The Verse of Hijab in the Holy Quran
In the Holy Quran, Allah Almighty states: “O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks over themselves.” This verse is commonly referred to as the Verse of Hijab. In this verse, Allah has mandated that every Muslim woman should cover her hair, conceal openings in her garments, and shield her chest, thereby preventing any unlawful desire towards her. This directive honors women, elevating their status while protecting them from potential harm or disrespect, and serves to close all avenues that may lead to their mistreatment. Allah initiated this command with the wives of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), as they serve as role models for the rest of the Muslim women. The verse encompasses the requirement to conceal all forms of adornment, ensuring that nothing appears in the presence of non-mahrams (those whom one can marry), except for that which may unintentionally be revealed, in which case the woman is not held accountable.
Conditions for the Hijab of a Muslim Woman
The prescribed hijab for Muslim women comes with specific conditions derived from the texts of the Quran and the prophetic traditions. When a woman adheres to these guidelines, she may wear what she wishes when venturing into public spaces. The following are the stipulated conditions:
- The hijab must cover the entire body, obscuring all of it.
- It should be thick enough to ensure that what is beneath it is not transparent.
- The garment must be loose-fitting rather than tightly fitted.
- It should not be adorned in a manner that attracts the attention of men.
- The clothing should not be scented or perfumed.
- It must not be a form of clothing that signifies fame or distinction.
- It should not resemble the attire of men or that of non-believers.
- The hijab must not contain images of living beings or symbols of other faiths, such as crosses.
The Wisdom Behind the Legislation of Hijab
The legislation of hijab is accompanied by numerous wisdoms and benefits, including but not limited to the following:
- The hijab is an act of obedience to Allah, the Exalted, and His Messenger (peace be upon him).
- It purifies the hearts of both men and women.
- The hijab symbolizes modesty and virtue.
- It serves as a means of preserving chastity.
- The hijab aligns with the natural disposition of healthy human instincts, such as jealousy.
- It embodies the promotion of noble morals, including modesty and decency.
- The hijab protects against illicit desires and harmful thoughts, safeguarding a man’s honor and mitigating potential harm.