Why do Muslim Women Wear Hijab – Importance of Hijab in Islam

We learn about what the Quran & Hadith teach about Hijab in Islam

Hijab - Why do Muslim Women Wear It

A very common topic that is always discussed in the community and we look to talk about the importance of hijab in Islam.

Hijab Meaning in Islam

In regards to what Islam teaches about hijab meaning, the word ‘Hijab’ comes from the Arabic word ” Hijaba” which means hijab is to cover or have a barrier.

In Islam, nevertheless, it has a larger denotation. It is certainly the belief of modesty but also includes personal conduct as well as the dress code for both males and females.

The Hijab is not something that makes a woman inferior to a man. Hijab is a way to show Muslim women that in the world of Men they are respected. Hijab makes a woman secure from social evils such as lust and shows that they are equally respected in society.

Allah says in the Quran:

‘’ O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known ( as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful”

[ Surah al-Ahzaab 33:59 ]

It is necessary for a Muslim woman to cover herself when she goes out, otherwise, it will be considered sinful. The most prominent form of hijab is the headscarf for women. However, the term hijab does go beyond that. 

What is a Hijab and its concept?

Hijab does not mean hiding your beauty nor does it make you less beautiful in any way. It gives a sense of security to a woman and it’s not used to disgrace her.

At the same time, it is strongly advised that she starts dressing modestly. In Islam wearing a ‘black burka’ or headscarf is not the main requirement as most people like to associate the ‘hijab’ with a black cloak covering. Some even go to the extent and ask why do Muslim women dress like ninjas? Covering the face is not mandatory and some women simply do this for their own self contentment.

The clothing should be loose, so the body shape is not revealed. Some cultures have specific clothing for females and may be offended by some of the types of clothing available in the western world. A Muslim woman is free to wear any kind of modest clothing, as long as it meets the standards and is not too revealing.

Although there are many benefits of Hijab. It is first and foremost a commandment from Allah. Therefore, wearing it is an act of faith and obedience to the creator, as mentioned in the Quran :

‘’ Tell the believing women to draw their outer garments around them ( When they go out or are among men).’’ Quran 33:59

Hijab does not mean that you are not like other Women. It means that you choose to save yourself from other social evils. Hijab provides a sense of security to a woman. It increases her confidence because she knows that she is well covered and can move around easily in areas which are congregated by male counterparts.

Some women think that they look beautiful when they wear tight clothes and try to show off their modesty. They can still be modest and look beautiful by wearing hijab, you do not need to follow non-believing women to look beautiful. It is the Shaytaan (Satan) that will mislead you and make you feel that the lady that is less covered is more beautiful than you.

Identification of Muslim Women

Hijab in Islam in some sense is the main identification of a Muslim woman. However, Islam gives women rights in the home as well as in society. The other valuable privileges they have are the right to earn their own money, to buy and own property, to be educated, entitlement to family inheritance, to be treated with love, to vote, keeping their maiden name, to be able to worship in a mosque (although it is better for them to pray in their own homes) and to divorce (depending on circumstances). One might have observed that Muslim women are gaining the finest education.

When the weather is hot people will recognise a Muslim lady due to their attire and may think that they are at risk due to to the way they are covered up. However, there are plenty of ways around this and the hijab can be adjusted according to needs as long as it follows the basic principles.

Why do Muslim women wear Hijab

There is frequently asked a question of why do Muslim women cover their head?  In Islam, Women must cover themselves when they go out. So, Hijab helps them to take this form of cover.

Women have been given the utmost respect and highest statuses in Islam. Hijab is not just a dress code, it signifies something deeper. For Example, it is a barrier between a man and a Muslim woman. This signifies that a Muslim lady cannot be dealt with casually by any random person from the opposite gender and cannot even get involved in the indecent dialog. In essence, Hijab provides you inner peace and harmony.

There is a very interesting article about Hijab in the Independent.

In addition a great explanation by Mufti Menk about Hijab