the niqab
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Category: Religion - Islam
Forum Name: Quran & Sunnah
Forum Description: Understanding Quranic ayat and Sunnah
URL: https://www.islamicity.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=12914
Printed Date: 26 November 2024 at 5:12pm
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Topic: the niqab
Posted By: Anna1407
Subject: the niqab
Date Posted: 02 August 2008 at 7:36pm
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hello everyone and Salamaleikum,
I live in the U.S. AND I have been having a bitter battle in my heart about whether or not to continue to wear the niqab due to discriminatio reasons, being unsuccessful of finding a job that might hire me, and little support from fellow Muslims. I also have some questions now regarding the niqab. Is it really Sunnah (that's what I was taught)?, If the Prophet wives and close female companions wore it shouldn't it be important or even obligated becuase of example?, and Has any other religions or cultures wore the niqab? I've really been down lately about the little support and mockery I've received from me wearing it so please no critisism. I would espcially like to hear from some niqabi sisters who may be able to give me some information or even better some encouragement. I hope to hear from someone soon Insh'Allah. Asalamaleikum.
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Replies:
Posted By: seekshidayath
Date Posted: 04 August 2008 at 8:02pm
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As'Salamu Alaikum
Sister, if you feel like to wear it, just wear it. I know many sisters, who were niqabs there.
Before going into discussions, i wish to you to directly go thru the verses of Qur'an which deal with hijab, rather than looking at cultures. Can you kindly go thru english- arabic dictionary, and check out the meanings and translation of the words, "Juyub" and "khimar" and then go to the verse again.
There's differences of opinions. . I wish you to go thru the meaning of those verses direct from dictionary, instead of translations. Arabic words are root words, and have many meanings. Insha Allah, you shall be decisive after going thru them.
Also go thru this
http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/11774/face%20covering - one
http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/21536/face%20covering - two
------------- Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: �All the descendants of Adam are sinners, and the best of sinners are those who repent." |
Posted By: Alwardah
Date Posted: 06 August 2008 at 12:48am
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As Salamu Alaikum Welcome to the Forum Regarding the issue of Niqab (face veil), the scholars have different opinions and the majority say that it is not a Fardh��.so if you are having problems, it is okay not to wear it however Hijab is completely different and it is Fardh for a women to cover herself completely modestly. Insha Allah you understand there is a difference.
Regarding your situation only sisters in the US can advise you what is best.
May Allah make it easy for you to make the right decision, Ameen
Wa Alaikum Salam ------------- �Verily your Lord is quick in punishment; yet He is indeed Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful (Surah Al-An�am 6:165) "Indeed, we belong to Allah and to Him is our return" (Surah Baqarah 2: 155) |
Posted By: Chrysalis
Date Posted: 07 August 2008 at 9:43am
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There is no harm in experimenting. I personally dont think Niqaab is compulsory, but if a lady wishes to go the extra mile according to her personal imaan level . . . then subhanallah, good for them. Honestly speaking, the Niqaab does have rather negative connotations in the non-muslim world, especially the west. But perhaps you can change that. It all depends on your stand on the issue. . . if you are wavering, I suggest you take time and dwell on it. Because ppl's attitudes can affect a person's imaan etc. Not everyone is able to deal with scrutiny etc. Since you live in a nonmuslim majority state, Niqaab may present practical problems to you e.g eating in Public, etc etc. In muslim societies I have noticed that many muslim brothers, no matter how bad, will give respectful privacy to a Niqaabi sister who is eating in public - in nonmuslim societies, it illicits stares.
I would suggest you experiment with the Niqaab . . . wear it in Public a few times (places where u think ppl are more tolerant/multicultural) it will also give u a chance to get the feel of things, and you'll discover whether or not Niqaab is the right choice for you. You need not tell ppl about your experimentation, because that just releases a plethora of critisicm, gossip if one decides to not go ahead with it. Afer a few Niqaab excursions, your heart/mind will definitley have tilted towards a certain answer. Just go with that flow, and your natural inclination of the Imaan. . .
Regards,
May Allah help you with your decision.
PS: I have a friend who observes the Niqaab, and lives in Canada. If you wish, I could ask her to contact you and perhaps share her experience/advise.
------------- "O Lord, forgive me, my parents and Muslims in the Hereafter. O Lord, show mercy on them as they showed mercy to me when I was young." |
Posted By: Hayfa
Date Posted: 08 August 2008 at 8:42am
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Asalam Alaikum
May Allah reward you for your struggle.
I can inagine that is is a very difficult situation. Most of the Niqabbi sisters I met are women who liveat home, often only going out with husbands etc.
I only have met one niqabbi sister who works and sheworks in a Muslim Women's Shelter. So as far as working, and finding a job.. I would suspect it is 3 times as hard as for a hijabi sister.. and they struggle much to get jobs. My prayers are with you sister.
It is mostly sad to me that other Muslims do not support you. Even in kind words of encouragement. But people are funny.. we make divisions where there needs to be none. It takes alot of strength to wear it here.. especially if you not in like Deerborn or places with many, many Muslims.
I think it is great you feel it would be the right thing for you. Some of the best women I met in Pakistan were these women from a great family, some of whom wore niqab. (It was funny I was out with one woman, another woman was wearing who came up was wearing niqab... and ha, it was another family member, did not recognize her..lol)
I wish I had some answers and good suggestions...
Here are a few more articles on it... as mentioned, study an make the best decision for yourself. As mentioned majority of scholars do not consider it Fard.
http://www.islamfortoday.com/niqaabtara.htm - http://www.islamfortoday.com/niqaabtara.htm
http://www.muhajabah.com/finalrule.htm - http://www.muhajabah.com/finalrule.htm
http://www.islamonline.net/english/in_depth/shariahandhumanity/articles/11/01.shtml - http://www.islamonline.net/english/in_depth/shariahandhumanity/articles/11/01.shtml
------------- When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy. Rumi |
Posted By: Anna1407
Date Posted: 11 August 2008 at 7:04pm
| Thank you for the advice everyone..I am still waverig about my decision on wearing it, but hopefully I'll know i time, I'll do a little it more research on it. Asalamaleikum. |
Posted By: seekshidayath
Date Posted: 05 September 2008 at 7:31pm
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As'Salamu Alaikum, Sister, am sharing a mail, Hope it shall help you to decide Hidden Pearls
Pearls beautiful manifestations of Allah's design and creation are born and found in the depths of the ocean within the protection of an oyster shell. Many divers risk their lives to attain these jewels, their shine unmarred, hidden away from human touch & sight. They are lessons in nature for heedful eyes. Have we ever wondered why pearls, the purest and whitest of natural jewels are not found floating on the surface of the ocean for all to see? Have we pondered why all beautiful things are hidden, the pomegranate seeds in their peel white coconut in a coarse shell, diamonds in a mine? And the most beautiful Being beyond our imaginations Allah Ta'ala . Among his best creation, the human being, Allah chose this honour for a woman in order to preserve, protect and purify her beauty and to make it eternal in paradise. A symbol of dignity for centuries, it is now being called a symbol of humiliation and imprisonment . Above everything else people have gone to the extent of saying that this ordainment is not there in the Quran. So let us see what Islam says about veil (Purdah)
1- Surah An-Nur: 31 states: "And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and protect their private parts and not to show off their adornment except that which is apparent and to draw their khumur over their juyub and not to reveal their adornment except to their husband's fathers, or their sons or their husband's sons, or their brothers or their brother's sons, or their sister's sons, or their women, or the slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of feminine sex."
The word 'Khumur' (plural of khimar) is used for a head cover in Arabic. Alcohol is also called khamr because it overcomes or covers up the senses of a person. Before Islam, women would tuck this head dress behind their ears and throw its ends over their shoulders to leave their ears, necks and bosoms uncovered. So it was clearly ordained here to extend the head dress (or scarf or dupatta) over the bosoms so they serve their actual purpose of covering a woman's attraction.
Then women are explicitly told about the people before whom they may reveal their adornment. It is vital to pause here and think, "What was the need of mentioning every mahram by name if there was going to be no difference in the woman's attire before them and everyone else?"
We need to then think about how the shariah (Islamic law), which is full of wisdom, could command the covering of the head and bosom, the lowering of certain gazes and a dignified walk but allow the face to remain uncovered? The face is where the main attraction of a woman lies. It is on the beautification of her face that the woman spends thousands of rupees, the face that attracts men and the face that is used in advertisements to promote many products. 3-In Surah Al-Ahzab: 59, Allah Ta'ala ordains "O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their jilbabs (cloaks) all over themselves. That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as to not be annoyed. And Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful."
The word 'jilbab' refers to an outer garment to be worn over the khimar and clothes when going out of the house.
The word 'ala' (upon) signifies that this cloak must be hung from above a person so as to cover the face, body and clothes and not hung from the shoulders, etc
The Quran cannot be completely understood without ahadith as many issues like wudu, and many issues are more clarified by Ahadith Sahih Al-Bukhari Volume 1, Book 8, Hadith # 347
Narrated Um 'Atiya (Radhiallaahu �nha) We were ordered (by Rasulullah '(Sallallaahu �layhi Wasallam) to bring out our menstruating women and veiled women in the religious gatherings and invocation of Muslims on the two 'Eid festivals. These menstruating women were to keep away from their Musalla. A woman asked, "O Allah's Apostle ' What about one who does not have a veil (the veil is the complete cover with only one eye or two eyes showing)?" He said, "Let her share the veil of her companion." Abu Dawood Book 2, Hadith # 0641 On the other hand the command to abstain from using naqab (sewn cloth for covering face) during Hajj proves the fact that it is necessary otherwise or there would have been no need to stop women from wearing it on Hajj. Infact it is not forbidden to cover the face with an unsewn cloth for women on Hajj. Hadhrat Aisha narrates, "Men on camels used to pass by us while we were with the Prophet SAW and in the state of ihram. We would cover our faces with our jilbabs when they passed by us and then uncover them again." (Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah) This attire is not a hindrance but rather a blessing for the Muslim woman. If an entire nation can go around wearing masks to save themselves from catching the SARS disease, why can't Muslim women do so to save themselves from other kinds of social ills? If a surgeon can perform the most delicate of tasks covered from head to toe, wearing a mask, why must a Muslim woman's sight, hearing or breathing be obstructed by a cloth?
Does keeping a pearl within a cover or a diamond in a safe place decrease its worth? Rather it increases it.
Whenever the women of Jannah are mentioned in the Quran, their quality of being hidden and preserved is also mentioned which further enhances their beauty. They have been called Azwajun Mutahharatun (purified wives) and Lulu-el-Maknoon (Pearls kept hidden). Allah Ta'ala says: "And beside them will be Qasirat-at-Tarf (ones with lowered, restrained eyes) with wide and beautiful eyes. (Delicate and pure) as if they were (hidden) eggs (well) preserved." (As-Saffat: 48-49)
If we desire to be amongst these women in the gardens of Paradise, we will have to develop these qualities within ourselves from this world onwards to become one of the Hidden Pearls. Hence its an order proved from the Quran and Sunnah, if we wish to be in the list of momin, who has only the visa for jannah so we have to do Sama'na wa Ata'na (we listened and we obeyed) ------------- Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: �All the descendants of Adam are sinners, and the best of sinners are those who repent." |
Posted By: seekshidayath
Date Posted: 05 September 2008 at 7:34pm
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I asked a sister, who is from my place, and right now in California, as how she manages to wear face-lift {Niqab} while the conditions there don;t permit. ANd this was her reply
See what i feel is nothing is impossible for a heart with strong imaan.Allah swt makes ways easy . Yes at some places some sisters might feel very awkward or like alein but all depends on what u feel inside .Allah swt says " Banda jasiey gumaan karta hai mai waisa hi hoon" so if u have taqwa Allah swt make u unnoticable among the crowd no one will look at u as if u r alien , but if u itself feel shy & bother more about what people will think then definetly it becomes very hard for u to go outside . InshaAllah me & my husband coming to India next week, InshaAllah will talk to u ,-
------------- Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: �All the descendants of Adam are sinners, and the best of sinners are those who repent." |
Posted By: thaniya
Date Posted: 05 September 2008 at 11:22pm
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Asalam aleikum,
I respect women who wear the niqab just as much as those who wear hijab without the face veil, neither of them should criticize the other. If you wear the hijab (face veil or not) by choice and not by force then mashallah, hats off to both. Allah (SWT) does not overburden his slaves with more than they can bear. Islam becomes tough only if you make it that way. The majority of muslim women cannot deal with wearing the niqab (be it because they feel awkward, they are bothered about what people think, for fear of not getting work... for whatever reasons), for them it is a burden. It does not mean that they are any less closer to Allah, they will try to strive in another way to get closer to Him. I have friends who wear the niqab, I tried it too, and in no way does it necessarily mean that your eeman level is higher than a muslim woman who doesn't wear it. Allah knows best. |
Posted By: Chrysalis
Date Posted: 07 September 2008 at 6:52am
Seekshidayath: I am aware that those are not your opinions verbatim, but is an extract from an email - however I wised to adderess a few points
I very respectfully, beg to differ. The Quran does not explicitly state a 'Face Covering' i.e. Viel. The wisdom behind it bieng, that like Allah said so Himself, He made Islam easy on us. Had the face-viel been compulsory, a lot of women would have faced inconvenience and difficulty - since we cannot presume/expect all muslimahs around the entire world to have the same level of imaan, we cannot say tht it should be an easy choice for everone. hence the niqaab is an option, not complusory or the bare-minimum. also the women who have to venture outside, may find it difficult to observe the viel 24hrs; few examples bieng eating in public, during salaat, etc.
Also, I believe the reason Allah specifically mentions body parts to be covered, is to adderess sexuality. Muslim women (and men) are not supposed to publicly display thier sexuality . . .hence covering of the bosom, figure etc. The face, though an attractive feature (like the entire woman herself), is not a sexual object/feature. Thus is not compuslory to cover. Also, a man is attracted to a woman, based on a complete package, not just the face. Hence, a muslimah, who covers her body the islamic way, yet leaves her face uncovered, is not displaying her sexuality, and thus is within Islamic injuctions.
Like the translation above, Jilbab refers to a covering in general, does not mention the face. As for the explanation of the word 'ala' , that is a personal interpretation. Allah Himself gave room to decide in the verse, so who are we to enforce a standard? As for the word 'ala=upon' it may very well be referring to 'upon the head' as a head-covering. Not neccessarlily in such a way as to cover the face (in a 'ghoongat'- format for urdu-spkrs), that extension is what we interpreted or added.
How does the reader know that the word that was translated to mean 'vieled' actually referred to the viel? and not a 'covering' ? Because in english, viel refers to face-covering. . . however it depends on the usage of the arabic word. There are different arabic words for 'viel' 'head covering' 'covering' etc, so one needs to know which word was used in the hadith.
I have read this hadith numerous times elsewhere, and those translations did not use the word 'viel' , they said 'hijab' . . .because hijab encompasses the general modesty aspect including 'lowering of the gaze' . . . a viel does not prevent a woman from looking at a man, but using the word 'hijab' does, cz hijab includes lowering of the gaze.
This again, I believe is a very opinion-based explanation! How does the commandment of 'dont use viel during hajj' automatically mean that it is compulsory!!! If anything, it negates that concept, i.e its actually not compuslory, because Allah asks women not to wear it during hajj; where a woman is walking amidst hoards of men.
That I agree with, it is not forbidden in Islam to cover the face i.e Niqaab - just like it is not compuslory. Both are extreme viewpoints (i.e. those who think it is a must, and those who think it is haraam)
Hence its an order proved from the Quran and Sunnah, if we wish to be in the list of momin, who has only the visa for jannah so we have to do Sama'na wa Ata'na (we listened and we obeyed) |
seekshidayath wrote:Posted By: believer
Date Posted: 07 September 2008 at 7:45am
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Living in the US you have a choice, you may wear the face veil if you wish. You must remember though that the people you are interviewing with have a choice too of not hiring you if they believe you would not be able to do your job completely when wearing the veil. Many people are hard of hearing. Sometimes I have to read lips to be able to "hear" what a person is saying. I would not hire you.
http://www.islamicity.com/forum/member_profile.asp?PF=58478&FID=44 - Chrysalis - yes there is a huge negative feeling about face veils. Does it stem from bankrobbers hidding their faces?, most people in the west hid their faces because they have something to hide. Have you ever noticed how people walking outside court rooms after being convicted cover their faces?
We identify others by their face. I like to be friendly smile and greet people on the street. Would I do that to someone in a face veil. I don't know, they would seem to me to not want to be recognized. ------------- John 3 16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. |
Posted By: seekshidayath
Date Posted: 07 September 2008 at 9:50am
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As'Salamu Alaikum,
Since its Ramdha'an, i shall not debate
 .Insha Allah, sister shall answer you once i get free. JazakAllah for your response to it.
------------- Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: �All the descendants of Adam are sinners, and the best of sinners are those who repent." |
Posted By: Nur_Ilahi
Date Posted: 08 September 2008 at 7:54am
Assalamualaikum.
To a man lust or passion starts from the eyes that is the sight while to a woman it starts from the touch or skin. Some man loves to see the sight of a woman�s figure, some gets excited just admiring the hair, some like to ogle the ***, some eyed the beautiful necks, while most salivate at the sight of the beautiful ***. While in the cases of a most woman, their lust begins with the touch. Hence the reason we must not bare ourselves to men as quoted in the Quran. By using hijab, we are not only protecting ourselves as a woman, but we are also protecting society. Since the male who is looking at us are the sons, the fathers, the brothers, the uncles, the husbands of society, we are contributing to the well being of the society in general by protecting ourselves. And for men, by not ogling women, who are the daughters, the wives, the sisters, the mothers or aunts, they themselves are contributing a big share of security to the society. Anykind of garments that are opaque, not figure hugging, covers the necessary part of a woman�s assets, are permissible. To me covering the face is too much. Islam is simple, only those who do not understand make it difficult. Yes we can cover our faces if our faces are too beautiful that not only attract men�s attention but also women. It then can cause fitnah. Or perhaps if the faces are too hideous that will invite insults and humiliation, then one should cover the face. I think some women cover their faces because they followed blindly what the Arab women in the desert were doing. There is another reason for these women to cover their faces as the fine sands in the deserts can be a menace to the face. Allahu�alam. Allah knows best. ------------- Ilahi Anta Maksudi, Wa Redhaka Mathlubi - Oh Allah, You are my destination, Your Pleasure is my Intention. |
Posted By: Chrysalis
Date Posted: 09 September 2008 at 1:27am
The negative connotation about face-viels has nothing to do with bank-robbers or convicts - it is due to stereotypes, and the incorrect perception that links viels with female supression, and infringing of rights. It is also a symptom/result of xenophobia and islamophobia. . . as well as intolerance to other cultures.
------------- "O Lord, forgive me, my parents and Muslims in the Hereafter. O Lord, show mercy on them as they showed mercy to me when I was young." |
Posted By: believer
Date Posted: 09 September 2008 at 6:22pm
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http://www.islamicity.com/forum/member_profile.asp?PF=58478&FID=44 - Chrysalis - You are generalizing, yes there are some that are afraid of Islam and foreigners but I am not, as are most people I have contact with. I live in a multicultural area. ------------- John 3 16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. |
Posted By: Chrysalis
Date Posted: 11 September 2008 at 1:40pm
So I never presumed you were one of them. However Islamophobia is an unfortunate fact/reality, and alarmingly rampant. . . that cannot be ignored or negated. ------------- "O Lord, forgive me, my parents and Muslims in the Hereafter. O Lord, show mercy on them as they showed mercy to me when I was young." |