November 2007
Hijab is an Attitude, not a Fashion
by Somayya Gefori
Hijab is not something we wear as a fashion statement, it is not merely a piece of clothing. Hijab is part of the Islamic way of life, hijab is an attitude, a way of thinking and behaving.
There is such a saying as a woman being clothed, yet naked. This means that she is wearing clothing, but it is so tight and transparent, that it could hardly be called clothing. Even if the clothing is long, if it is tight and figure-hugging, so that it reveals a woman’s shape, it is not hijab.
Hijab is not only wearing a scarf on your head, it also means to cover your awra.
A woman’s awra is her full body. She must cover her hair, torso, arms, legs and feet. The best way of covering everything is to wear a jilbaab/abaya and a scarf on the head. They must be baggy enough so as not to show the shape. They also must not be transparent. Some women choose to also wear niqaab which covers the face; gloves are often worn with it to cover the hands.
“And Say to the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer palms of hands or one eye or dress like veil, gloves, head cover, apron), and to draw their veils all over (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms).” Surah an-Nur 30-31.
Women shouldn’t beautify themselves when they go out, such as wear make-up, perfume
or shoes that make a loud sound when they walk outside. Wearing make-up and perfume should be reserved only for her husband to see, not any strange man outside! Many Western women beautify themselves for men, going out caked in make-up, in a cloud of perfume and non-covering clothes so that they draw attention to themselves from the opposite sex.
Going back to what I mentioned above about the hijab being an attitude and a way of thinking, it means that when Muslim women go out, they must act like proper Muslim women. No flirting, talking to men casually, talking too loudly (the voice is also an awra! A man could find a woman’s voice attractive.) etc. We should conduct ourselves with dignity at all times; after all, whenever we go out in the world, we are representing Islam.
There will always be people out there who don’t understand the hijab and direct negative comments and stares towards us. But eventually, you won’t notice those people staring. You will be comfortable in your hijab, you will be strong. It should get to the point where you would feel naked without your covering over your clothes!
But hijab is not only for women, it is for men too. Men have an awra, from their navel to their knee (that is the absolute minimum; it is recommended that men should dress fully and modestly as well). They should also lower their gazes. Although in most Muslim countries, men do not usually walk around without a t-shirt on.
This means that men should not wear tight clothing, or revealing clothing. So, all those young men who insist on wearing their tight jeans so low that everybody can see their underwear should think again!
So, why do we wear hijab? For our husbands? To impress people at the mosque? No. We wear hijab to please Allah and no-one else.
Wow thats really well written and your’e right the men should do as they are told and lower thier gazes, women aswell. Muslims united
salamo 3alikom ana hanane man maroc matcharfa bi ma3ariftkom
Certainly, an over-exposure to media among young women and men in the ‘West’ creates unhealthy attitudes toward sexuality; however, it is a fallacy that women only dress for men. Women who have been brought up to value their individualism must be viewed individually rather than as representative of all women. Thus, some women dress up for men, but many dress to express their individual personalities. I think that many non-’Western’ people exaggerate the link between ‘Western’ dress and sexuality and under-emphasise the link between dress and individuality. People from traditional, group-oriented societies find it difficult to understand this individualism and often end up generalising or reducing it to a matter of sex.
Qasim Amin wrote that the veil “increase[s] the risk of temptation” among men because it makes them unable to interact properly with unveiled women. Men who are able to have open interaction with women are “less apt to deviate from moral standards”. On the other hand, I absolutely agree with you that many ‘Westerners’ have forgotten the value of modesty. I wouldn’t agree that the hijab or naqib is necessarily the answer (unless, of course, it is freely chosen), but I do believe that we could learn something about modesty from Muslim women.
Salam Alikum,
I do agree that a woman should dress very modestly when she goes out.however, to cover the head is ones free will and no one should be forced to wear hijab,the history of wearing the hijab started around 17th century when the prophet (PBUH) told the village woman to cover up due to modesty. this is a tribal custom not a religious one,so for all the ignorant muslims out there don’t crtisize woman who don’t hear hijab. you are not going to go to hell if you don’t wear one.Salam Alikum
Assalam Alaikum,
I hope and pray you take your time to read the whole of this with an open mind/”reasoning”
How did you conclude that hijab is a custom and not compulsory. Check Quran 33 Verse 59
If we then are insisting that this a custom then salat, zakat, hajj, and all Islamic teachings are customs.
We need to know this, a twist to Islam is no more Islam. How can we all be praticing Islam when we worship differently. I guess it is obvious we are not all the same because people have given themselves names –Sunni, Shia, Sufi, Ibaadi, Salafi, Tabligh etc.
Quran 003 Verse031
Say: “If ye do love Allah, Follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you your sins for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
The real Islam is to follow the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet. A true Muslim believe and accept everything in the Quran though he/she might be doing contrary or not praticing thus sinning –the doors of forgiveness is always open. Denying any bit of the Quran or Sunnah is then no more Islam.
As I mentioned above forming groups is an evidence that we are not all Muslims.
May Allah guide us to the right path.
assalamualaikum..
i do agree with what you wrote.Now i know that We wear hijab to please Allah and no-one else.
thanks.
Assalam Alaikum
I fully agree with Brother. it is obligatory to wear Hijab
May Allah guide us to the right path.
I couldn’t agree more. It’s definitely not fashion.
Yea. As in our Religion we should all lower our gaze
Fantastic, full support for wearing Hijab.
assalamu alaikum,brothers n sisters!
i agree with Muslim(user)!
inorder2 reply Saliya i wud lik2post a forwarded msg 4m my friend:
‘Everything that Allah made valuable in the world is covered and hard to get to. Where do you find diamonds? Deep down in the ground covered and protected. Where do you find pearls? Deep down at the bottom of the ocean covered up and protected in a beautiful shell. Where do you find gold? Way down in the mine, covered over with layers and layers of rock. You’ve got to work hard to get to them. Your body is sacred. You’re far more precious than diamonds and pearls, and you should be covered too.’
Source: ‘More Than A Hero: Muhammad Ali’s Life Lessons Through His Daughter’s Eyes.’
take care!
May u stay strong in Iman n deen!
May Allah shower blessings on u n ur family!
Allah hafiz!
you said right, Mr. Sisinlslam :‘Everything that Allah made valuable in the world is covered and hard to get to. Where do you find diamonds? Deep down in the ground covered and protected. Where do you find pearls? Deep down at the bottom of the ocean covered up and protected in a beautiful shell. Where do you find gold? Way down in the mine, covered over with layers and layers of rock. You’ve got to work hard to get to them. Your body is sacred. You’re far more precious than diamonds and pearls, and you should be covered too.’