Assalamualaikum wa rahamtullah wa barkatuhu,

We all have discussed the subject of hijab several times, still there can always be room for more.

Hopefully the following text will improve the understanding of this Quran command for at least some, insha allah.

http://www.sunnipath.com/Resources/Questions/QA00005070.aspx - Why Hijab

The Qur�anic verse, �Say to believing women, that they cast down their eyes and guard their private parts, and reveal not their adornment save such as is outward; and let them drape their headcoverings over their bosoms, and not reveal their adornment . . .� (Qur�an 24:31) is a specific requirement for Muslim women to cover their hair.

The word �headcoverings� (Ar. singular khimar, plural khumur), more familiar in our times as the hijab, is a word of well-known signification among scholars of Arabic, at their forefront the authors of the classical lexical reference dictionaries like Zabidi�s encyclopedic Taj al-�arus or Mutarrizi�s al-Mughrib, both of which define khimar as �a woman�s headcovering�; or Fayumi�s al-Misbah or Fayruzabadi�s al-Qamus, which both define it as �a cloth with which a woman covers her head.� The Taj al-�arus also notes that a man's turban is sometimes referred to as a khimar �because a man covers his head with it in like manner as a woman covers her head with her khimar when he disposes it in the Arab manner, turning part of it under the jaws nearly in the same manner in which a woman disposes her khimar.� These authorities are cited in the eight-volume Arabic-English Lexicon of Edward William Lane, who describes the khimar as �a woman�s muffler or veil with which she covers her head and the lower part of her face.�

There is no other lexical sense in which the word khimar may be construed. The wording of the command, however, �and let them drape their headcoverings over their bosoms,� sometimes confuses nonspecialists in the sciences of the Qur�an, and in truth, interpreting the Qur�an does sometimes require in-depth knowledge of the historical circumstances in which the various verses were revealed. In this instance, the elliptical form of the divine command is because women at the time of the revelation wore their headcovers tied back behind their necks, as some village women still do in Muslim countries, leaving the front of the neck bare, as well as the opening (Ar. singular jayb, plural juyub, translated as �bosoms� in the above verse) at the top of the dress. The Islamic revelation confirmed the practice of covering the head, understood from the use of the word khimar in the verse, but also explained that the custom of the time was not sufficient and that women were henceforth to tie the headcover in front and let it drape down to conceal the throat and the dress�s opening at the top.

This is why Muslim women cover their heads: because the Qur�an unambiguously orders them to, and there is no qualifying text or hadith or even other lexical possibility to show that the Qur�anic order might mean anything besides obligation. Rather, the hadiths all bear this meaning out, Muslim scholars are in unanimous agreement about it and have been from the time of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) down to our own day, and it is even known by all non-Muslim peoples about them.

There was thus nothing new or surprising in the Islamic legal opinion promulgated in December 2003 by the Grand Mufti of Egypt, Sheikh �Ali Jumu�a of the Egyptian Fatwa Authority (Dar al-Ifta� al-Misriyya) that �the hijab is an obligation on all Muslim female adults, as firmly established in the Holy Qur�an and the Prophet Muhammad�s hadiths, as well as unanimously agreed upon by Muslim scholars.� He pointed out that unlike the cross sometimes worn by Christians, or the skullcap worn by Jews, the hijab is not a �symbol� of Islam but rather that �Islam orders female adults to wear hijab as obligatory religious clothing.� It is part of every Muslim woman�s religious practice.

Some ink and words have been spent by some contemporary ethnic Muslim women writers (and an occasional convert) trying to do away with the covering of hair mandated by the Qur�an and the unanimous consensus of Muslims. They say�accurately enough, for a Muslim does not leave Islam merely by committing a sin�that one can take off the hijab and still remain a Muslim. But such a person remains a bad Muslim, who deems aping non-Muslims better than practicing Islam. For what? The Supreme Being knows our benefit better than we do; and if one believes in Allah, Master of every atom in the universe, it is only plain sense to follow Him. When all else fails, read the directions. Those who refuse to wear the hijab are acting out of ignorance or bad faith, and when one meets them, one seldom finds they manage to practice the other aspects of their religion. In the end, it is a matter of hearts. The heart that is alive has a sense of eternity, and knows that the infinite is greater than the finite. The heart that is dead follows the trends of the trend makers because it has turned its back on the Divine and forgotten endless time.

� MMV Nuh Keller

Salaam Nausheen,

I support your ideas

When I remember the suffering the muslims had in the prophets times, I feel like we are going through some too. But what is ours compared to what they had to go through. They had some one, a messenger from God to guide them and we have ALL what is needed to follow Allahs path; still we fail and we are turning the wrong way.

Hijab is more than just religion, it is everything that makes us more human, more ourselves, more respectful,..

For example: It is as if we start with long sleeves, then comes the 3/4 sleeves, oh now it is OK to wear a T-shirt, after that a tank top, it is not bad why noy try it. Slowly you will feel comfortable practically topless. What a way to go!

This is like hijab, so we start saying "It is OK to take off the hijab, well, you know because of all the weird looks and the discrimination". Then soon enough, you will wear or should I say "not wear" what a muslim should.

WOW, I can't believe what an example we give the west of Islam!

Peace.

hmmm

I think we are all pathetic and weak in one way or another. Each of us can only do so much. Often women are each other's harshest critics. The hijab is just so obvious that we can use it more then other things to judge, separate, feel better then someone else. I do not yet wear hijab but when I hear how harsh people are it makes me feel less safe to involve myself. I think it is important to seek the good in people. To judge someone when you are not in her or his shoes does no one any good and it is a waste of time.

As part of an article from Muslim Women�s League:

Among many Muslims today, hijab is often equated with piety, both by those who cover their hair and those who do not. Unfortunately, too many assume that a woman who covers must naturally be more religious or conservative that one who does not. This generates expectations and pressure on Muslim women in hijab , whose behavior is held to different standards, perhaps undesired on the part of the woman. On the other hand, according to popular opinion, the Muslim woman who does not cover her hair (even if she is otherwise dressed modestly) has not quite arrived at the perceived goal of all righteous believing women. The scarf, an article of clothing, has sadly become a litmus test for a Muslim woman�s faith and devotion to God. Indeed, the importance which some Muslims have attached to hijab has made some sarcastically refer to it as the "Sixth Pillar" of Islam, on par with prayer, fasting, alms-giving, pilgrimage and bearing witness to the oneness of God.

While our faith is manifested in our deeds, only God can judge our piety and righteousness. The Prophet himself (pbuh) would not venture to say who, for certain, would reach Paradise. Such knowledge is with God alone such that the judgement of one person regarding another�s religiosity is totally irrelevant.

How Muslims dress is only one aspect of our identities. For many women, dressing conservatively and covering one�s hair are felt to be acts of faith. Therefore, discriminating against a woman for dressing a particular way violates her freedom to practice her religion, a fundamental right cherished here in the United States. The non-Muslim community, particularly the media, needs to get beyond its own narrow one-dimensional view of the conservative dress of the Muslim woman as a sign of oppression. It is a choice that American Muslim women make, perhaps not the same as that of other women, but equally valid. Ultimately, what really matters is the attitude, behavior and demeanor of the person in question.

A Source of Division?

Among Muslims, the division and intolerance expressed regarding women�s dress is one factor that impedes our growth and development as a meaningful presence in the world today. All Muslims struggle with matters of faith, identity, and community. With the pressing issues facing the Ummah today such as poverty, illiteracy, violence, warfare and other ills, we must ask ourselves if we want to be consumed and paralyzed by the issue of women�s dress. Placing the burden primarily on women without calling for the accountability of men to control themselves and their sexual appetites is in violation of the spirit of the Qur�an which is about self-control and self-restraint.

In addition, the extremely negative attitudes which consider women who do not cover as somehow unchaste are most egregious and unjustifiable. Wrongful accusations against a woman�s honor are met unequivocally with severe consequences as mentioned in the Qur�an (24:4-20).

Only together, through cooperation, tolerance and forbearance, as exemplified by the Prophet (pbuh) can Muslims overcome the obstacles to success in this life and the hereafter that often are expressed in our attitudes towards women.

http://www.mwlusa.org/publications/positionpapers/hijab.html

Assalamu alaikum,

Sister Jenni: glad you didn't leave for good as we can all learn so much from each other!

May I just point out that the words in Sister Nausheen's post are not hers (except the introduction), see the author credited at the end of the post?  May I also add, that in my own opinion, calling anyone a bad Muslim is not something any of us should do, as only Allah can judge us by our own merits.

At the same time, there is no need to be angry with those who are only trying to point out Allah's beautiful way to you.  And yes, some need to quit "gloating" over the hijab issue, or feeling superior etc. - this accomplishes nothing. 

The post by Sister Nausheen is a beautiful explaination of hijab, don't fault her for this.  It is only unfortunate that the author of the article chose to use the term "bad Muslim".

That being said, I also see no merit in telling someone to "take a hike" because you don't agree with their opinion.  Sister, you complained yourself about this in another thread (being "abused" for stating your opinion)!  Let's all just take a step back and take a deep breath.

Hijab is obligatory in Islam, period.  Those who choose to wear it do so by their own free will (except the unfortunate ones who are forced in some cases).  Those who choose not to wear it, also do so by their own free will.

No one should be posting anything that accuses other Muslims of being "bad" for not following the Qur'an - there is no compulsion in the religion.  (Unless they are committing a real evil)  At the same time, there is nothing wrong with persons posting points of view that are in line with what the Qur'an tells us to do.

When you commit real evil, I will be the first on your case!  Choosing not to wear hijab is hardly "evil", but, please don't mind the Sisters for pointing out that it is a good thing to do.  After all, as Muslims we are supposed to enjoin good and forbid evil.

In these evil times, it is so important for Muslims to pull together, to support one another and encourage each other to good.  One shouldn't mind when a Muslim points others in the direction of good.  Being hostile or belligerent over it is not the answer for sure!

Any Muslim should try to urge other Muslims to follow Allah's laws.  Is that not what you try to do when you encourage husbands to help around the house?

We are all so opinionated and all want our point of view heard.  Can we not do this without malice or hard words?  As your sister in Islam, I would only want the best for you.

Please Sister (and all the other Sisters as well) let's all have a nice cup of tea, pray to Allah for guidance and try our hardest to love and support one another, regardless of our choice of clothing!

"O ye who believe!  Stand out firmly for Allah, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice.  Be just: that is next to Piety: and fear Allah.  For Allah is well acquainted with all that ye do."  Qur'an 5:8

Peace, ummziba.

The posting in of itself is fine. It furthers discussion. What bothered me in the posting is:

Those who refuse to wear the hijab are acting out of ignorance or bad faith, and when one meets them, one seldom finds they manage to practice the other aspects of their religion.  That is a judgement placed  upon alot of women the author never met.

Also, calling people's ideas 'pathetic' does no one any good.

I can relate to what Jenni said about being in public. I wore it one day and that was it. Talk about feeling like being in a fish in a fishbowl. That's exactly how I felt.  It left me in tears. Never mind that I also then felt an awesome responsibility to represent Islam.  Talk about being inadequate! Do I feel ready to take that on. No.

I have no problem encouraging people but this is not encouraging its negative. I have traveled to a Moslem country where some women wore a head covering, others did not. So it is not just here in the west. And I also wonder what would happen in some countries where women face social pressure to wear a head covering if that pressure was taken off how many would not wear it? How many leave some of these countries and off comes that head covering? In that case are they doing it from their heart or to please other people? Just a curious question...   

I often wonder about why the issue of hijab is such a hot button one. And I wonder if this is the case because in another way we are focusing on the appearance of women.  When I traveled to a Moslem country the women wore more make-up then my friends who are non-Moslem do here. (Don't tell me its for the men either.. there were no men at these gatherings.. ) Is it still the same issue.. our appearance.  On one hand we want to be looked at beyond the outside package and yet for better or worse we often are stuck focusing on the cover.  We tell women to look good, but not too good as to attract attention.  It is tied into modesty and also how good you dress. I get more unwanted attention if I dress especially nice, no matter I am modestly dressed.

As Salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

I agree with you sister Nausheen, this is a subject that will never go away.

It is very distressing:

1. When we have countries where the majority are Muslims and the Government has banned the woman from wearing Hijab in Universities, Government jobs, etc.
2. When women achieve a high status in politics etc, they takes of her Hijab as a sign of freedom, misleading the world, that Hijab is not an obligation for woman.
3. When women who once wore the Hijab and Niqab with pride now are discarding it as old fashioned, not part of Deen.

None the less it is a confirmed fact that Hijab is an obligation (Fardh) for woman. What I cannot understand is why Hijab is always an issue. Wearing or not wearing Hijab does not measure one's piety. (Sister Hayfa quoted a nice article from Muslim Woman league). But denying the fact that it is an obligation is a sin. Whether a woman wishes to wear it or not it is her choice and only she is accountable to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala for her disobedience. It is the same if one does not pray the Salah, it is a personal relationship between the individual and Allah and HE will reward or punish the person.

Sister Jenni, your attitude towards sister Nausheen is uncalled for. Firstly no matter how divided we are in our ideas, this is an Islamic forum and we are here to help each other towards what is good and prevent each other from falling victims to our whims and desires.

Secondly sometimes when things are being discussed, from time to time, some where along the line it will benefit someone.

Since my return after a two months break from cyberworld, I found that in most threads, brothers and sisters are abusing each other. At least let us unite here in Islamicity. Let this forum be a place for healthy discussions, a place where we can hold onto the Rope of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala together.

May Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala guide us to what is good and keep evil away from our paths. Ameen!

hmm sometimes we think we are doing more good and do more harm.

Secondly sometimes when things are being discussed, from time to time, some where along the line it will benefit someone.

Yes but what type of discussion is there when people are like: "Its a rule you should do it. That's it you are a bad Moslem"  I find that often people who just see a rule and say do it and have no comprehension or ability to have any empathy towards others. Frankly, people on these web sites discourage more then encourage. Compassion is lost.

Yes this is a Moslem web site and it makes me wonder what makes a Moslem?  It is highly discouraging.

Auzubillahi minash shaitan ir rajeem,

Bismillah ir rahman ir rahim,

Assalamualaikum wa rahamtullah wa barkatuhu,

Jazak allah khair everyone who took their time to post on this thread.

Alhamdulillah, as I hoped some of our sisters do agree with the subject. To those who do not, just letting you know, I wanted to post thru the authority of a scholar that hijab is an obligation not a choice. It is not that we wear it or not, and both is okay. The above post was not to point a fingure at anyone, as I hardly know anyone personally.

I am in no position to call anyone good or bad, and those who do not wear hijab for whatever reason they may have, their best judge is allah(SWT). The best duty a muslim has is to tell them what is a part of religion and should be observed.

There are hardly any people in my family who wear hijab ... I grew up, went thru school and college not wearing it, and always thought it was just a part of religion which is not as necessary as others or I would have been told about it. Alhamdulillah, it was after my marriage - in a country far away from home, I met a muslim sister from pakistan who pointed out to me that the order of hijab is there in the quran. She recited the translation of the verse for me in urdu, and I was left speechless ... I always knew denying anything that is in Quran is not a muslim should do - that evening I realised, I have not even read the entire quran in a language I can understand ... tho I observed the five pillars of Islam, and there was no queastion in my heart about my muslim identity.

 I did not read the quran right away, not did I dig into all the hadith related to the issue right away.  It took me a while to understand and accept this as a part of my individuality. Eventually when I did, it was not easy to expalin to all those who knew me without a hijab, but alhamdulillah, the hidaya was from allah, and I have always been quite comfortable with this new change, despite the odds.

Since I was once, one of those who did not wear a hijab, yet lived the spirit of Islam, and was never forced to wear it ... I would be the last person to make it compulsory to anyone from myself. Yet, as a muslim we should tell the sisters that it is an obligation, so even if you do not observe it, at least do not deny it as an obligation, and that would be better for you, insha allah. May allah give you the hidaya, and create circumstances for you to observe His commands.

Like I said in the other thread, a hijab alone cannot determine the piety of any muslimah. There are several obligations in a muslim,s life and all require different levels of sincerity. The more one observes, the closer the person gets to allah (SWT).

I agree with sister Alwarda,  there should not really be an issue, but there is ... thus when there is let us all try to find a common ground to solve it, in a manner which would best please allah(SWT). Insha allah this will be best for all, ameen.

Maa salaama,

Nausheen

As Salamu Alaikum 

I agree with you sister Hayfa, sometimes we do more harm while we think we are doing good. I also agree that sometimes compassion is lost, but remember we cannot control the feelings of others. We must remember that none of us are perfect, each one of us are trying to express ourselves the best we know how.

And as sister Ummziba pointed out there is no compulsion in religion so no one can force another to do any thing they do not what to do, but at the same time it is the duty of each and every Muslim to enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil. Muslims like everyone else on the face of this world are human beings, with good and bad qualities. Only a Muslim who really and truly follows the teachings of the Glorious Qur'an and the Sunnah in letter and spirit has no bad or very few bad qualities. Unfortunately in the world today, we don't have any Muslim (Please note this is based on my opinion) that come near to the qualities and characteristics of the early Muslims. If we look at the world today, it is highly discouraging to follow any religion not only Islam.

But as human being we know we need to worship a God that is our natural instinct. Alhamdulillah despite being born in a Muslim home (practicing just the basic pillars),  I have now, this past 4 or 5 years realized the true meaning of Islam and have discovered its beauty and inner peace all by the Grace and Mercy of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala who guided me and brought me out of the darkness to His Light. Even so I am no where near the level of piety that the early Muslims had. Even though each day I am trying to improve myself, I am still far, very far away from the level of piety, they reached. Insha Allah, Allah does not abandon HIS servants who seek HIS Guidance and there is hope for each and every one of us.

Alhamdulillah there are many sisters like me, sister Nausheen an example, whom Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala has blessed. But more blessed are those who after searching for the truth, Allah guided them to and they reverted. These brothers or sisters accepted Islam after true conviction and they try their best to implement the teachings in their lives step by step. I truly admire them for that. (oops of the topic here)

Firewall a very good question -  Why the Ayat?

Take care

Wa Alaikum Salam