Understanding Hijab in Islam: Is it Compulsory? Quranic and Hadith References”

Introduction

Hijab in Islam ,In Islam, women and men are  needed to dress modestly. Islam enjoins specifically on women to cover their head with a piece of apparel called  robe or Hijab in the presence of men outside of the immediate family, also known as Mahram.

Still, Islam gives women rights in the home as well as in society. The other  precious  boons they’ve are the right to earn their own  plutocrat, to buy and  enjoy property, to be educated,  annuity to family  heritage, to be treated with love, to  bounce, to keep their maiden name.

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What Is Hijab In Islam

In Islam, hijab refers to the modest dress code for Muslim women. It is a concept that extends beyond just covering one’s head and includes clothing that is loose-fitting, non-revealing, and covers the body in a way that doesn’t draw attention to one’s physical appearance.

Definition Of Hijab

Hijab is considered an act of worship in Islam and is seen as a way for Muslim women to fulfill their obligation to dress modestly and maintain their dignity and honor. It is a symbol of piety and a means of protecting women from unwanted attention and objectification.

While the practice of hijab is primarily associated with Muslim women, Muslim men are also expected to dress modestly and avoid clothing that is revealing or suggestive. The practice of hijab is not a requirement for all Muslim women, and the decision to wear it is a personal choice based on one’s level of faith and understanding of Islamic teachings.

 Narrated’ Aisha  The  women of the Prophet used to go to Al- Manasi, a vast open place( near Baqia at Medina) to answer the call of nature at night.’ Umar used to say to the Prophet” Let your  women be veiled,” but Allah’s Apostle didn’t do so. One night Sawda bintZam’a the  wife of the Prophet went out at ‘ Isha’ time and she was an altitudinous lady.’ Umar addressed her and said,” I’ve  honored you, O Sauda.” He said so, as he asked  eagerly that the verses of Al- Hijab( the observing of  curtains by the Muslim women) may be revealed. So Allah revealed the verses of” Al- Hijab”( A complete body cover excluding the eyes).

( Sahih Bukhari:148 )

The Quran And Hijab

Islam has  explosively emphasized the conception of decency and modesty in the commerce between members of the  contrary  coitus. Dress  law is part of that overall  tutoring. There are two verses in the Qur’an in which Almighty Allah talks about the issue of decency and hijab 

قُلْ لِلْمُؤْمِنِْنَ يَغُضُّوْا مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِمْ وَ يَحْفَظُوْا فُرُوْجَهُمْ, ذَلِكَ أَزْكَى لَهُمْ
 
 “ Say to the believing men that they should cast down their  ganders and guard their private  corridor( by being chaste). This is better for them. ”

(Al Qur'an 24:30). 

 This is a command to Muslim men that they shouldn’t sinfully look at women( other than their own  women) and in order to  stop any possibility of temptation, they’re  needed to cast their  ganders  down. This is known as hijab of the eyes ”. 

 قُلْ لِلْمُؤْمِنَاتِ يَغْضُضْنَ مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِنَّ وَ يَحْفَظْنَ فُرُوْجَهُنَّ

“ Say to the believing women that they should cast down their glances and guard their private  corridor( by being chaste) ”

(Al Qur'an 24:31). 

This verse in the Holy Quran tells us that Hijab is a religious obligation, and every woman faithful to Islam should cover their head. A woman who wears a hijab does not show off her beauty.

Allah protects a woman who covers her head at all times as Hijab acts as the Almighty’s  guard from all the  unethical  gapes. It allows men and women to communicate  rightly,  barring  lecherous/ dirty  studies. By removing their  robe, they would be removing Allah’s protection against  wrong. 

Allah gives the following command to Prophet Muhammad :

يٰٓاَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ قُلْ لِّاَزْوَاجِكَ وَبَنٰتِكَ وَنِسَاۤءِ الْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ يُدْنِيْنَ عَلَيْهِنَّ مِنْ جَلَابِيْبِهِنَّۗ ذٰلِكَ اَدْنٰىٓ اَنْ يُّعْرَفْنَ فَلَا يُؤْذَيْنَۗ وَكَانَ اللّٰهُ غَفُوْرًا رَّحِيْمًا 

 "O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful" 

(Al Qur'an 33:59)

The Above verses  veritably  easily show that it’s Allah Almighty Himself, Who commands the women to wear hijab. In fact, the term hijab means much  further than the covering of the body; it refers to the  law of modesty outlined in the verses quoted  over. 

Most Muslim scholars agree that hijab is mandatory for Muslim women, as it is considered a form of worship and an obligation in Islam. 

 Jalabib is the plural of Jilbab , which means a loose outer garment.

Narrated 'Aisha:
" Allah's Apostle used to offer the Fajr prayer and some believing women covered with their veiling sheets used to attend the Fajr prayer with him and then they would return to their homes unrecognized "

(Sahih Bukhari:368)

Importance of Hijab in Islam

Women have been given the utmost respect and loftiest status in Islam. Hijab isn’t just a dress  law, it signifies a commodity deeper. In  substance, Hijab provides the Muslim woman with both spiritual and physical peace and harmony. The importance of hijab in Islam can be understood in several ways:

Modesty:

 One of the primary reasons for hijab in Islam is to promote modesty. Islam places a great deal of importance on modesty, and hijab is seen as a way to fulfill that obligation. It is believed that covering one’s body and hair helps to prevent unwanted attention and objectification, which can lead to modesty.

Protection: 

Hijab is also considered a means of protection for Muslim women. By covering themselves, women can avoid unwanted advances and harassment. Hijab can also provide a sense of security and privacy for women in public spaces.

Symbol of Faith: 

Wearing hijab is also considered a symbol of faith and piety. It is a way for Muslim women to demonstrate their commitment to their faith and to identify themselves as Muslim.

Obedience to Allah: 

Finally, hijab is seen as an act of obedience to Allah. The Quran instructs Muslim women to cover themselves and to dress modestly, and wearing hijab is seen as a way to fulfill that commandment. By wearing hijab, Muslim women demonstrate their devotion to Allah and their willingness to obey His commands.

Cultural Identity: 

Hijab is also a symbol of cultural identity for many Muslim women, who wear it to express their cultural heritage and connection to the Muslim community.

Spiritual Significance: 

Wearing hijab can have spiritual significance for some Muslim women, who see it as a way of strengthening their faith and connection to Allah.

Ultimately, the decision to wear hijab is a personal one, based on an individual’s interpretation of Islamic teachings and their level of faith. Some Muslim women choose to wear hijab as a symbol of their devotion to Islam.

Narrated Aisha: 
''Aflah asked permission to visit me but I did not allow him. He said, "Do you veil yourself before me although I am your uncle?" 'Aisha said, "How is that?" Aflah replied, "You were suckled by my brother's wife with my brother's milk." I asked Allah's Apostle about it, and he said, "Aflah is right, so permit him to visit you." 

(Sahih Bukhari:812)

Is Hijab Compulsory In Islam?

Hijab protects women from  similar men; it symbolizes that she has been sanctified to one man only and is  out- limit to all others. Hijab contributes to the stability and preservation of marriage and family by  barring the chances of  adulterous affairs.   Eventually, it compels men to  concentrate on the real personality of the woman and de-emphasizes her physical beauty. It puts the woman in control of  nonnatives ’  response to her. 

 Narrated Anas bin Malik: 
"The Prophet stayed with Safiya bint Huyai for three days on the way to Khaibar where he consummated his marriage with her. Safiya was amongst those who were ordered to use a veil"

(Sahih Bukhari: 523)

However, there are some scholars who argue that hijab is not mandatory, but rather a recommendation or a personal choice. They interpret the verses in the Quran as a general commandment to dress modestly, but without specifying the exact form of dress.

Ultimately, whether or not a Muslim woman chooses to wear a hijab is a personal decision based on her own interpretation of Islamic teachings and her level of faith. Some Muslim women wear hijab as a symbol of their devotion to Islam.

Why do Muslim Women Wear Hijab

 Women have been given the utmost respect and loftiest status in Islam. Hijab isn’t just a dress  law, it signifies a commodity deeper. For Example, it’s a  hedge between a man and a Muslim woman. In  substance, Hijab provides the Muslim woman with both spiritual and physical peace and harmony.

Quranic Evidence

To understand its  significance, one should know that modesty has been part and parcel of the Islamic culture all through. Hijab encourages modesty, both physically and spiritually. When a woman covers her head as per Allah’s command, it’s her way of showing her belief in Allah and accepting all his commands. It makes the connection between the Almighty and that woman stronger. 

يَـٰنِسَآءَ ٱلنَّبِىِّ لَسْتُنَّ كَأَحَدٍۢ مِّنَ ٱلنِّسَآءِ ۚ إِنِ ٱتَّقَيْتُنَّ فَلَا تَخْضَعْنَ بِٱلْقَوْلِ فَيَطْمَعَ ٱلَّذِى فِى قَلْبِهِۦ مَرَضٌۭ وَقُلْنَ قَوْلًۭا مَّعْرُوفًۭا 

‘’O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women: if you are mindful ˹of Allah˺, then do not be overly effeminate in speech ˹with men˺ or those with sickness in their hearts may be tempted, but speak in a moderate tone ''

(Al Qur'an 33:32)

Conclusion

 Hijab provides the Muslim woman with both spiritual and physical peace and harmony. To understand its  significance, one should know that modesty has been part and parcel of the Islamic culture all through. Hijab encourages modesty, both physically and spiritually. When a woman covers her head as per Allah’s command, it’s her way of showing her belief in Allah and accepting all his commands. It makes the connection between the Almighty and that woman stronger.

FAQ

Did the prophets’ Wives wear Hijab?  

The  women of the Prophet were indeed  needed to wear the Hijab. This is because the special status they had meant they had to be kept clear from all gossip and  libel.

What does the Quran say about Hijab? 

The Holy Quran tells us that Hijab is a religious obligation, and every woman faithful to Islam should cover their head. A woman who wears a hijab does not show off her beauty. Allah protects a woman who covers her head at all times as Hijab acts as the Almighty’s  guard from all the  unethical  gapes.

 Which Surah in Quran is related to Hijab?    

Surah Al- Ahzab, verse 53  ,  O believers! Do not enter the homes of the Prophet without permission ˹and if invited˺ for a meal, do not ˹come too early and˺ longer until the meal is ready. But if you are invited, then enter ˹on time˺. Once you have eaten, then go on your way, and do not stay for casual talk.

What does Surah Al-Ahzab Say about Hijab ?

O Prophet! Ask your Wives , daughters, and believing women to draw their cloaks over their bodies. In this way it’s more likely that they will be  honored ˹as virtuous˺ and not be  wearied. And Allah is each- Forgiving, utmost Merciful. 

 

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