HIJAB INSTRUCTIONS IN ISLAM

 

INTRODUCTION

The term Hijab originates from the Arabic word meaning "to conceal," which refers to the act of hiding or keeping something out of sight. To conceal, in this context, signifies covering or preventing something from being seen, whether it’s an object, information, or even emotions. This meaning aligns with the essential concept of Hijab, emphasizing modesty and discretion as fundamental principles for women.

While a Hijab is commonly understood as a head covering worn by Muslim women, this simplistic view doesn’t fully capture its broader significance. The Hijab embodies more than just a physical covering; it represents modesty in behavior, speech, and actions. It’s an outward expression of an inward commitment to decency and privacy, not merely a garment. Various religions have their own forms of modest attire, but the Hijab holds particular importance in Islam, as it aligns with the spiritual and ethical values required of Muslim women.

The Hijab serves as a form of protection and modesty for women in Islam, symbolizing their precious and valuable status, often compared to a gem. It is a required practice for Muslim women, meant to shield them from abuse, teasing, and unwelcome attention, while distinguishing them from non-believing women. The Hijab is not just a physical covering; it also represents a spiritual and moral boundary that safeguards a woman's dignity and honor.

As an object, the Hijab covers the awrah—the parts of a woman’s body that should remain concealed in front of non-family members. The awrah encompasses the entire body except for what naturally appears, such as parts of the face or hands. This practice of modesty is prescribed in the Qur'an and serves to protect women from harm, while fostering a society built on respect and decency. Through the Hijab, women are given a unique identity in Islam, emphasizing both their modesty and elevated status within the faith.

Allah said in the Quran 24:31 Surah An-Nur - 31 - Quran.com “and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof and to wrap [a portion of] their headcovers over their chests and not expose their adornment [i.e., beauty]”

Islam instructs women to wear Hijab as an act of modesty and protection, particularly in the presence of non-family men. The Qur'an clarifies that the Hijab is not required in front of close male relatives, such as fathers, brothers, and sons, or in the presence of those who pose no risk to a woman's modesty, like young boys or the Eunuchs. This balance allows women to maintain their dignity and privacy while interacting comfortably within trusted circles. Allah mentioned the close men in the same verse mentioned above, Allah said:

“their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers, their brothers' sons, their sisters' sons, their women, that which their right hands possess [i.e., slaves], or those male attendants having no physical desire, or children who are not yet aware of the private aspects of women.” Women are instructed to observe Hijab or a veil in the presence of all men except those specifically exempted. They are also encouraged to maintain modesty by avoiding unnecessary interaction or direct exposure to men outside of this circle. This practice aims to protect their dignity and uphold the values of modesty in Islam.

To ease the practice of Hijab for Muslim women, Allah has outlined different phases of Hijab based on the circumstances a woman faces and the responsibilities she holds. These phases are detailed across various verses in the Qur'an, reflecting a flexible approach to modesty depending on a woman's situation. I have provided a detailed explanation of these phases below. Each phase serves a specific purpose, ultimately aiming to distinguish Muslim women from others and to protect them from harassment and abuse and this is mentioned in Quran 33:59 Surah Al-Ahzab - 1-73 - Quran.com The variations in Hijab ensure that modesty is maintained in a manner that aligns with a woman's daily life and societal role.

 

DIFFERENT PHASES OF HIJAB

The following verses are where Allah instructs both the women from the household of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and all believing Muslim women on the practice of Hijab. These verses serve as a key reference for understanding the different phases of Hijab that apply to women, depending on their routines, circumstances, and the responsibilities they manage. These phases provide flexibility, allowing women to maintain modesty in a manner that accommodates their daily lives while upholding Islamic principles.

PHASE #01: REDUCING AND GUARDING THE VISION

And tell the believing women to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof and to wrap [a portion of] their headcovers over their chests and not expose their adornment [i.e., beauty] except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers, their brothers' sons, their sisters' sons, their women, that which their right hands possess [i.e., slaves], or those male attendants having no physical desire, or children who are not yet aware of the private aspects of women. And let them not stamp their feet to make known what they conceal of their adornment. And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you might succeed. Surah An-Nur - 31 - Quran.com

 

PHASE #02: USING HEAD COVERING AS VEIL

And those who harm believing men and believing women for [something] other than what they have earned [i.e. deserved] have certainly borne upon themselves a slander and manifest sin. 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. Surah Al-Ahzab - 58-59 - Quran.com

 

PHASE #03: STAYING IN HOMES

O wives of the Prophet, you are not like anyone among women. If you fear Allah, then do not be soft in speech [to men], lest he in whose heart is disease should covet, but speak with appropriate speech. And abide in your houses and do not display yourselves as [was] the display of the former times of ignorance. And establish prayer, give zakat, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah intends only to remove from you the impurity [of sin], O people of the [Prophet's] household, and to purify you with [extensive] purification. Surah Al-Ahzab - 32-33 - Quran.com

The verses referenced above illustrate Allah’s provision of ease in all facets of life. Specifically, concerning women's dignity, Allah has facilitated a compassionate approach for women who face the responsibility of raising children alone. In cases where a woman is unable to marry—due to reasons such as lack of marriage proposals or the absence of a guardian—Islam offers guidance and support. It is crucial to note that not marrying should be a situation of necessity rather than choice, as Islam encourages the marriage of widows to uphold the family system and support individuals in need.

In such circumstances, Islam permits a woman to work and provide for her children if marriage is not an option. During these times, the principles of hijab, particularly the first and second phases mentioned above, are essential and should be observed.

Regardless of a woman’s circumstances, Allah provides clear guidance on the following requirements for every woman:

1.         to reduce her vision and protect her private parts, Surah An-Nur - 31 - Quran.com

2.       do not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof, Surah An-Nur - 31 - Quran.com

3.       to wrap [a portion of] their headcovers over their chests and not expose their adornment, in front of the men out of the family, Surah An-Nur - 31 - Quran.com

4.       do not stamp their feet to make known what they conceal of their adornment, Surah An-Nur - 31 - Quran.com (by saying this, Allah meant that women should walk in a modest way)

5.       do not be soft in speech [to men], lest he in whose heart is disease should covet, but speak with appropriate speech, Surah Al-Ahzab - 32-33 - Quran.com

6.       do not display yourselves Surah Al-Ahzab - 32-33 - Quran.com (which means to wear appropriate and decent clothing)

In all circumstances, the third phase of hijab is particularly beloved to Allah. This phase, which is the purest form of hijab, is especially emphasized for the women of the household of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and that is to abide in your houses and do not display yourselves and do not be soft in speech [to men] but speak with appropriate speech [use strict tone] that is instructed in Surah Al-Ahzab - 32-33 - Quran.com

Islam indeed teaches us to adopt modesty and morality in all aspects of life, including our interactions, behavior, and attire. The concept of modesty is central to the Islamic way of living, and it is not confined solely to external appearances but also encompasses a person's intentions, humility, and the way they present themselves in society.

In the case of hijab and modest dress, the primary objective is to maintain a balance of modesty and dignity, especially in the presence of men who are not mahram (non-relatives). The purpose of the hijab is not to create allure or attraction, but to provide a form of protection and respect for a woman. It acts as a shield from unwanted attention and preserves her dignity.

While wearing a burqa, abaya, or other forms of the hijab is a demonstration of modesty, the essence of modesty lies in how the clothing serves its purpose. If a particular form of hijab, even if traditional, draws more attention or is more appealing than a simple, modest dress, then it might detract from the very goal it is meant to achieve. In such cases, modesty in attire takes precedence, and wearing a dress that covers the body adequately and fulfills the requirements of hijab (i.e., covering the awrah or parts of the body that must be hidden) would be preferable.

Islam encourages modesty in a way that does not lead to unnecessary attention or the defeat of its purpose. Thus, a simple, loose-fitting garment paired with a long dupatta that effectively covers the awrah would indeed be more in line with the values of modesty than a skin-tight or overly elaborate form of hijab. The intention behind the clothing and how it impacts a person's appearance and interactions is key to fulfilling the Islamic directive of modesty.

 

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the first and second phases of hijab are mandatory for every woman, beginning from the onset of puberty through to old age. For women who are postmenopausal and have no desire for marriage, as well as for girls who have not yet reached puberty, the requirement for wearing hijab is not applicable. These women may be without head coverings both at home and in public; however, they must still avoid exposing their adornments, including their private parts and specific areas of their awrah. Even in these phases (postmenopausal and prepuberty age of women), modesty is essential. While the strict requirement of maintaining hijab in the presence of non-family men is not imposed on them, they must still observe modesty. This is clarified in the verse of the Quran 24:60 “And women of post-menstrual age who have no desire for marriage - there is no blame upon them for putting aside their outer garments [but] not displaying adornment. But to modestly refrain [from that] is better for them. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.” Surah An-Nur - 60 - Quran.com

And again, every phase of hijab and veil mentioned and instructed by Allah for women is just to make the Muslim women separate from other women, and they may not be teased and abused as mentioned in Quran 33:59 Surah Al-Ahzab - 1-73 - Quran.com

May Allah grant us the understanding of the true meaning and requirements of hijab. May He guide us in implementing these principles for ourselves and our family members, and enable us to teach others its genuine significance.

Ameen! JazakAllah!

 

REFERENCES

References for Quranic Verses and their translations: The Noble Quran - Quran.com
Article written by Syed Omair Bukhare; the writing is improvised by ChatGPT