#79. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF HIJAAB TO MUSLIM WOMEN
Assalaamu Alaykum Warahmatullaah Wabarakaatuh
A questioner wrote to us saying:
“Pls I need a write up on the significance of hijab to a Muslim lady
Salam alaikum sir
Pls sir
Please, a non Muslim in which Allah if He wills might shows His mercy on her needs some clarification
Asap. In shaa Allah”
ANSWER
Seeking Allah’s help, we say:
Glorified and Exalted is Allah above all. May His flawless benedictions be showered upon the noblest of mankind, Muhammad (SAW) and those who thread the straight path. Peace be upon those who receive the guidance.
As to what follows, Islam has introduced the hijab as part of decency and modesty in interaction between members of the opposite sex.
Allah established this in the noble Quran as referenced:
“Surah Al-Ahzab, Verse 59:
يَا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ قُل لِّأَزْوَاجِكَ وَبَنَاتِكَ وَنِسَاءِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ يُدْنِينَ عَلَيْهِنَّ مِن جَلَابِيبِهِنَّ ذَٰلِكَ أَدْنَىٰ أَن يُعْرَفْنَ فَلَا يُؤْذَيْنَ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ غَفُورًا رَّحِيمًا
O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the believing women to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies. That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be harassed. And Allah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
The verse explicitly establishes the veracity of two things with regards to the hijab: a form of identity for Muslim women as respected folks and also a means of protection from molestation and sexual harassment. By default, man was created with desires and lust except for the one whom Allah helps by lowering his gaze to control the evil whispers of shaytan
Hence, the Hijab protects women from such men with copious looks; as it symbolizes that she is sanctified and off-limit like the street girls in skimpy wears. Also, it contributes to the stability and preservation of marriage and family as it compels men to focus on the real personality of the woman and de-emphasize her physical beauty. It puts the woman in control of strange men’s reaction to a large extent.
Feminists and the Western media often portray the hijab as a symbol of oppression and slavery of women. It’s astonishing that the society shows tolerance towards those who would like to go around topless but find it difficult to tolerate a lady who by her own choice wants to remain covered. The Hijab is not a symbol of oppression. Women are oppressed because of socio-economic reasons even in countries where women have never heard about hijab. On the contrary, the practice of displaying pictures of almost naked women in the commercials, billboards, and in the entertainment industry is a true symbol of oppression – exploiting women only for sexual gratification.
Neither does the hijab prevent a woman from acquiring knowledge or from contributing to the betterment of human society. Historically women have also greatly contributed to Islam. Aisha bint Abubakr was one of the most knowledgeable women in Islamic history. She recorded, transmitted and taught the hadith to several companions – she was a scholar in hijab, a worthwhile model for our sisters.
Finally, the similitude of a woman who uses the hijab and the one who doesn’t is like the parable of a boiled egg in the grocery store. You’re asked to pick one of two: a cracked egg with broken shell and exposed albumen while the other is fully shelled all over. If for no reason but hygiene, you’d obviously choose the fresh egg without crack. That tells how precious Islam values her women and the role the hijab is meant to play is purity, chastity and piety – that’s the true beauty of a woman.
Baarakallaahu feekum
Jazaakumullahu khayran
