Hijaab in Islam
Beneficient and Merciful
This article portrays a broad representation of the issues of hijaab.
Hijaab is seen as a very controversial issue and many argue that the
ones ‘ under cover’ are undeniably attracting the most attention, a
belief which confuses the logic of hijaab.
Firstly, the observers of hijaab may be a minority within certain
regions which is the case in many a town or city, however, this is
obviously the case due to the number of Muslim sisters whom have chosen
to neglect such a worthy act, and it is these very persons whom chose to
voice such discouraging and demeaning statements. Such a statement
however is a representation of sheer ignorance and is denial of faith
which is bestowed by the All Provider: the Almighty Allah.
The observance of hijaab will Insha’Allah reap a glorious Hereafter and
uncountable benefits in this world .With anything in life determination
is a much needed characteristic.
Is it not time that we allowed our faith to snub out feelings of doubt
and inferiority which are merely emotions created by the forever
menacing Shaitaan ?
Islam being an eternal religion has thus catered for man’s life upon
this world in the most stringent of ways and so Islam has not only
defined the lawful from the unlawful, however, it has also made unlawful
all acts/objects which would resultantly procure unlawfulness, i.e. The
act of drinking alcohol has been defined as unlawful, in conjunction to
this any acts/objects which could lead to the consumption of alcohol
are also defined as unlawful for example the selling of alcohol, working
within a brewery etc.
In the same manner adultery is unlawful within Islam and so in view of
this any such acts which may lead to this e.g. Lustful gazing have also
been defined as unlawful. In order that such acts are ruled out the
revelations governing Hijaab were ordained upon mankind.
These revelations were revealed unto mankind within the actual era of
Prophecy. This era was a period of time which held many highly ranked
and pious households whom, through their piety did not allow free
mingling of the opposite sex. Thus, the people of this era were the
refined and decent of man however, from the very beginning the free
mingling of the opposite sex was an act which held dislike and
opposition.
The actual date of the revelation governing Hijaab is one of differing
opinions however, Hijaab was ordained as compulsory within 3.A.H or
5.A.H.
The Holy Quran contains 7 verses altogether concerning Hijaab, 3 of these are featured within Surah Noor and 4 in Surah Ahzaab.
The Quranic tafseer (commentary) upon these mentioned verses can be read within this booklet.
There are more than 70 invaluable ahadith which are concerned with
matters regarding Hijaab. From amongst the 7 Quranic verses, scholars
are unanimous upon the fact that the verses within Surah Ahzaab were
revealed before those of Surah Noor.
Hazrat Umar (R.A) once suggested to the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi
Wasallam that the wives of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam should
observe the veil as many differing persons of differing manners and
natures visit the houses of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. The
Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam himself found this a desirable
suggestion however, he was unable to turn the suggestion into a
practicality as the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam was in wait of
divine revelation. Shortly afterwards the revelations of Hijaab were
revealed successively.
The first of the revelations concerning Hijaab is as follows :
Many a time people have argued whether Sahaabiyaat (the female
Companions of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam used to observe
Hijaab or not. Such arguments are predominantly centered around the
actual veiling of the face, proclaiming that such an act was not alive
within the Sahabiyaat.This argument however, is merely false consolation
and bears little or no weight.
There are many evidential ahadith and incidents which reinforce the
observance of Hijaab and actual veiling of the female face within the
era of the glorious prophecy.
Hazrat Ali (R.A) narrates that once he was in the presence of the Holy
Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam when the Holy Prophet Sallallahu
Alaihi Wasallam questioned, "Tell me what is the most worthy act of a woman?" Upon
hearing this all the Companions of the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi
Wasallam remained silent. Hazrat Ali (R.A) further reports that when I
returned to my house I forwarded the same question to Hazrat Fatimah
(R.A). She replied, "A woman should not see any man nor should a man see her." Hazrat Ali (R.A) says, "I
then related this to the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam and he
stated that Fatimah is my beloved child, for this reason she has
understood properly." (Musnad-e-Bazzaar)
From this hadith we have learnt that Hijaab is the most important item
in a woman’s life. The whole aim for a woman is to keep her beauty
hidden so that it is not revealed to a ‘non-mehram’ (to whom marriage is
permissible) which could finally lead to evil acts.
Hazrat Aa’isha (R.A) narrates that on one occasion a female fellow
Muslim wanted to give a letter to the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi
Wasallam, the letter was delivered to the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi
Wasallam from behind a curtain. (Abu Dawood, Nasai and Mishkaat)
Considering the fact that all female believers are the daughters of the
Prophet Sallallahu Alahi Wasallam and that the Holy Prophet Sallallahu
Alaihi Wasallam himself was flawless, the above incident is evidence
enough of the fact that the Sahaabiyaat were observers of Hijaab.
Hazrat Umme Atiyyah (R.A) has narrated that the Holy Prophet Sallallahu
Alaihi Wasallam once ordered that upon the day of Eid,that even the
menstruating women and the veiled girls should also join the Eid
congregation (in order that the congregation may project a greater
number of Muslims for onlooking non-Muslims).
Some Muslim women questioned, "If one of us does not have a veil should we still attend the congregation?"
The Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam answered,
"Her (Muslim) sister should cover her in her cloak." (Mishkaat)
Hazrat Qais Ibne Shammas (R.A) reports that Umme Khallad (R.A) came to
the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam to inquire about her son who
had been killed in one of the battles in the path of Allah. When she
arrived she had a veil covering her face. Upon seeing this one of the
Companions of the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, "How is
it that even under such unfortunate conditions (inspite of such grief
and sorrow) you wear the Hijaab?"
Hazrat Umme Khallad (R.A) replied,
"If I have lost my son I have not lost my modesty." (i.e I should not lose them both)
Then the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam replied, "Your son will gain the reward of two martyrs."
She asked, "How can this be possible?"
The Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam replied, "Because
‘Ahl-e-Kitab’ (people of the book, i.e. Jews, Christians ) have killed
him." (Narration of Abu-Dawood)
From this we can learn how the Sahabiyaat (those women who saw the Holy
Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam after accepting Islam) remained firm
upon the observance of hijaab even at times of difficulty and misery.
Hazrat Umme Salamah (R.A) narrates that once Hazrat Maimoona (R.A) and I
were in the presence of the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam
when Hazrat Abdullah Ibne Umme Maktoom (R.A) arrived. As he was blind it
never occured to us that it was necessary to observe hijaab, therefore
we remained seated. The Holy Prophet SallallahuAlaihi Wasallam ordered
us to observe hijaab. I replied "Oh Prophet of Allah he is unable to see
us." Upon hearing this the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam
said, "Are you both also blind? Are you not casting your sight upon
him?" (Mishkaat, Tirmizi and Abu Dawood)
Thus, we see the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam ordering his
wives to observe hijaab even in the presence of a blind person.
The above highlighted incidents stand as proof enough of hijaab in the
era of Prophecy. How is it that as wrong doers we can throw wild
accusations in the direction of the beloved Sahaabiyaat?
May the Almighty provide us with willful understanding and keep us safe from joining the slanderers of this world. Aameen.
"Oh Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam! Tell thy wives and thy daughters
and the women of the believers to draw over them their jilbaabs
(cloaks). That in the least so that they be recognised and not be
molested." (Surah Ahzaab)
"And remain within your homes and do not make an exibition ( of your
selves) like the displays (of the immoral women) of former times of
ignorance." (Surah Ahzaab)
One of the fundamental principles of Islam is to establish a system of
virtue, goodness and justice. For this reason Islam teaches both men and
women in order to secure such a society. Amongst other things it
disciplines the human urge for the opposite sex so that both sexes can
live in pure wedlock and have full control over their beastal desires.
To achieve this objective Islam has a code of behaviour. Breaching these
codes of principles may resultantly endanger the purity and goodness of
society. This code protects, wards off evil inclinations and bad
influences. This observation of rules is termed as hijaab/ purdah.
The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam is reported to have said,
"Verily a woman walks in the form of Shaytaan. Her approaching and recoiling are in the form of Shaytaan."
Commentary : This means that Shaitaan used women as a means to trap man into doing evil.
In another tradition the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said,
"Verily the woman is aurah ( anything that is concealed by shame and
prudency) whenever she leaves the home the Shaitan raises his eyes and
looks towards her. When she is in the innermost part of the home it is
then that she is closest to her Lord ."
From the above hadith we learn that the Shaitan used the women as his avenue to creat evil in society.
In the second hadith we learn that a woman should not be revealed to
strangers and that the coming out of the home can only cause mischief as
Shaitan awaits and gives her his evil and full attention.
In Islam a woman feels a great sense of security and enjoys a high
status of honour and dignity within her home and out, which in a way is
greater than man’s. Each sex have their own responsibility and duties to
perform according to their emotional and biological nature. Her great
responsibility lies in the upbringing of the nation’s next generation.
On her shoulders does not lie the burden of financial problems,
therefore she has no need to venture out of her home unlike the
non-Muslim women.
Insecure feelings, financial, moral and physical problems have driven
the non-Muslim women from the boundries of her home. In the process she
has had to abandon her modesty and dignity at the cost of moral and
spiritual life, hoping that through this she can overcome her insecurity
and inferiority against men.
In Islam a woman’s real worth is not accounted by exhibiting a half
exposed body, or the fascination that the opposite sex has for her,
rather it is by her modesty, piety and moral conduct.
The main aim of purdah or hijaab is to guard the spiritual and moral
purity of man. Caution is taken in the very first steps so that man is
prevented from plungering into the abyss of immorality and shamelessness
which can be witnessed today.
The Quran reads, And tell the believing woman to lower their gaze and be
modest. (24.31). The same has been ordered for man as well.
The Quran proclaims," Do not approach near fornification."
Shame and respect are natural qualities in man. When these cannot be
found in him and his whole community, what can be the outcome of this?
You only have to look around us today to witness these atrocities caused
by the negligence of immodesty.
The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said,
"There is nothing left after me more dangerous to man than the temptations of women."
Is not the unveiling of women in our time along with the free mixing of
both sexes the cause to some of the social and moral ailments? Many
complain that the hijaab enjoined upon Muslim women is far too
restrictive and rigid and is in order to keep inferior to man. Ignorance
and misunderstanding can only be the cause of such beliefs. Besides
Islam which other religion or nation has given homes full protection
from exploitation from strangers? While at the same time Islam guides
women upon importance of purity and morality as well as upholding her
status and dignity.
A woman is likened to a sweet creature, everything about her is an
attraction for spectators. Islam protects her by enjoining her to wear
hijaab so that the covering of herself does not attract men like the
swamps of flies and dirty creatures are attracted to uncovered sweets as
in the case of todays women who falls prey to this.
The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam was ordered to tell his wives and
believing women to wear purdah so that they could be recognised as
believing women and not molested. Is this not the case of todays women?
The Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam is reported to have said,
"Every religion has a characteristic. The characteristic of Islam is
modesty." (Ibn Majah.)
He also said, "Verily modesty and faith are inter-related. If one is taken out the other diminishes simultaneously". (Bayhaqi)
Many women today say that the wearing of veil is difficult and unimportant.
In the Holy Prophet’s (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) era the modesty and
observance of hijaab amongst the Sahaabiyaat was at it’s peak despite
the lesser need for it than today. Communities and nations progressed
and were sucessful due to such social conduct.
The evils of shamelessness, of low morals and over liberated people are
the main cause of destruction of any member or nation; as humans we all
bear testimony to this, be it that our testimonies are voiced or
unvoiced. Only in this belated age of modernity do people have a
divergent view on modesty. Today, hijaab may pose difficulties for
Muslim women due to the environment surrounding them. If we actively
create an environment of hijaab i.e. if our mothers, sisters, and
friends who we daily visit become observers of hijaab then the situation
would become one of the norm, eliminating feelings of awkwardness and
difficulty.
In the sixties when our elders first came to Britain it was impossible
to keep a beard or wear a topi, rouges would mock such persons. But
today Alhamdulillah we see many muslim youngsters in the middle of the
town dressed in jubbas and turbans without the slightest hesitation or
fear.
The Thawaab and divine pleasure for reviving hijaab can be deduced from the following hadith.
The Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, "He who adheres to my
Sunnah at a time when my Ummah has become corrupt will obtain the
Thawaab of a hundred martyrs."
"O ye who believe! Enter not the dwellings of the Prophet
Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam for a meal without waiting for the proper
time, unless permission be granted you. But if ye are invited, enter and
when your meal is ended then disperse. Linger not for conversation. Lo,
that would cause annoyance to the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam
and he would be shy of (asking) you (to go) but Allah is not shy of the
truth."
The above is a part revelation of verse : 53- Surah Ahzaab.
In a narration of Bukhari, Hazrat Anas (R.A) explains: " I am the
most known amongst the people, concerning the causes of the first
revelation of Hijaab. Reason being, I was present throughout the whole
incident and I witnessed the acts of the Sahaabaa and the Prophet
Sallallahu Alahi Wasallam."
After Hazrat Zainab bint Jahash enjoined in marriage with the blessed
Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, she was brought into the small house
situated in the Haram of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. The
Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam had a meal prepared in aid of the
blessed marriage i.e. Waleemah. After the dinner was served many people
stayed behind and lingered for purposes of conversation. In a narration
of Tirmizi it is stated that the blessed Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi
Wasallam and Ummul Mu’mineen Hazrat Zainab (R.A) also remained there.
Hazrat Zainab (R.A) had turned her face towards the wall in shame. To
see such actions caused discomfort to the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi
Wasallam, who took leave and visited the other blessed wives. Upon
return he found the gathering had not yet dispersed. Again the Prophet
Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam left in annoyance. Seeing this act of the
Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam many people understood and took
leave. Hazrat Anas (R.A) reports: The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam
came outside the small building and I was present there too. It was
then that the above verses were revealed to the Prophet Sallallahu
Alaihi Wasallam.
Although the verses do not openly explain the form and procedures of
Hijaab, they have given an explanation as to refrain from going to the
Prophet’s Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam houses, because discomfort was
resultant not only for the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam but also
for the blessed w ives too.
Following onwards the Quran portrays : ‘ And when ye ask of them (the
wives of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) anything,ask it of
them from behind a curtain. That is purer for your hearts and for their
hearts.’ (Part revelation of verse:53 Surah Ahzaab)
Although the cause of revelation refers only to the blessed wives of the
Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, the rule applies to the whole
Ummah. So that the hearts and intents of both the believing men and
women can stay clean and purified.
We learn that if such a revelation was related to the blessed wives of
the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam, who in all means stand as our
pillars of guidence, then we, the unworthy, too must also consider the
matter and follow in accordance, as no man can ever level with the
standards of piety and purity of the blessed Sahaabaa/Sahaabiyaat. If
there were such restrictions, then we, in all circumstances should
restrict ourselves more severely in matters such as these.
Allah Ta’aalaa has stated in the Holy Quran: "And stay in your houses,
adorn not yourself with the adornment of the times of ignorance." (Part
revelation : Surah Ahzaab)
The times of ignorance mentioned in the Aayah indicate the days of
darkness previous to the light and expandations of Islam. The Holy
Qur’an has referred to these days as, ‘The first/early days of
ignorance.’ This reveals to us the fact that there will be another
period when darkness will over power the true light to cause disruption
within the living people again.
Reflecting upon the present situation of the ways of the world, we can
witness this fact. We see the evil growth of ignorance is casting it’s
magnitudinal force, unfortunately the very ways and teachings of the
Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam are being neglected.
If one looks towards the inner meaning of the Aayah, it becomes apparent
that a woman was created with a homely character, her duties lie within
her home, therefore the Islamic law requires her to stay at home.
However, if the need arises she is permitted to leave her home, enclose
herself within the ‘Jilbaab’ and accomplish her needs.
Allah Ta’aalah has further stated in the Holy Quran :
‘O, Prophet ! (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) tell thy wives and thy
daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks close
round them (when they go out). That will be better so that they may be
recognised and not annoyed. Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful.’ (Verse: 59 Surah Ahzaab)
Hazrat Ibne Jareer (R.A.)has reported the discription of ‘Jilbaab’ from
Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Abbas (R.A.) : ‘A thick cloth in which a woman
conceals herself from head to toe allowing a narrow opening by the eye
for means of seeing.’
Along with this limitation, the woman must walk to one side of the path,
refrain from mingling in crowds of men, not apply perfume or any other
forms of scent, or wear tinkling jewellery that cause attraction, as
these give invitation towards corruptive acts.
In the above mentioned Aayah, Allah Ta’aalaa has ordained the blessed
wives, daughters and believing women of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi
Wasallam to observe ‘Hijaab’, according to the specification of Abdullah
ibn Abbas (R.A).
A woman is like a precious rare stone, the most valuable and attractive
recognition is her face. It would be considered useless if she concealed
her whole body, and revealed her face, for this is where a woman’s
beauty lies. What could be more worthy of being kept ‘well hidden’ than
her face?
Hazrat Abdullah Ibne Mas’ood (R.A) has given the following definition for the ‘Jilbaab’: ‘The large cloth which is worn over the large head scarf (dupattah).’
Imam Mohammad Ibn Seereen (R.A) inquired to Hazrat Ubaydah Salmaani
(R.A) about the ‘Jilbaab’ and its form of concealment. Hazrat Ubaydah
(R.A) taught through demonstration by drawing a large cloth over his
head and then covered the face allowing a small opening by the left eye
for purposes of seeing.
Both explanations of Ibne Abbas (R.A) and Ubaydah Salmaani (R.A) are
focused upon the word ‘yudneena ‘ (in the Aayah). The Aayah openly
explains the necessity of ‘Hijaab’ for women of all ages and times.
Hazrat Maulana Shabbir Ahmed Uthmani (R.A) has stated : "It can be found
in many narrations that the believing women would go out in such
concealment that only one eye would be revealed for means of seeing. So,
accordingly in the age of corruption, to cover the face would fall as a
compulsory act upon every Muslim woman."
However, if unintentionally any loss or misconduct occurs within the observation of Hijaab, Allah Ta’aalaa is most forgiving.
Commentary upon ‘Hijaab’ is covered sufficiently under the verses of
Surah Ahzaab, which was revealed at the time of the respected marriage
of Hazrat Zainab bint Jahash (R.A) at the blessed hands of the Prophet
Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam.
The scholars’ views differ as to when this incident took place. Many
scholars view this incident to have taken place in the year 03. A.H. In
contrast several others as mentioned in ‘Tafseer Ibn Katheer’ and
‘Naylul-Awtaar’ give a stronger view towards the occurence of the
incident to have taken place in the year 05.A.H. This has also been
narrated from Hazrat Anas (R.A). However, an agreement was finally made
on the narration of Hazrat Anas (R.A).
The verses upon ‘Hijaab’ in Surah Noor were revealed in the year 06.A.H.
The observance of Hijaab was obediently adhered to in result of the
revelations of Surah Ahzaab. The following part revelation of verse: 60,
Surah Noor explains :
" In such a way as not to show adornment." One
interpretation of the Aayah explains that having dressed accordingly as
the Quran, old womenfolk may go out unveiled yet in such a way that
adornment is not revealed.
The Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam once said to his blessed wives: "I permit you to leave your homes whenever the need arises."
It is said that the blessed wives of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi
Wasallam would pay visits to their parents, friends, relatives etc. They
would also take leave for purposes such as performing the blessed
pilgrimage as well as the optional Umrah. Many Sahaabiyaat would
accompany the blessed Sahaabaa at the time of battle, nursing the
wounded etc.
"Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their
modesty, that is purer for them. Lo! Allah is aware of what they do. And
tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest, and to
display of their adornment only that which is apparent, and to draw
their veils over their bosoms, and not to reveal their adornment save to
their own husbands or fathers or husband’s fathers or their sons or
their husband’s sons or their brothers, or their brother’s sons or
sister’s sons or their women or their slaves, or male attendants who
lack vigour, or children who know naught of womens nakedness. And let
them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their
adornment. And turn unto Allah together, O, believers in order that you
may succeed." (Surah Noor, verses: 30-31)
"And tell the believing men to lower their gaze."
‘Yaguddoo‘ is originated from the word ‘ gadd‘ which means: " To lower
the gaze." Relating to this Aayat Ibne Katheer and Ibne Hibban have
commentated as follows: To turn the gaze away from such things upon
which the Islamic law has forbidden, e.g. To look at a non mehram of the
opposite sex with bad intent, to even glance at any male/females’
‘Satar’, to disturb others privacy by looking into their homes, living
quarters etc., are extremely forbidden and the outcomes are severe (in
this World and in the Hereafter).
"And guard their modesty." To over-rule ones unlawful desires
from bad intents and doings e.g. To indulge within adultery, to be
sexually attracted to members of the same sex (Homosexuality,
Lesbianism), to fulfil evil desires by means of forbidden touching,
glancing etc. Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas’ood (R.A) has reported from the
Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam: "Sight is a poisonous
spear amongst the many spears of the Shaitaan. One who resists it in the
fear of Allah, is rewarded with strong faith, whose sweetness is
witheld in the heart of the resistor."
Hazrat Jareer ibn Abdullah (R.A) once questioned the Holy Prophet
Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam regarding a man who unintentionally glances
at a woman. The Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam replied: "The man must turn away instantly and his first glance will be forgiven." Muslim.
"And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their modesty." Part
revelation- Surah Noor . This Aayah is in accordance with the same
command as above, except that this Aayah relates to women. The above
Aayah ordained that the believing men should lower their gaze. Usually
the orders for women follow along accordingly although the Aayah may be
directed to men alone. The woman’s order was specified so that
subsequently it may strengthen the point and highlight its outcome
effectively.
"And to display of their adornment only that which is apparent." The
literal definition of ‘Zeenat’ is the accessories which adorn a woman,
e.g. Outstanding garments, jewellery etc. The majority of commentators
have given an explanation as follows: Looking at the accessories of
zeenat is permissible but, to look at the bearer of such accessories is
forbidden.
"Only that which is apparent." The Aayah reveals an
exception as to what is apparent of a woman’s adornment. These
exceptions are when a woman is working or constantly moving and her
hands/face may be revealed then this is dealt with as an exception.
Hazrat Ibne Ma’sood (R.A) gives the following commentary regarding this
exception: The Aayah relates to the cloth or garment worn above the
inner clothing eg.burqa’.
Hazrat Ibn Abbas (R.A) commentates as follows: The aayah gives the
exception to uncover the face and hands when the need arises.
Again the scholars’ views differ as to whether it is compulsory for a
woman to cover her face or not? Hazrat Ibne Ma’sood (R.A) states: To
unveil the face or hands in the presence of a non mehram is not
permissible. Hence this is an unlawful act.
Hazrat Ibne Abbas (R.A) states: To uncover the face and hands is
permissible for a woman when there is no fear of bad intents and doings.
And men should consider the fact that the Qur’an has ordained them to
lower their gaze and be modest.
"And to draw their veils over their bosoms."
‘Khumur’ is originated from the word ‘Khimaar’ which means a large head
scarf which covers the head and the chest. Before the revelation of the
Aayat -e -Hijaab women used to cover their hair and let the scarf fall
down the back, baring the front parts from the scarf. However, we see
today that the same fashion of the days of ignorance is being adopted.
‘Juyoob’ is originated from the word ‘Jayb’, this word holds the meaning
of the breast pocket, but within the Arabs this word connotates the
meaning of the upper front half.
"And not to reveal their adornment save to their own husbands or
fathers or husband’s fathers or their sons or their husband’s sons or
their brothers or their brother’s sons or sister’s sons or their women,
or their slaves, or male attendants who lack vigour, or children who
know naught of women’s nakedness."
The ‘men’ mentioned above are a women’s mehram, along with these mehrams
is her own husband. A woman is permitted to reveal herself fully in the
presence of her husband. However, this is not permissible in the
presence of her mehrams also. They are not entitled or permitted to even
glance at her ‘Satar’. A woman’s mehram is there to protect her and was
created as a protective model for the purpose that he will not cause
any harm to her. Grand father and great grand father fall into the
category of a father to which Hijaab is not neccessary.
"Or their women." This means the Muslim women. These are
like her mehrams, not permitted to see a woman’s ‘Satar’. Otherwise
there is no harm to unveil in their presence. The aayah indicates that
Muslim women should refrain from maintaining acqaintance with ‘kaafir’
women as consequently ill influences are very likely.
"Or their slaves." Although there is no restriction
governing whether the permittance concerns male slaves within the Aayah,
many scholars have commented that this relates only to the female
slave.
Hazrat Saeed ibn Musayyib (R.A) spoke these last words before taking
leave from this world: ‘ Do not let the Aayah of Surah Noor mislead you
as this refers to the women slaves not the men.’
"Or male attendants who lack vigour." Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Abbas (R.A) has stated: This means one who has no interests and desired pleasure in sexual matters.
"or children who know not of womens nakedness." This
refers to such children who have not yet approached adolescence, and who
are not aware of sensual features of a woman. However, if the case is
such that the child approaching adolscence displays an interest in women
and their features then to unveil oneself in the child’s presence is
prohibited.(Ibne-Katheer)
"And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment." If
jewellery is worn around the ankles e.g. Anklets, which create noise
and tend to attract men towards the tinkling sounds then this again is
considered within the violations of Hijaab. To let a non mehram become
aware of this attraction is extremely prohibited. If restrictions are
such for the sounds of tinkling or heels, then for a woman to raise her
voice reaches well beyond the border. Within the same category falls the
use of perfume and scent, these are a source of attraction whether
applied intentionally or unintentionally, these should not be applied
when going out or in the presence of non mehrams.
"And turn unto Allah, O, believers in order that you may succeed." Finally
Allah Ta’aalaa mentions in the Aayah which reveals the fact that if any
sins or faults are committed then O believers turn to Allah so that you
may succeed. Whilst asking for forgivness from our great, most
forgiving Lord one must express shame and regret over ones previous
misconducts and resultantly never approach or intend to advance towards
any bad.
The 7 Quranic verses which have been portrayed give rise to 3 differing grades of hijaab. The highest of these 3 grades of hijaab is that a woman should remain within her home as far as it is possible.
The second grade of Hijaab is that if the need should arise that a
woman must go out then this should be carried out in such adornment
which conceals her entirely. Whilst observing this grade of Hijaab, the
application of scent, the wearing of tinkling jewellery, to exercise
caution when walking so as not to enter the heart of a mixed crowd etc,
are also points to be borne in mind.
The third and lowest grade of Hijaab is in accordance to
the Aayah of Surah Noor, "Except that which is evident." This verse is
one of differing interpretations. Some scholars believe that ‘evident’
connotates the actual burqa and niqaab whilst other scholars have
interpretated that ‘except that which is evident’ refers to the face and
hands.
From amongst the 4 Imams, Imam Malik, Shafi and Ahmed (R.A) have
unanimously agreed upon the first of the two interpretations. According
to the schools of thought related to these three Imams, no room has been
given to the unveiling of the face and hands regardless of the fear of
unlawful acts or not.
Imam Abu Hanifa (R.A) has differed in his opinions favouring the latter
of the two interpretations, however, he has only accepted the unveiling
of the face and hands if there is no fear of unlawful acts arising in
the process of this third grade of Hijaab.
However, such unveiling within this day and age would obviously give
rise to unlawful ways and so the necessity of entire concealment becomes
much reinforced, consequently the great scholars after Imam-e-Aazam
also agreed with the thoughts of Imam Malik, Shafi and Ahmed (R.A)
In view of this the third grade of Hijaab has become invalidated
and impermissible. Conclusively, Muslim women should observe either of
the two valid and permitted grades of hijaab.
and guide you to righteousness.'
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