Muslim Women to Wear the Hijab or Veil

The value, rights, and respect that Islam gives to women are unmatchable and there is no other culture, religion or law in the world that gives women such a status that empowers and reveres them in the way as Islam does. Though people may somehow be convinced of all the rights that Islam gives to women and the kind of place they have in Muslim society, however, the one thing that is the hardest when it comes to convincing others is the Hijab or veiling that Muslim women wear. Most people think that Hijab is a sign of invasion and that is something that holds women back and makes them inferior. This is a wrong perception in actually Hijab or veil is meant to give protection to women and it is a symbol of respect in Islam. 

The word “Hijab” is repeated seven times in the Quran referring each time exactly to the same meaning. “Hijab” means curtain, separation, and wall, in other words, anything that hides and protects something. Almighty Allah says in the Holy Quran, ” O you who have believed, do not enter the houses of the Prophet except when you are permitted for a meal… And when you ask [his wives] for something, ask them from behind a separation (Hijab).” (Quran, 33: 53)

Hijab or women’s veiling represents a woman’s submission to her Creator and her connection with the faith. Hijab is a symbol, but in reality, it is much more than that.  Hijab or women veiling is a religious obligation, which a woman has to commence. When a Muslim woman wears Hijab, she is obeying and submitting to Allah. Allah (SWT) says in the Holy Quran: “O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves (part) of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.” (Quran, 33:59)

In religion Islam, there are two basic requirements for women to get dressed firstly a woman’s body should be covered such that only her face, hands, and feet are revealed. Secondly, the clothing must be loose enough so that the shape of a woman’s body is not visible. It is a hijab that marks a Muslim woman. Allah Almighty mentioned in the Holy Quran about Muslim women dress code in these words: “And tell the believing women to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof and to wrap [a portion of] their headcovers over their chests and not expose their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands’ fathers, their sons, their husbands’ sons, their brothers, their brothers’ sons, their sisters’ sons, their women, that which their right hands possess, or those male attendants having no physical desire or children who are not yet aware of the private aspects of women. And let them not stamp their feet to make known what they conceal of their adornment. And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers that you might succeed.” (Quran, 24:31)

In short, Hijab is not a constraint for Muslim women, rather who wear it wear to beautify that gives them respect as well as keep them pious and free from any disturbance. Muslim women should make a practice to wear the hijab so that we can obey the Almighty Allah and can earn blessings from Him in both worlds.