The Hijab for Men and Women

Hijab for the Women

The transliteration of the Ayah Surah Nur 24:31: 

Wa qul li al-mu'minat yaghdudna min absarihinna wa yahfazna furujahunna wa laa yubdina zenatahunna illa maa zahara min haa wal-yadribna bi khumur ihinna ala juyubihinna; wa laa yubdina zenatahunna illa li bu'ulatihinna aw aba'ihinna aw aba'i bu'ulatihinna aw abna'ihinna aw abna'i bu'ulatihinna aw ikhwanihinna aw bani ikhwanihinna aw bani akhawatihinna aw nisa'ihinna aw maa malakat aymanu hunna aw at-tabi'ina ghayri ulu'l-irbat min ar-rijal aw at-tifl alladhina lam yazharu ala awrat an-nisa wa laa yadribna bi arjulihinna li yu'lama maa yukhfina min zenatahinna. Wa tubu ilaAllahi jami'an, ayyuha al-mu'minun la'allakum tuflihun 

Translation is as follows: 

And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband's fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers or their brothers' sons, or their sisters' sons, or their women, or the slaves whom their right hands possess, or male servants free of physical needs, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex; and that they should not strike their feet in order to draw attention to their hidden ornaments. And O ye Believers! turn ye all together towards Allah, that ye may attain Bliss. - [Yusuf Ali 24:31] 

Allow me to use various other translations of the verse while quoting only the concerned part so that one may understand what is being conveyed in the Quran: 

M. Pickthall: "and to draw their veils over their bosoms...."

Shakir: "and let them wear their head-coverings over their bosoms...."

M. Asad: "let them draw their head-coverings over their bosoms...."

M.T. Hilali / M.M. Khan: "and to draw their veils all over their Juyubihinna...."

Qaribullah / Darwaish: "And let them draw their veils over their juyubuhinna...."

M. Sarwar: "Let them cover their breasts with their veils...."

A. Bewley: "and draw their head-coverings across their breasts...."

A.M. Daryabadi: "and they shall draw their scarves over their bosoms...."

E.H. Palmer: "and let them pull their kerchiefs over their bosoms...." 
 

We have to understand what this word "khumur" is that is used in the Ayat but first I will list the instructions in the ayat and then we will go into detail about different phrases in the Ayat. 

These are the basic instructions in the Ayah: 

(a) Lower their gaze

(b) Guard their private parts

(c) Do not display except for "what is apparent"

(d) To draw the "Khumur" over the "Juyub"

(e) Not to display their beauty/adornment/ornament expect to the people that are in the Ayah

(f) No striking of feet so as to prevent from others knowing what is to be hidden 

Points (a), (b) and (f) relate to the behavior of the woman i.e. Not to look at people with a desire and lust, Not indulge in fornication/adultery or other physical contact that is prescribed as immoral by Allah (swt), and Not to strike feet as in dancing, running or any other vulgar movements etc. 

Now to come to the points that mentions the dress code of the women. This is where we come to see what "Khumur" is and what the phrase "what is apparent" means. 
 

'Khumur' 

Khumur is the plural of the word Khimar. According to the Al-Mawrid Arabic-English dictionary: 

Khimar: Hijab, Burqua'a; Veil, yashmak (worn by women) - [Al-Mawrid, Arabic-English, Page 523] 

Khimar as we can see means a head covering. It is something to cover the head with. Therefore one cannot say that the ayat does not tell the women to cover the head because the Ayat uses the word 'Khimar' which refers to a cloth used to cover the head. Ibn Kathir in his Tafsir of the Quran explains: �Khumur (veils) is the plural of Khimar, which means something that covers, and is what is used to cover the head.� 

You see, in those times, the women used to wear the 'khimar' in such a way that their chests used to be bare, just like how the non-Muslims used to dress. One can say that this was the fashion in those days among the women. So Allah (swt) revealed this verse, as Ibn Kathir explains, �so that they will be different from the women of the Jahiliyyah, who did not do that but would pass in front of men with their chests completely uncovered, and with their necks, forelocks, hair and earrings uncovered,� thus teaching the Muslim women how to dress. 

This is to teach the Muslimahs that they should use the 'khimar' (head-covering) in such a way that they also draw it over their chests and hence covering them from view. So while the head is covered, the chest is also covered. 
 

'Maa zahara min haa' (Except that which appears thereof) 

Now before we go into defining the above phrase, I think it is appropriate to point out that there is no disagreement between the scholars regarding the covering of the head. All of them have unanimously stated that there are clear instructions in the Quran as well as the Ahadith that the women are required to cover the head. Currently I have not dwelt in the enormous pool of Ahadith and have stuck only to the Quran to show that the covering of the hair is compulsory.  

In Ma'ariful Quran it is stated: 

�First exception is that of 'maa zahara min haa' (except that which appears thereof). It means that 'Women are not permitted to show their zinah to men, except that which is revealed on its own'. The indication is that while women are working, some parts of their body get uncovered automatically, and their covering is difficult, hence, exception of such parts is permitted. There is no sin in their uncovering. (Ibn Kathir).� - [Ma'ariful Quran, by Maulana Mufti Muhammad Shafi, First Authorized Edition 2004, Vol. 6, pg 411] 

The question however arises, what parts do fall in within this permissible boundary and thus it further continues: 

�On this subject Sayyidna Abdullah Ibn Masud (ra) and Abdullah Ibn Abbas (ra) have given different explanations. Sayyidna Abdullah Ibn Masud (ra) has explained that what has been excepted in 'maa zahara min haa' is the outer covering, such as the veil or the sheet used for Hijab. These over-clothings are used to cover up the normal garments of zinah. Hence, the meaning of the verse would be that it is not permitted to show anything from the zinah (garments), except the over-clothings like veil, whose hiding is not possible when going out for some work. On the other hand Sayyidna Abdullah Ibn Abbas (ra) has interpreted that it is purported for face and palms, because when a woman is forced to go out because of necessity, it is difficult to hide face and palms while engaged in her work. Therefore, according to Sayyidna Abdullah Ibn Masud (ra) it is not permitted for a woman even to uncover - their faces and palms before non-Mahram men. Only the over-clothings, like veil etc. are excepted under necessity. But in accordance with the explanation of Abdullah Ibn Abbas (ra) it is permitted to uncover the face and palms before the non-Mahrams. Thus there is a difference between the religious scholars on the issue whether it is permissible to uncover the face and palms before non-Mahrams or not.� - [ibid] 

Ibn Kathir on his commentary regarding the same phrase in the concerned verse tells us that it �means they should not show anything of their adornment to non-Mahram men except for whatever it is impossible to hide. Ibn Mas`ud said: "Such as clothes and outer garments,'' Meaning what the Arab women used to wear of the veil which covered their clothes and whatever showed from underneath the outer garment. There is no blame on her for this, because this is something that she cannot conceal. Similar to that is what appears of her lower garment and what she cannot conceal. Al-Hasan, Ibn Sirin, Abu Al-Jawza', Ibrahim An-Nakha`i and others also had the same view as Ibn Mas`ud.� 
 

The Undeniable Fact 

A lot of tafsirs and a lot of scholars can be quoted to explain their stand on this verse. However the aim of this article is not to prove that covering the face and hands is obligatory but only to prove that covering the hair is obligatory. Keeping that in mind, I will reiterate that while scholars dispute on the covering of the face and the hands, all the four major Imams agree that covering the hair is obligatory and a direct command to the woman from Allah (swt). Hence covering the hair is an undeniable fact which is denied only by the ones who do not wish to submit themselves to Allah (swt) and follow His commandments. If a woman does feel that their lips, nose are also part of her beauty and attracts lustful people then she is required without a doubt to cover it i.e. wear a veil. 
 

Is Lowering the Gaze not Enough? 

Some people would say that the first and foremost command in the verse is regarding the lowering of the gaze and that is all that is important because it is the intention that matters. Such people would go to all lengths to try and justify that Hijab is not a requirement but their claims will always lack the understanding of the Arabic or ignoring the numerous Ahadith regarding this issue. 

The verse does start with lowering the gaze and guarding the modesty because this is the most important step of the Hijab for the women. A woman can wear the head-covering yet be immoral and unchaste so it is of course important and in fact the stepping stone of Hijab for the woman to lower her gaze and guard her modesty. This bit of the commandment refers to what is in the hands of the woman. To lower her gaze and to be chaste is within her hands and she has complete control over it thus this is the first and initial step as with the absence of this step, the foundation of the Hijab will be weak and with a weak foundation, the building always falls to the ground. This first step guards the woman from committing immoral acts. 

The second step of the Hijab refers to something which is in the hands of the woman and also to something which is not in their hands. This step not only guards the woman from committing immoral acts but also guards the woman from being a target or victim of an immoral act or violation. Wearing seductive clothes will always entice people of the opposite sex. I do not mean to point that it will only attract the rapists. Normally when people say that women that dress while exposing themselves can attract rapists, certain people throw a tantrum without caring to understand what one is trying to explain. Cindy Taylor, who was raped twice, actually defended the Australian mufti who said that women in order to prevent being the victim of rape should dress more modestly. She stated that she understood what the Australian imam, Hilali, was trying to explain to the people and asked the Australians to be more open-minded. However I do not wish to stress only on this single factor. 

Young male people who have female classmates can be attracted to the way their female classmates dress and the way they make themselves appear. This can then lead onto them trying to secure a date with the female and in return making a lot of promises that they do not even mean just to be able to have some 'guy fun'. This is a hard fact and everyone has either been a victim or been the cheat or knows someone who is either of the two. One cannot deny these situations which do occur. So one can claim, if the woman is lowering her gaze and guarding her modesty, she will not fall for such fake promises. The reality is that even if she is lowering her gaze while dressing alluringly she will yet be exposed to the temptation that will be caused by the fake promises. 

Islam aims to secure the women from being the victim of such people by giving them the means to completely seal themselves from even being tempted by people or being a target of their evil desires. In the complete sense the Hijab is the exclusion of any such apparel or action which would attract the person of the opposite sex especially the attracting of the ones with evil intentions. These actions also include any such body language. Many people are not aware of body language and thus might, unintentionally, attract people. Of course unintentional acts are inshaAllah forgiven by Allah (swt) but it is also important to not that when a woman is properly covered, there are less chances of her to attract someone with unintentional body language. 

The physical self of the woman is for herself and her husband and not a view for the entire world to enjoy. She should then guard herself and cover herself according to the prescribed boundaries set by Allah (swt). The prescribed way prevents a woman from being admired for her physical self and makes provision for her being admired for her spiritual side. A man attracted to a woman due to physical reasons can hardly remain true to her for life. 
 

Is Hair Part of the Beauty? 

Of course many women might feel that the hair is not part of the beauty of the woman and that she can leave them uncovered. Hair is definitely part of the beauty and the fact that fashion magazines have loads of articles on the latest hairstyles is evidence enough that hair is part of the beauty of the woman. Hair actually enhances the beauty of the woman and trying different hairstyles can really bring out a change in the way a woman looks. If hair were not part of the beauty of a woman and if it did not enhance her looks then big fashion industries would not spend hours advertising new hairstyles nor would fashion magazines print articles on such matters. It cannot be hidden that a man is attracted to the hair. 

When we state that hair is not part of the beauty then we are only deceiving ourselves and no one else. Allah (swt) is the Creator of everything including humans of course and who would know better the created than the Creator? Allah (swt) knows that which is part of the beauty of a man or a woman and what steps would secure them both. Hence He in His Divine Wisdom has ordained for us certain rulings which we have to abide by. Now we have a choice of either to submit to Allah (swt) and follow that which He commands or make excuses and try not to follow what is commanded. 
 

But I Think� 

Often I get the responses �but I think it is not applicable� or �but I think it is a cultural thing� and the list of such interrelated questions with minor variations is endless. Firstly let us make one thing clear; Islam is applicable till the end of time. There can be no changes in it and is to be followed just the way Prophet Muhammad (saw) followed it and taught us to follow it (For details also refer to my article �Can Islam be changed�).  

Secondly many think that the pre-Islamic era in Medina was highly conservative and thus Islam incorporated that or rather traditions incorporated that and thus it is not applicable today. This is actually a misconception. Barnaby Rogerson in his book titled 'The Heirs of The Prophet Muhammad' states on page 97:  �cover bosoms and lower gaze are instructions to encourage a natural modesty - especially when you remember that the Prophet was addressing an audience brought up in the extremely free sexual environment of the oasis of Medina.� This shows that the culture in Medina was not that of covering up oneself but rather this was a ruling of Islam which brought forth the concept of Hijab and modesty. 

Another popular �But I think�� is the question �but I think it is okay to not do the Hijab in hot climate countries�. Again this is one of the weak attempts to try and find excuses not to follow the command of Allah (swt). It is laughable the way one can come up with issues that make no sense. Hundreds of thousands of Muslims including Western Muslims live under hot climate. Yet they wear the Hijab and are very much comfortable in it. Apart from these the Muslim women in the days of Prophet Muhammad (saw) wore Hijab in the desert heat but found themselves to be at ease. Yet today some people come up with saying that it is not comfortable. What women can do if the heat does truly bother them, is to wear scarf made of thinner material like cotton or georgette etc. Additionally one can wear light colored scarves as well. The Hijab will actually also protect one's neck and scalp from the harmful ultra-violet rays of the sun. 

It is not possible for me to reply to all the �but I think� questions that people ask but generally it will be observed that such questions are based on a similar theme and show reluctance on behalf of the questioner to follow the command of Allah (swt) and thus they create petty excuses. 
 

Hijab for the Men 

Before the women are given the guidelines in this Surah, the men are given their guidelines. 

�Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: And Allah is well acquainted with all that they do.� - [Quran 24:30] 

The transliteration of the same verse is as follows: 

Qul lilmu/mineena yaghuddu min ab[sa]rihum waya[h]fa{th}oo furoojahum [tha]lika azk[a] lahum inna All[a]ha khabeerun bim[a] ya[s]naAAoon(a) - [Quran 24:30] 

Here we find that the men are given the primary command to lower their gaze. In Ma'ariful Quran it is stated: 

�The word 'yaghuddu' is derived from 'ghadd', which means to bring down or lower, ('Raghib') lowering of eyes or to keep eyes down as enjoined in the verse, means to turn the eyes from something which is prohibited to be seen by Shariah (Ibn Kathir). Ibn Hibban has given the explanation that to look at a non-Mahram woman with the intent to have (sexual) pleasure is totally prohibited, and to look without any such motive is makkruh (undesirable). To look at any woman's or man's private parts of the body is included in this explanation (except in case of dire necessity, such as medical examination). Peeping into anyone's house with the intent of finding out his secrets, and all such acts where looking is prohibited by Shariah are all included in this injunction.� - [Ma'ariful Quran, by Maulana Mufti Muhammad Shafi, First Authorized Edition 2004, Vol. 6, pg 408] 

Also we find in Tafsir Ibn Kathir the following explanation regarding the concerned Quranic verse:

�The Command to lower the Gaze This is a command from Allah to His believing servants, to lower their gaze from looking at things that have been prohibited for them. They should look only at what is permissible for them to look at, and lower their gaze from forbidden things. If it so happens that a person's gaze unintentionally falls upon something forbidden, he should quickly look away. Muslim recorded in his Sahih that Jarir bin `Abdullah Al-Bajali, may Allah be pleased with him, said, "I asked the Prophet about the sudden glance, and he commanded me to turn my gaze away. 

In the Sahih it is narrated that Abu Sa`id said that the Messenger of Allah said:

(Beware of sitting in the streets.) They said, "O Messenger of Allah, we have no alternative but to sit in the streets to converse with one another.'' The Messenger of Allah said:

(If you insist, then give the street its rights.) They asked, "What are the rights of the street, O Messenger of Allah'' He said,

(Lower your gaze, return the greeting of Salam, enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil.)� 

Thus we find that the men are commanded strictly to lower their gaze and of course guard their private parts which would also mean to remain chaste and not adopt immoral ways. These two actions are the very first step regarding the Hijab of the men as prescribed in Islam by Allah (swt). 

Men also have a dress code and there are certain things which they cannot wear but women can wear. A man is not allowed to wear silk or gold. The man cannot wear thin or see through clothes that would reveal his self to the public. Men are also forbidden to wear that would have any religious significance in another religion. Moreover the man is not permitted to wear tight clothes. The dressing should be loose so as not to show the figure of ones body to others especially those of the opposite sex. There are many rules attached to the dress code of the man. While to some women big biceps of a male would be appealing, it is definitely not permissible for a man with big biceps to show them off in front of females. In fact if a man does have such biceps then it is only appropriate for him to cover them in the right manner. 
 

Conclusion 

Islam has prescribed the Hijab for both the male and the female. The man cannot say that he can overlook his Hijab because the woman is required to lower the gaze and thus she should lower hers and not look at him. Similarly the woman cannot make a similar claim. Both the sexes are responsible for their bit and both will be answerable for how much they follow and do not follow. While some people consider the body language to play an important role in attracting lustful intentions, it is appropriate for both the sexes to be careful of their body language. The Quran prescribes the covering of the head for the females and thus there is no loophole in this command. No one can make the claim that it is not a command from Allah (swt). The fact that it is in the Quran and that Prophet Muhammad (saw) asked the women to do so, establishes it as a ruling in the Shariah although this ruling, if not followed, is not punishable under the Islamic Jurisprudence. Its punishment or mercy lies only in the hands of Allah (swt). This goes both ways for the male and the female. 

Many females think it is unfair that the men do not have to cover their heads. I fail to understand why the woman keeps the man as her yardstick. �The man does this so shall I� has been the attitude of the women for a very long time. They feel that they have to follow the man. Men and women are different in a lot of aspects and hence Islam has prescribed certain roles for each of them in society. A woman not covering herself and exposing herself is more likely to became a victim of for example a rapists as opposed to a man not covering himself becoming a victim of a female rapist. Hence women are given a different dress code while the men are given a different dress code. Following these dress codes is a requirement and is definitely a command from Allah (swt). Now it is up to us to fall victim to the hands of peer pressure, become a slave to designer labels or simply accept Allah (swt) as the Sole God and submit ourselves to Him and dress according to His prescribed ways. The choice is ours and for whichever choice which we make, we alone will be responsible for it. So choose wisely. 

- Ebrahim Saifuddin