Hijaab in Islam Page 1 of 12

HIJAAB IN
ISLAM

Compiled by:
Students of Jamea Tul Imam Muhammad Zakaria (R.A)
jamea publication no.5
1st Edition
SAFAR 1419-JUNE 1998

CONTENTS

Introduction

How Hijaab Came in to Being

Hijaab in the Blessed Era of The Prophet sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam

The Observance of Hijaab in Time of Difficulty

Hijaab from a Blind

The Necessities of Hijaab & Consequences of Negligence

Violations of Hijaab

Qur’anic Tafseer Upon Hijaab

Conclusion

see also Hijaab - by a student of Darul Uloom, Holcombe UK

High Esteem of Women in Islam

INTRODUCTION
In the Name of Allah the Most
Beneficient and Merciful
This article portrays a broad representation of the issues of hijaab. Hijaab is seen as a very controversial
issue and many argue that the ones ‘ under cover’ are undeniably attracting the most attention, a belief
which confuses the logic of hijaab.

Firstly, the observers of hijaab may be a minority within certain regions which is the case in many a
town or city, however, this is obviously the case due to the number of Muslim sisters whom have chosen

http://www.inter-islam.org/Lifestyle/hijaab.htm 8/15/2009
Hijaab in Islam Page 2 of 12

to neglect such a worthy act, and it is these very persons whom chose to voice such discouraging and
demeaning statements. Such a statement however is a representation of sheer ignorance and is denial of
faith which is bestowed by the All Provider: the Almighty Allah.

The observance of hijaab will Insha’Allah reap a glorious Hereafter and uncountable benefits in this
world .With anything in life determination is a much needed characteristic.

Is it not time that we allowed our faith to snub out feelings of doubt and inferiority which are merely
emotions created by the forever menacing Shaitaan ?
[Back to contents]

How Hijaab Came To Being

Islam being an eternal religion has thus catered for man’s life upon this world in the most stringent of
ways and so Islam has not only defined the lawful from the unlawful, however, it has also made
unlawful all acts/objects which would resultantly procure unlawfulness, i.e. The act of drinking alcohol
has been defined as unlawful, in conjunction to this any acts/objects which could lead to the
consumption of alcohol are also defined as unlawful for example the selling of alcohol, working within a
brewery etc.

In the same manner adultery is unlawful within Islam and so in view of this any such acts which may
lead to this e.g. Lustful gazing have also been defined as unlawful. In order that such acts are ruled out
the revelations governing Hijaab were ordained upon mankind.

These revelations were revealed unto mankind within the actual era of Prophecy. This era was a period
of time which held many highly ranked and pious households whom, through their piety did not allow
free mingling of the opposite sex. Thus, the people of this era were the refined and decent of man
however, from the very beginning the free mingling of the opposite sex was an act which held dislike
and opposition.

The actual date of the revelation governing Hijaab is one of differing opinions however, Hijaab was
ordained as compulsory within 3.A.H or 5.A.H.

The Holy Quran contains 7 verses altogether concerning Hijaab, 3 of these are featured within Surah
Noor and 4 in Surah Ahzaab.

The Quranic tafseer (commentary) upon these mentioned verses can be read within this booklet.

There are more than 70 invaluable ahadith which are concerned with matters regarding Hijaab. From
amongst the 7 Quranic verses, scholars are unanimous upon the fact that the verses within Surah Ahzaab
were revealed before those of Surah Noor.

Hazrat Umar (R.A) once suggested to the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam that the wives of the
Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam should observe the veil as many differing persons of differing
manners and natures visit the houses of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. The Holy Prophet
Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam himself found this a desirable suggestion however, he was unable to turn the
suggestion into a practicality as the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam was in wait of divine revelation.
Shortly afterwards the revelations of Hijaab were revealed successively.

The first of the revelations concerning Hijaab is as follows :

http://www.inter-islam.org/Lifestyle/hijaab.htm 8/15/2009
Hijaab in Islam Page 3 of 12

"Do not enter the houses of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam unless you have been granted
permission." Surah Ahzaab.
[Back to contents]

Hijaab In The Era Of Prophecy

Many a time people have argued whether Sahaabiyaat (the female Companions of the Prophet Sallallahu
Alaihi Wasallam used to observe Hijaab or not. Such arguments are predominantly centered around the
actual veiling of the face, proclaiming that such an act was not alive within the Sahabiyaat.This
argument however, is merely false consolation and bears little or no weight.

There are many evidential ahadith and incidents which reinforce the observance of Hijaab and actual
veiling of the female face within the era of the glorious prophecy.

Hazrat Ali (R.A) narrates that once he was in the presence of the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi
Wasallam when the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam questioned, "Tell me what is the most
worthy act of a woman?" Upon hearing this all the Companions of the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi
Wasallam remained silent. Hazrat Ali (R.A) further reports that when I returned to my house I
forwarded the same question to Hazrat Fatimah (R.A). She replied, "A woman should not see any man
nor should a man see her." Hazrat Ali (R.A) says, "I then related this to the Holy Prophet Sallallahu
Alaihi Wasallam and he stated that Fatimah is my beloved child, for this reason she has understood
properly." (Musnad-e-Bazzaar)

From this hadith we have learnt that Hijaab is the most important item in a woman’s life. The whole aim
for a woman is to keep her beauty hidden so that it is not revealed to a ‘non-mehram’ (to whom marriage
is permissible) which could finally lead to evil acts.

Hazrat Aa’isha (R.A) narrates that on one occasion a female fellow Muslim wanted to give a letter to the
Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, the letter was delivered to the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi
Wasallam from behind a curtain. (Abu Dawood, Nasai and Mishkaat)

Considering the fact that all female believers are the daughters of the Prophet Sallallahu Alahi Wasallam
and that the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam himself was flawless, the above incident is
evidence enough of the fact that the Sahaabiyaat were observers of Hijaab.

Hazrat Umme Atiyyah (R.A) has narrated that the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam once
ordered that upon the day of Eid,that even the menstruating women and the veiled girls should also join
the Eid congregation (in order that the congregation may project a greater number of Muslims for
onlooking non-Muslims).

Some Muslim women questioned, "If one of us does not have a veil should we still attend the
congregation?"

The Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam answered,

"Her (Muslim) sister should cover her in her cloak." (Mishkaat)

[Back to contents]

THE OBSERVANCE OF HIJAAB IN TIME OF DIFFICULTY:

http://www.inter-islam.org/Lifestyle/hijaab.htm 8/15/2009
Hijaab in Islam Page 4 of 12

Hazrat Qais Ibne Shammas (R.A) reports that Umme Khallad (R.A) came to the Holy Prophet Sallallahu
Alaihi Wasallam to inquire about her son who had been killed in one of the battles in the path of Allah.
When she arrived she had a veil covering her face. Upon seeing this one of the Companions of the Holy
Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, "How is it that even under such unfortunate conditions (inspite
of such grief and sorrow) you wear the Hijaab?"

Hazrat Umme Khallad (R.A) replied,

"If I have lost my son I have not lost my modesty." (i.e I should not lose them both)

Then the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam replied, "Your son will gain the reward of two
martyrs."

She asked, "How can this be possible?"

The Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam replied, "Because ‘Ahl-e-Kitab’ (people of the book, i.e.
Jews, Christians ) have killed him." (Narration of Abu-Dawood)

From this we can learn how the Sahabiyaat (those women who saw the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi
Wasallam after accepting Islam) remained firm upon the observance of hijaab even at times of difficulty
and misery.
[Back to contents]

HIJAAB FROM A BLIND PERSON:

Hazrat Umme Salamah (R.A) narrates that once Hazrat Maimoona (R.A) and I were in the presence of
the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam when Hazrat Abdullah Ibne Umme Maktoom (R.A)
arrived. As he was blind it never occured to us that it was necessary to observe hijaab, therefore we
remained seated. The Holy Prophet SallallahuAlaihi Wasallam ordered us to observe hijaab. I replied
"Oh Prophet of Allah he is unable to see us." Upon hearing this the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi
Wasallam said, "Are you both also blind? Are you not casting your sight upon him?" (Mishkaat, Tirmizi
and Abu Dawood)

Thus, we see the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam ordering his wives to observe hijaab even in
the presence of a blind person.

The above highlighted incidents stand as proof enough of hijaab in the era of Prophecy. How is it that as
wrong doers we can throw wild accusations in the direction of the beloved Sahaabiyaat?

May the Almighty provide us with willful understanding and keep us safe from joining the slanderers of
this world. Aameen.
[Back to contents]

THE NECCESSITIES OF HIJAAB AND CONSEQUENCES OF NEGLIGENCE

"Oh Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam! Tell thy wives and thy daughters and the women of the
believers to draw over them their jilbaabs (cloaks). That in the least so that they be recognised and not
be molested." (Surah Ahzaab)

"And remain within your homes and do not make an exibition ( of your selves) like the displays (of the

http://www.inter-islam.org/Lifestyle/hijaab.htm 8/15/2009
Hijaab in Islam Page 5 of 12

immoral women) of former times of ignorance." (Surah Ahzaab)

One of the fundamental principles of Islam is to establish a system of virtue, goodness and justice. For
this reason Islam teaches both men and women in order to secure such a society. Amongst other things it
disciplines the human urge for the opposite sex so that both sexes can live in pure wedlock and have full
control over their beastal desires. To achieve this objective Islam has a code of behaviour. Breaching
these codes of principles may resultantly endanger the purity and goodness of society. This code
protects, wards off evil inclinations and bad influences. This observation of rules is termed as hijaab/
purdah.

The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam is reported to have said,

"Verily a woman walks in the form of Shaytaan. Her approaching and recoiling are in the form of
Shaytaan."

Commentary : This means that Shaitaan used women as a means to trap man into doing evil.

In another tradition the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, "Verily the woman is aurah
( anything that is concealed by shame and prudency) whenever she leaves the home the Shaitan raises
his eyes and looks towards her. When she is in the innermost part of the home it is then that she is
closest to her Lord ."

From the above hadith we learn that the Shaitan used the women as his avenue to creat evil in society.

In the second hadith we learn that a woman should not be revealed to strangers and that the coming out
of the home can only cause mischief as Shaitan awaits and gives her his evil and full attention.

In Islam a woman feels a great sense of security and enjoys a high status of honour and dignity within
her home and out, which in a way is greater than man’s. Each sex have their own responsibility and
duties to perform according to their emotional and biological nature. Her great responsibility lies in the
upbringing of the nation’s next generation. On her shoulders does not lie the burden of financial
problems, therefore she has no need to venture out of her home unlike the non-Muslim women.

Insecure feelings, financial, moral and physical problems have driven the non-Muslim women from the
boundries of her home. In the process she has had to abandon her modesty and dignity at the cost of
moral and spiritual life, hoping that through this she can overcome her insecurity and inferiority against
men.

In Islam a woman’s real worth is not accounted by exhibiting a half exposed body, or the fascination
that the opposite sex has for her, rather it is by her modesty, piety and moral conduct.

The main aim of purdah or hijaab is to guard the spiritual and moral purity of man. Caution is taken in
the very first steps so that man is prevented from plungering into the abyss of immorality and
shamelessness which can be witnessed today.

The Quran reads, And tell the believing woman to lower their gaze and be modest. (24.31). The same
has been ordered for man as well.

The Quran proclaims," Do not approach near fornification."

http://www.inter-islam.org/Lifestyle/hijaab.htm 8/15/2009
Hijaab in Islam Page 6 of 12

Shame and respect are natural qualities in man. When these cannot be found in him and his whole
community, what can be the outcome of this? You only have to look around us today to witness these
atrocities caused by the negligence of immodesty.

The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said,

"There is nothing left after me more dangerous to man than the temptations of women."

Is not the unveiling of women in our time along with the free mixing of both sexes the cause to some of
the social and moral ailments? Many complain that the hijaab enjoined upon Muslim women is far too
restrictive and rigid and is in order to keep inferior to man. Ignorance and misunderstanding can only be
the cause of such beliefs. Besides Islam which other religion or nation has given homes full protection
from exploitation from strangers? While at the same time Islam guides women upon importance of
purity and morality as well as upholding her status and dignity.

A woman is likened to a sweet creature, everything about her is an attraction for spectators. Islam
protects her by enjoining her to wear hijaab so that the covering of herself does not attract men like the
swamps of flies and dirty creatures are attracted to uncovered sweets as in the case of todays women
who falls prey to this.

The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam was ordered to tell his wives and believing women to wear
purdah so that they could be recognised as believing women and not molested. Is this not the case of
todays women?

The Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam is reported to have said, "Every religion has a
characteristic. The characteristic of Islam is modesty." (Ibn Majah.)

He also said, "Verily modesty and faith are inter-related. If one is taken out the other diminishes
simultaneously". (Bayhaqi)
[Back to contents]

VIOLATIONS OF HIJAAB

Many women today say that the wearing of veil is difficult and unimportant.

In the Holy Prophet’s (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) era the modesty and observance of hijaab amongst
the Sahaabiyaat was at it’s peak despite the lesser need for it than today. Communities and nations
progressed and were sucessful due to such social conduct.

The evils of shamelessness, of low morals and over liberated people are the main cause of destruction of
any member or nation; as humans we all bear testimony to this, be it that our testimonies are voiced or
unvoiced. Only in this belated age of modernity do people have a divergent view on modesty. Today,
hijaab may pose difficulties for Muslim women due to the environment surrounding them. If we actively
create an environment of hijaab i.e. if our mothers, sisters, and friends who we daily visit become
observers of hijaab then the situation would become one of the norm, eliminating feelings of
awkwardness and difficulty.

In the sixties when our elders first came to Britain it was impossible to keep a beard or wear a topi,
rouges would mock such persons. But today Alhamdulillah we see many muslim youngsters in the
middle of the town dressed in jubbas and turbans without the slightest hesitation or fear.

http://www.inter-islam.org/Lifestyle/hijaab.htm 8/15/2009
Hijaab in Islam Page 7 of 12

The Thawaab and divine pleasure for reviving hijaab can be deduced from the following hadith.

The Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, "He who adheres to my Sunnah at a time when my
Ummah has become corrupt will obtain the Thawaab of a hundred martyrs."
[Back to contents]

QURANIC TAFSEER UPON HIJAAB

"O ye who believe! Enter not the dwellings of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam for a meal
without waiting for the proper time, unless permission be granted you. But if ye are invited, enter and
when your meal is ended then disperse. Linger not for conversation. Lo, that would cause annoyance
to the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam and he would be shy of (asking) you (to go) but Allah is
not shy of the truth."

The above is a part revelation of verse : 53- Surah Ahzaab.

In a narration of Bukhari, Hazrat Anas (R.A) explains: " I am the most known amongst the
people, concerning the causes of the first revelation of Hijaab. Reason being, I was present
throughout the whole incident and I witnessed the acts of the Sahaabaa and the Prophet Sallallahu
Alahi Wasallam."

After Hazrat Zainab bint Jahash enjoined in marriage with the blessed Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi
Wasallam, she was brought into the small house situated in the Haram of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi
Wasallam. The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam had a meal prepared in aid of the blessed marriage
i.e. Waleemah. After the dinner was served many people stayed behind and lingered for purposes of
conversation. In a narration of Tirmizi it is stated that the blessed Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam
and Ummul Mu’mineen Hazrat Zainab (R.A) also remained there. Hazrat Zainab (R.A) had turned her
face towards the wall in shame. To see such actions caused discomfort to the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi
Wasallam, who took leave and visited the other blessed wives. Upon return he found the gathering had
not yet dispersed. Again the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam left in annoyance. Seeing this act of the
Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam many people understood and took leave. Hazrat Anas (R.A) reports:
The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam came outside the small building and I was present there too. It
was then that the above verses were revealed to the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam.

Although the verses do not openly explain the form and procedures of Hijaab, they have given an
explanation as to refrain from going to the Prophet’s Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam houses, because
discomfort was resultant not only for the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam but also for the blessed w
ives too.

Following onwards the Quran portrays : ‘ And when ye ask of them (the wives of the Prophet
Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) anything,ask it of them from behind a curtain. That is purer for your
hearts and for their hearts.’ (Part revelation of verse:53 Surah Ahzaab)

Although the cause of revelation refers only to the blessed wives of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi
Wasallam, the rule applies to the whole Ummah. So that the hearts and intents of both the believing men
and women can stay clean and purified.

We learn that if such a revelation was related to the blessed wives of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi
Wassallam, who in all means stand as our pillars of guidence, then we, the unworthy, too must also
consider the matter and follow in accordance, as no man can ever level with the standards of piety and

http://www.inter-islam.org/Lifestyle/hijaab.htm 8/15/2009
Hijaab in Islam Page 8 of 12

purity of the blessed Sahaabaa/Sahaabiyaat. If there were such restrictions, then we, in all circumstances
should restrict ourselves more severely in matters such as these.

Allah Ta’aalaa has stated in the Holy Quran: "And stay in your houses, adorn not yourself with the
adornment of the times of ignorance." (Part revelation : Surah Ahzaab)

The times of ignorance mentioned in the Aayah indicate the days of darkness previous to the light and
expandations of Islam. The Holy Qur’an has referred to these days as, ‘The first/early days of
ignorance.’ This reveals to us the fact that there will be another period when darkness will over power
the true light to cause disruption within the living people again.

Reflecting upon the present situation of the ways of the world, we can witness this fact. We see the evil
growth of ignorance is casting it’s magnitudinal force, unfortunately the very ways and teachings of the
Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam are being neglected.

If one looks towards the inner meaning of the Aayah, it becomes apparent that a woman was created
with a homely character, her duties lie within her home, therefore the Islamic law requires her to stay at
home. However, if the need arises she is permitted to leave her home, enclose herself within the
‘Jilbaab’ and accomplish her needs.

Allah Ta’aalah has further stated in the Holy Quran :

‘O, Prophet ! (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) tell thy wives and thy daughters and the women of the
believers to draw their cloaks close round them (when they go out). That will be better so that they
may be recognised and not annoyed. Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful.’ (Verse: 59 Surah Ahzaab)

Hazrat Ibne Jareer (R.A.)has reported the discription of ‘Jilbaab’ from Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Abbas
(R.A.) : ‘A thick cloth in which a woman conceals herself from head to toe allowing a narrow opening
by the eye for means of seeing.’

Along with this limitation, the woman must walk to one side of the path, refrain from mingling in
crowds of men, not apply perfume or any other forms of scent, or wear tinkling jewellery that cause
attraction, as these give invitation towards corruptive acts.

In the above mentioned Aayah, Allah Ta’aalaa has ordained the blessed wives, daughters and believing
women of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam to observe ‘Hijaab’, according to the specification of
Abdullah ibn Abbas (R.A).

A woman is like a precious rare stone, the most valuable and attractive recognition is her face. It would
be considered useless if she concealed her whole body, and revealed her face, for this is where a
woman’s beauty lies. What could be more worthy of being kept ‘well hidden’ than her face?

Hazrat Abdullah Ibne Mas’ood (R.A) has given the following definition for the ‘Jilbaab’: ‘The large
cloth which is worn over the large head scarf (dupattah).’

Imam Mohammad Ibn Seereen (R.A) inquired to Hazrat Ubaydah Salmaani (R.A) about the ‘Jilbaab’
and its form of concealment. Hazrat Ubaydah (R.A) taught through demonstration by drawing a large
cloth over his head and then covered the face allowing a small opening by the left eye for purposes of
seeing.

http://www.inter-islam.org/Lifestyle/hijaab.htm 8/15/2009
Hijaab in Islam Page 9 of 12

Both explanations of Ibne Abbas (R.A) and Ubaydah Salmaani (R.A) are focused upon the word
‘yudneena ‘ (in the Aayah). The Aayah openly explains the necessity of ‘Hijaab’ for women of all ages
and times.

Hazrat Maulana Shabbir Ahmed Uthmani (R.A) has stated : "It can be found in many narrations that the
believing women would go out in such concealment that only one eye would be revealed for means of
seeing. So, accordingly in the age of corruption, to cover the face would fall as a compulsory act upon
every Muslim woman."

However, if unintentionally any loss or misconduct occurs within the observation of Hijaab, Allah
Ta’aalaa is most forgiving.

Commentary upon ‘Hijaab’ is covered sufficiently under the verses of Surah Ahzaab, which was
revealed at the time of the respected marriage of Hazrat Zainab bint Jahash (R.A) at the blessed hands of
the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam.

The scholars’ views differ as to when this incident took place. Many scholars view this incident to have
taken place in the year 03. A.H. In contrast several others as mentioned in ‘Tafseer Ibn Katheer’ and
‘Naylul-Awtaar’ give a stronger view towards the occurence of the incident to have taken place in the
year 05.A.H. This has also been narrated from Hazrat Anas (R.A). However, an agreement was finally
made on the narration of Hazrat Anas (R.A).

The verses upon ‘Hijaab’ in Surah Noor were revealed in the year 06.A.H. The observance of Hijaab was
obediently adhered to in result of the revelations of Surah Ahzaab. The following part revelation of
verse: 60, Surah Noor explains :

" In such a way as not to show adornment." One interpretation of the Aayah explains that having
dressed accordingly as the Quran, old womenfolk may go out unveiled yet in such a way that adornment
is not revealed.

The Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam once said to his blessed wives: "I permit you to leave
your homes whenever the need arises."

It is said that the blessed wives of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam would pay visits to their
parents, friends, relatives etc. They would also take leave for purposes such as performing the blessed
pilgrimage as well as the optional Umrah. Many Sahaabiyaat would accompany the blessed Sahaabaa at
the time of battle, nursing the wounded etc.

"Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their modesty, that is purer for them. Lo! Allah
is aware of what they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest, and to
display of their adornment only that which is apparent, and to draw their veils over their bosoms, and
not to reveal their adornment save to their own husbands or fathers or husband’s fathers or their sons
or their husband’s sons or their brothers, or their brother’s sons or sister’s sons or their women or
their slaves, or male attendants who lack vigour, or children who know naught of womens nakedness.
And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And turn unto
Allah together, O, believers in order that you may succeed." (Surah Noor, verses: 30-31)

"And tell the believing men to lower their gaze."

‘Yaguddoo‘ is originated from the word ‘ gadd‘ which means: " To lower the gaze." Relating to this

http://www.inter-islam.org/Lifestyle/hijaab.htm 8/15/2009
Hijaab in Islam Page 10 of 12

Aayat Ibne Katheer and Ibne Hibban have commentated as follows: To turn the gaze away from such
things upon which the Islamic law has forbidden, e.g. To look at a non mehram of the opposite sex with
bad intent, to even glance at any male/females’ ‘Satar’, to disturb others privacy by looking into their
homes, living quarters etc., are extremely forbidden and the outcomes are severe (in this World and in
the Hereafter).

"And guard their modesty." To over-rule ones unlawful desires from bad intents and doings e.g. To
indulge within adultery, to be sexually attracted to members of the same sex (Homosexuality,
Lesbianism), to fulfil evil desires by means of forbidden touching, glancing etc. Hazrat Abdullah bin
Mas’ood (R.A) has reported from the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam: "Sight is a poisonous
spear amongst the many spears of the Shaitaan. One who resists it in the fear of Allah, is rewarded
with strong faith, whose sweetness is witheld in the heart of the resistor."

Hazrat Jareer ibn Abdullah (R.A) once questioned the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam
regarding a man who unintentionally glances at a woman. The Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam
replied: "The man must turn away instantly and his first glance will be forgiven." Muslim.

"And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their modesty." Part revelation- Surah
Noor . This Aayah is in accordance with the same command as above, except that this Aayah relates to
women. The above Aayah ordained that the believing men should lower their gaze. Usually the orders
for women follow along accordingly although the Aayah may be directed to men alone. The woman’s
order was specified so that subsequently it may strengthen the point and highlight its outcome
effectively.

"And to display of their adornment only that which is apparent." The literal definition of ‘Zeenat’ is
the accessories which adorn a woman, e.g. Outstanding garments, jewellery etc. The majority of
commentators have given an explanation as follows: Looking at the accessories of zeenat is permissible
but, to look at the bearer of such accessories is forbidden.

"Only that which is apparent." The Aayah reveals an exception as to what is apparent of a woman’s
adornment. These exceptions are when a woman is working or constantly moving and her hands/face
may be revealed then this is dealt with as an exception. Hazrat Ibne Ma’sood (R.A) gives the following
commentary regarding this exception: The Aayah relates to the cloth or garment worn above the inner
clothing eg.burqa’.

Hazrat Ibn Abbas (R.A) commentates as follows: The aayah gives the exception to uncover the face and
hands when the need arises.

Again the scholars’ views differ as to whether it is compulsory for a woman to cover her face or not?
Hazrat Ibne Ma’sood (R.A) states: To unveil the face or hands in the presence of a non mehram is not
permissible. Hence this is an unlawful act.

Hazrat Ibne Abbas (R.A) states: To uncover the face and hands is permissible for a woman when there is
no fear of bad intents and doings. And men should consider the fact that the Qur’an has ordained them
to lower their gaze and be modest.

"And to draw their veils over their bosoms."

‘Khumur’ is originated from the word ‘Khimaar’ which means a large head scarf which covers the head
and the chest. Before the revelation of the Aayat -e -Hijaab women used to cover their hair and let the

http://www.inter-islam.org/Lifestyle/hijaab.htm 8/15/2009
Hijaab in Islam Page 11 of 12

scarf fall down the back, baring the front parts from the scarf. However, we see today that the same
fashion of the days of ignorance is being adopted. ‘Juyoob’ is originated from the word ‘Jayb’, this word
holds the meaning of the breast pocket, but within the Arabs this word connotates the meaning of the
upper front half.

"And not to reveal their adornment save to their own husbands or fathers or husband’s fathers or
their sons or their husband’s sons or their brothers or their brother’s sons or sister’s sons or their
women, or their slaves, or male attendants who lack vigour, or children who know naught of women’s
nakedness."

The ‘men’ mentioned above are a women’s mehram, along with these mehrams is her own husband. A
woman is permitted to reveal herself fully in the presence of her husband. However, this is not
permissible in the presence of her mehrams also. They are not entitled or permitted to even glance at her
‘Satar’. A woman’s mehram is there to protect her and was created as a protective model for the purpose
that he will not cause any harm to her. Grand father and great grand father fall into the category of a
father to which Hijaab is not neccessary.

"Or their women." This means the Muslim women. These are like her mehrams, not permitted to see a
woman’s ‘Satar’. Otherwise there is no harm to unveil in their presence. The aayah indicates that Muslim
women should refrain from maintaining acqaintance with ‘kaafir’ women as consequently ill influences
are very likely.

"Or their slaves." Although there is no restriction governing whether the permittance concerns male
slaves within the Aayah, many scholars have commented that this relates only to the female slave.

Hazrat Saeed ibn Musayyib (R.A) spoke these last words before taking leave from this world: ‘ Do not
let the Aayah of Surah Noor mislead you as this refers to the women slaves not the men.’

"Or male attendants who lack vigour." Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Abbas (R.A) has stated: This means one
who has no interests and desired pleasure in sexual matters.

"or children who know not of womens nakedness." This refers to such children who have not yet
approached adolescence, and who are not aware of sensual features of a woman. However, if the case is
such that the child approaching adolscence displays an interest in women and their features then to
unveil oneself in the child’s presence is prohibited.(Ibne-Katheer)

"And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment." If jewellery is
worn around the ankles e.g. Anklets, which create noise and tend to attract men towards the tinkling
sounds then this again is considered within the violations of Hijaab. To let a non mehram become aware
of this attraction is extremely prohibited. If restrictions are such for the sounds of tinkling or heels, then
for a woman to raise her voice reaches well beyond the border. Within the same category falls the use of
perfume and scent, these are a source of attraction whether applied intentionally or unintentionally, these
should not be applied when going out or in the presence of non mehrams.

"And turn unto Allah, O, believers in order that you may succeed." Finally Allah Ta’aalaa mentions in
the Aayah which reveals the fact that if any sins or faults are committed then O believers turn to Allah so
that you may succeed. Whilst asking for forgivness from our great, most forgiving Lord one must
express shame and regret over ones previous misconducts and resultantly never approach or intend to
advance towards any bad.
[Back to contents]

http://www.inter-islam.org/Lifestyle/hijaab.htm 8/15/2009
Hijaab in Islam Page 12 of 12

CONCLUSION

The 7 Quranic verses which have been portrayed give rise to 3 differing grades of hijaab. The highest of
these 3 grades of hijaab is that a woman should remain within her home as far as it is possible.

The second grade of Hijaab is that if the need should arise that a woman must go out then this should be
carried out in such adornment which conceals her entirely. Whilst observing this grade of Hijaab, the
application of scent, the wearing of tinkling jewellery, to exercise caution when walking so as not to
enter the heart of a mixed crowd etc, are also points to be borne in mind.

The third and lowest grade of Hijaab is in accordance to the Aayah of Surah Noor, "Except that which
is evident." This verse is one of differing interpretations. Some scholars believe that ‘evident’ connotates
the actual burqa and niqaab whilst other scholars have interpretated that ‘except that which is evident’
refers to the face and hands.

From amongst the 4 Imams, Imam Malik, Shafi and Ahmed (R.A) have unanimously agreed upon the
first of the two interpretations. According to the schools of thought related to these three Imams, no
room has been given to the unveiling of the face and hands regardless of the fear of unlawful acts or
not.

Imam Abu Hanifa (R.A) has differed in his opinions favouring the latter of the two interpretations,
however, he has only accepted the unveiling of the face and hands if there is no fear of unlawful acts
arising in the process of this third grade of Hijaab.

However, such unveiling within this day and age would obviously give rise to unlawful ways and so the
necessity of entire concealment becomes much reinforced, consequently the great scholars after Imam-e-
Aazam also agreed with the thoughts of Imam Malik, Shafi and Ahmed (R.A)

In view of this the third grade of Hijaab has become invalidated and impermissible. Conclusively,
Muslim women should observe either of the two valid and permitted grades of hijaab.
'Respond to the call of Allah, Verily Allah will help
and guide you to righteousness.'
[Back to contents]

Home
Contents

Lifestyle

Copyright Inter-Islam 1998-2001 ©

http://www.inter-islam.org/Lifestyle/hijaab.htm 8/15/2009