Hijab for Muslim women: A sign of modesty & holiness
ISLAM is such a religion that protects the rights of humans, especially the women in every aspect of their life.
It establishes the rules to put one’s life in all forms of socio-economic norms of the family, and to follow them to ensure the best way of an organized lifestyle to make a peaceful society. Today, we are more concerned about women, how Islam provides a respectful ground for her in the society and to keep her secure, pious, unscathed and a reverent Muslim.
In this context, Muslim women are advised to put on Hijab while moving in the society. Allah (SAT) says in Surah Ahzab: “O Prophet! tell your wives, your daughters and the women to draw their ‘veil’ (‘Hijab’)all over their bodies and screen themselves completely except an eye, hand and feet as a free respectable woman.
Allah (SAT) is Ever-Forgiving & Most Merciful”. This command has been made to protect their modesty, innocence and to prevent them from getting involved in any sin. In fact, Hijab is not a restriction but it is a protection against sinful life.
I fact, in a Muslim country, there should be a legislation to emphasize the women to be in proper veil and should wear hijab while going out of their homes. Modernism does not mean to go out half-naked and forget the golden principles of Islam.
In reality, Hijab is a fascinating beauty as compared to any fashion of the current era. Allah (SAT) has provided the protection to women by wearing Hijab which does not reduce their beauty, rather it increases to a greater extent and brings a positive change in the society, especially in the present day of disturbed life and to breathe in a safer atmosphere.
According to an Islamic scholar Dr. Zakir Naik, today more Europeans and Americans are embracing Islam, even in India people are coming into the fold of Islam, which conveys that Islam is such a religion that protects the rights of humans, especially the women in every aspect of their life.
Currently, the Hijab Day is commemorated on 1st Feb in the Muslim world every year. The word Hijab comes from the Arabic word Hajaba means to cover and hide.
The word Hijab is often translated in English as the head scarf, which is not in accordance with its meaning and intent of the Holy Qur’an and Ahadith. It is, therefore, necessary to present the true teachings of the Holy Qur’an and the Ahadith on this matter.
Recently, the Indian State of Karnatka has put a restriction on Muslim girl-students not to wear Hijab which has sparked an outrage, especially in Muslim community of India and the Muslim world at large.
The question arises, that the Sikhs are allowed to wear turban, Hindu women to put Tilakor Bindion their forehead and use Ghoongat (veil) on their faces as a sacred requirement of their religion, why is the Muslin minority targeted alone? According to the articles 14 & 25 of Indian Constitution, all persons are equal and free to practise and propagate their own religion.
By barring the use of Hijab in Muslim girls what message the state wants to convey to Muslim minority? It appears that the hooligans and misguided zealots are yelling for their sinister designs. Religious extremism is continuing its upward trajectory.
There have been many issues amongst the non-Muslims, seeking consensus on the pretext of “reform” and “freedom from old traditions’’. Many matters are being presented as controversial, one such issue is that of Hijab.
Attempts are being made to accept it lawfully which is completely against the Commandment of Islam. Unfortunately, some presented inaccurate translations of the Holy Verses in this regard while some brought forth wrong interpretations of the Qur’anic Verses about Hijab.
In western countries non-Islamic ideologies are more prevalent than Islamic education. The literature about Islam found in these countries has been written mostly by non-Muslims, or by those who have been heavily influenced by western education. They view the holy Qur’an and Ahadith of the Prophet (PBUH) through their coloured glasses which is completely misleading.
As a result, they themselves go astray and guide others on the wrong path like “Mera Jism Meri Marzi”. Hijab, is a Divine Law and Guidance based on the Holy Qur’an and the Traditions (Ahadith) of the Last Prophet (PBUH). It has no room for any modifications.
Consequently, doubts have been raised in people’s minds about the legal status of Hijab under the influence of western civilization, and simply choosing not to observe Hijab for oneself, is the need of the time. May Allah (SAT) give us true understanding of the Divine Law and the courage to practice it.
—The author is a retired Prof from Rawalpindi Medical University, and an honorary professor of Tianjin University of China. He is also a recipient of Presidential award in Eye Diseases.)
