Niqab! Wajib or Sunnah?

Apologies, I may have come off as too harsh. I don't beleive it is more pious than wearing hijab which allows the face and hands to be uncovered. By wearing hijab I am dressed modestly and able to work and study amongst men as well as women. I know that because of my dress and mannerisms men will know that I am not "available" and am to be respected. It is the opinion of a scholar that it is more pious to be dressed head to toe, skin to skin no pants. But this limits a woman's ability to be involved in any activities, school , work. We must make the best decisions when faced with the everyday trials of normal life. That is it. Is it not an escape mechanism to stay in the house all day and away from society in attempt to avoid any temptations? How will we learn to work with people, muslims and non-muslims if this is a typical way of life. How about the fun activities missed out on that show children the greatness of Allah by exploring natural sites. You need to wear comfortable clothing that won't cause a woman to fall off a mountain! Is riding a bike importand in Islam?

MAYPB

Bi ismillahir rahmanir raheem

assalamu alaikum

In the hanafi and shafii madhhabs the niqab is not wajib, in the hanbali madhab the matter is undecided and there scholars are split on this issue one saying it is while others say it is not. I am not 100% about the maliki but i think it is not wajib either.

Only minority groups like salafi's try to enforce these things which is a reprahesible bidah as the prophet (salla llahu alaihi wa sallam) himself never forced women to wear the hijab let alone niqab, it is a personel choice.

Just adding the above is the opinion of the scholars in our time as per our current situation. The face and hands are not and have not been considered to be awrah.


Edited by rami

Involved in their communities? So everyone is accepting of their way of dress? How about the cashier at Vons? Of course they think it is strange looking and it makes for an uncomfortable situation. When does Islam require us to be so completetly unique from most people in the world. And although it is accepted in their community, it's not everywhere else. I am not saying that people should be like everyone else and compromise what they beleive in but be somewhat normal and give your kids some chance at fitting it.

 

Peace

Asalamu Alaykum

Jazakallah for your thought regarding the niqab but can you give me more daleel and evidence regarding it being wajib or sunnah? Is there any member on this forum who thinks the niqab is wajib?why?