation when uncovered, especially in the current time.
2. Hijab should not be adorned in a way that attracts the attention of men.
3. Hijab should not be transparent, as the purpose of clothing is to conceal, and transparency increases a woman’s beauty and temptation. 
4. Hijab should not be tight, as tightness reveals the size of the body parts and leads to corruption.
5. Hijab should not be perfumed, as it is prohibited for a woman to go out wearing perfume. 
6. Hijab should not resemble men’s clothing.
7. Hijab should not resemble the clothing of non-Muslim women. The Messenger of Allah said: 

“He who imitates any people (in their actions) is considered to be one of them.” Abu Dawud and Ibn Hibban graded it as Sahih.

8. Hijab should not be a garment of fame, intended to attract attention among people.

What is the purpose of the hijab?

The main purpose of the hijab is submission to the Almighty Creator since the hijab is a command from Him that the believers have no choice but to say, ‘We hear and we obey.’ There is no room for choice in this matter, as Allah says: 

“It is not for a believing man or woman—when Allah and His Messenger decree a matter—to have any other choice in that matter. Indeed, whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger has clearly gone ˹far˺ astray.”

(33:36)

1. The hijab is a means of purity. 

Allah Almighty urges the Muslims when they deal with the Prophet’s wives to keep barriers:

“And when you ˹believers˺ ask his wives for something, ask them from behind a barrier. This is purer for your hearts and theirs.”

This applies to all women in the community because of the general reason behind the obligation of wearing the hijab. Since the entire body of a woman is considered ‘awrah, the clothing of a Muslim woman has specific characteristics according to Islamic law, to cover her and not attract attention.

2. The hijab is a protection for the Muslim women.

 Allah Almighty states in the verse of the hijab prescription:

“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.”

(33:59)

In this verse, Allah commands him to instruct his wives and the women of the believers to cover their entire bodies when they go out for their needs, so that a distinction can be made between them and slave-girls. The free women would be recognized by their covering, thus preventing foolish people and young boys from bothering them, and they would be known for their integrity, piety, and modesty, so that base actions or offensive looks would not harm them.

A pious believer’s appearance should reflect her inner nature, manifesting her faith and piety in her clothing as well as in her words and deeds. Her faith should shine through all her actions and circumstances, so that it is known that she follows the commands of the Quran. In this way, she will be respected by the believers and not harmed by the immoral.

3. The hijab forces people to respect the Muslim woman

Purity and chastity are cherished even by people of corruption, and may flatter the unveiled and use her for their malicious purposes.

Even fair-minded non-believers and non-believing women have recognized the benefit of the hijab. One of the greatest leaders of the world said to the women of their country when they complained about the spread of sexually transmitted diseases among them: ‘There is no solution for you except in resembling the Muslim woman in her dress, covering, and chastity. For the hijab is purity and cleanliness, and immunity from diseases and misery.’

Why do women cover their hair in Islam?

The hair of a woman is considered ‘awrah (a part to be covered up) by consensus, so it is not permissible for her to show any of it in front of non-mahram men, even if it is a small amount. Indeed, hijab in Islam is a major concept of modesty illustrated in covering up other parts of the body like the neck and feet–not only hair.

Why do some Muslims not wear hijab? 

Non-abidance of Muslims to some Islamic teachings is a sin not reflecting the true Islamic practices. Here are some doubts that are raised about the hijab:

1- Some people say to a girl: “The hijab hides your beauty.” But when was beauty meant to be displayed for the wicked who only seek to satisfy their sick souls by looking at women?

2- It may be said to a girl: “Faith is in the heart.” But faith is not wishful thinking or just adornment; it is what is firmly settled in the heart and verified by actions. The hijab is one of the signs of true faith and complete obedience.

3- You might be told: “Hijabis are like this and that…” I say: a person doesn’t stop praying just because there are those who do not pray well. The right thing to do is to do good and invite others to do good. Hijabis need to complete their good deeds with virtuous character! And those who do not wear the hijab need it to cover themselves!

4- Sometimes a girl is told, “You are young, so why wear the hijab?” This is an invalid argument because a young girl is more susceptible to temptation. One never knows how long they have in this world; a young girl might die and regret not wearing the hijab.

What is the punishment for not wearing hijab in Islam?

It is a major sin not to wear hijab since it is a command from Allah that Muslim women must adhere to.

One of the punishments from Allah for those who do not adhere to His commands and discard the hijab, thus revealing their modesty, is that they will be looked down upon by other Muslims and desired by those with weak souls and sick hearts. This is because they have become cheapened by disregarding the commands of Allah.

Yet, the one not committed to the hijab while believing in Allah’s Oneness and the other pillars of faith, is still a Muslim. Allah Almighty opens the way for her to repent from this sin. Even if she dies with no repentance, Allah Almighty may punish her by His Justice or forgive her by His Mercy.

What does the hijab represent in Islam?

To sum up, in Islam, the hijab is a term that refers to the modest dress and behavior expected of both men and women. However, when specifically discussing women’s attire, the hijab typically refers to the headscarf and modest clothing worn by Muslim women. The Quran, the central religious text of Islam, instructs both men and women to dress modestly and to lower their gaze in the presence of the opposite sex. 

Also, the specific requirements for hijab vary among different Islamic cultures and communities. However, it generally involves covering the hair, neck, and often the shoulders with a headscarf, as well as wearing loose-fitting, non-revealing clothing that covers the body. Moreover, the hijab is considered an important aspect of Islamic modesty and is seen as a way for Muslim women to express their faith and maintain their dignity. It is not just a symbol of faith, but also a means of promoting respect, preventing unwanted attention, and discouraging objectification.

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