What is Hijab in Islam - a broader viewpoint

Hijab is one of the most misunderstood word as for Islam is concerned. It is usually taken in context of Muslim women for covering their body contours from the eyes of the men. In fact the concept of Hijab in Islam goes far beyond merely covering one’s body or wearing a headscarf of women. It, in fact, represents a broader set of guidelines and principles related to modesty, dignity, privacy, and morality. The term "Hijab" generally means "to cover, conceal, or separate." In Islamic teachings, Hijab encompasses both outward physical coverings and inward spiritual conduct.

Thus apart from its women specific meaning, Hijab actually means covering - that is all things from the eyes of others which either concern our Awrah or many other facets of life which may be inadvertently hurting to others, if not properly taken care of. Let us dwell on it in some details:

Hijab as mostly understood, specially by Non Muslims

We have already shared a number of posts on Hijab, which refer to Hijab as generally understood. The links are shared in under for detailed reading:

• Hijab for Muslim women
• Wear Raiment of Modesty and Righteousness 
• Islam PROHIBITS looking at `Awrah – the Intimate Body Parts of others
• Why Islam gives so much emphasis on Modesty " Hayā حياء " 
• Lone brave Indian Muslim girl protects her Hijab from intimidating Hindutva terrorists

Let us sum up the concept of Hijab as for its Physical Aspect: Modesty in Dress is concerned:

• For Women: The Hijab in its most common sense refers to the modest dress code prescribed for Muslim women. This includes covering the hair and body except for the face and hands (though some interpretations recommend covering the face as well). The objective is to maintain modesty and avoid drawing unnecessary attention to oneself in public.
• Quranic Reference:
• Surah An-Nur (24:31): "And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof and to wrap [a portion of] their headcovers over their chests..."
• Surah Al-Ahzab (33:59): "O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves part of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused."

These verses establish the guidelines for modest dress, emphasizing covering parts of the body that are considered private (awrah) in public spaces.

• For Men: Although the Hijab is often associated with women, men also have guidelines regarding modesty. Men are required to dress modestly, cover their private parts (from the navel to the knee), and avoid clothing that draws excessive attention or is tight-fitting.

Surah An-Nur (24:30): "Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed,llah is Acquainted with what they do."

 

Modesty in dress for men also discourages extravagance or dressing in a way that could lead to pride or vanity. Please read our previous post for details: Let believing men cast down their looks

Broader meaning of Hijab in Islam

Let us now turn to meaning of Hijab in aspects other than women specific or covering of Awrah:

• Hijab of Behavior: Modesty in Conduct
• Lowering the Gaze: In addition to modest dress, Hijab includes the concept of "lowering the gaze" and avoiding inappropriate interactions with members of the opposite gender.

Surah An-Nur (24:30-31): Both men and women are commanded to lower their gaze and guard their chastity, which means avoiding lustful looks or inappropriate behavior.

• Respectful Interaction: Hijab also involves how individuals conduct themselves in social interactions. Conversations and interactions should be respectful, with the boundaries of modesty upheld. Inappropriate flirtation or physical contact with members of the opposite gender is discouraged.
• Segregation (in Certain Contexts): In certain social or religious settings, Islam encourages gender segregation to prevent any temptations or improprieties. While this varies depending on culture and context, the underlying principle is to create an environment of modesty and respect.
• Hijab of the Heart: Spiritual Modesty: Modesty in Islam is not limited to outward appearance; it also has a spiritual dimension. Hijab of the heart refers to cultivating a sense of modesty, humility, and God-consciousness (taqwa) within.
• Spiritual Purity: A believer is expected to guard their heart from pride, vanity, and immoral desires. The concept of Hijab thus extends to internal modesty, where one’s thoughts, intentions, and desires should align with Islamic teachings of morality and decency.
• Hijab of Speech: Modesty in Words: 
• The way one speaks is also part of the broader understanding of Hijab. Islam encourages believers to use their speech in a modest and respectful manner. This means avoiding vulgarity, slander, gossip, or flirtatious conversation.
• Quranic Reference:

Surah Al-Ahzab (33:32): "O wives of the Prophet, you are not like anyone among women. If you fear Allah, then do not be soft in speech [to men], lest he in whose heart is disease should covet, but speak with appropriate speech."    

• This verse encourages women to speak respectfully and not in a manner that could be misinterpreted or lead to inappropriate attraction. The principle of modest speech applies to men as well.
• Hijab of Privacy: Protecting Personal Space
• The concept of Hijab also emphasizes the importance of personal privacy. Muslims are taught to respect the private space of others, including their homes and personal affairs.
• Quranic Reference: "O you who have believed, do not enter houses other than your own houses until you ascertain welcome and greet their inhabitants." Surah An-Nur (24:27)
• This verse stresses the importance of respecting others’ privacy, which is another aspect of modesty and courtesy in Islam.
• Hijab as Protection
• One of the purposes of Hijab in all its forms—dress, behavior, speech, and privacy—is to protect individuals from harm, unwanted attention, and immorality.
• Surah Al-Ahzab (33:59): "That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused."
• The outward expression of modesty, especially through clothing, is meant to provide a layer of protection from harassment or unwanted attention, ensuring dignity and safety.

Hijab of Projectionist Desires

Man swells out of his self when blessed with position, wealth and status better than others. Islam strictly prohibits projection of such desires for these not only display arrogance and pride rather than humbleness and humility. Some such projectionist desires are given herein under which inadvertently hurt many others, blessed less than them, are appended hereinunder:

• Hijab against exhibiting one's wealth in front of the poor
• Hijab against eating lavishly when being watched by a poor and hungry who cannot even afford a decent meal in a day
• Hijab against patting and pampering your children in front of the orphans lest their 
• Hijab against exposing others' faults and sins if you happen to know of
• Hijab against peeping into personal lives of others not exposing these to others

Thus the broad meaning of Hijab in Islam encompasses much more than the headscarf worn by women. It represents a comprehensive framework of modesty, respect, and dignity, which applies to both men and women. Hijab includes:

• Modesty in dress for both genders,
• Modesty in behavior such as lowering the gaze and maintaining proper boundaries in interactions,
• Modesty in speech, avoiding inappropriate language or tones,
• Spiritual modesty, maintaining purity of thought and intention.
• Privacy and protection of oneself from harm or exploitation. Read our post: Believers! Do not be  Over-inquisitive and unnecessarily curious
• At its core, the concept of Hijab reflects a holistic approach to living a modest, dignified, and respectful life in accordance with Islamic principles. It is designed to preserve the honor and morality of individuals and to foster a society built on mutual respect and decency.

Let us then very cautious of Hijab in its boarder meaning for it covers everything that that may lure into evil or hurt someone by exposure of acts as mentioned above.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

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Posted in: Hadith: Specific Subject - Women,Hijab,Modesty,Reference Page: Hijab