Wearing the Hijab

I am a sister very keen to learn more about the hijab. I was wondering about the surahs that state the wearing of the hijab. I have heard sooo many different things about the hijab, so I am a little bit confused. No one in my family has ever put on the hijab before, but I am quite keen and want to do what is islamically required. Please let me know.

Sheikh Al-Munajjid said when asked about the Hijab: Women cover their hair because Allah has commanded them to do so, and it is not permissible for them to go against what He says and disobey His command. Allah has only commanded them to do this because there is great wisdom in it.

Allah says in Surat Al-Ahzab: “That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed”. If a woman covers herself, then immoral and corrupt men will know that this is not part of their prey, thus Allah will protect them and take care of them.

When the command of hijab came, the first Muslim women hastened to obey it, so much so that the women tore their clothes in order to hasten to obey this command. This is what is meant by faith.

Bukhari and Abu Dawood report that Aisha said: May Allah have mercy on the women of the early muhajireen. When Allah revealed the words “and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna ( i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)”, they tore their aprons and covered their faces with them.

Allah and His Messenger PBUH have issued a stern warning to women who make a display of themselves.

Muslim reports that Abu Huraira said: The Messenger PBUH said: “There are two types of the people of Hell whom I have not seen: a people with whips like the tails of cattle, with which they beat the people, and women who are clothed but naked, walking with an enticing gait and with their heads looking like the humps of camels, leaning to one side. They will not enter Paradise and will not even smell its fragrance, although its fragrance can be detected from such and such a distance.”

A woman should know that whatever Allah has enjoined upon her contains nothing but goodness and happiness for her, her family and society as a whole. It is known that a woman’s uncovering her hair makes her more attractive to men, which could lead to them forming hopes about her and committing immoral actions. Islam wants society to be clean, with no provocation of desires, outrage or uncovering of women’s charms (which include their hair) which can lead to others being tempted by her and which opens the door to evil and its people.

Also, please refer to the Women in Islam and Judeo-Christian Traditions article in our website.

Sh. Riad Ouarzazi