Character, compulsion and covering...
Some words I have come across when asking a Muslim women regarding ‘The Hijab’. Statistics show ‘48% of all Muslims in the UK are women’-The Guardian. It’s true that most of us do wear the Hijab but sadly only a very few of us understand the legitimate reason behind it. I myself am a student and get asked so many questions about why I observe purdah and the reason behind wearing the Hijab. The teachings of Islam concerning the Hijab is probably the most confusing and difficult to accept for the western society. This is due to a lack of knowledge about the Hijab and the media’s negative portrayal of Islam and Muslim women. Living in the 21st century where the media is extremely powerful in shaping people’s opinion unfortunately, only makes it more challenging for Muslim women. My dear sisters, take this as a wonderful opportunity to spread the beautiful teachings of Islam and erase all misconceptions about the status of women in Islam.
So lets all start here, together in unity.
The literal meaning of the Arabic word ‘Hijab’ is covering, it comes from the Arabic root word of ‘Hajaba’ that means ‘he covered’. In this case, the objective of wearing the Hijab is closely linked with the moral condition of the society. Along with, many other responsibilities for a women such as, being a mother a Muslim women also shares with men the responsibility of upholding the moral standards of society.
In the Holy Quran it says;
"Say to the believing men that they restrain their looks [As stated above the Quran is not content with merely taking a superficial view of things but goes to their very root. According to it, every good or bad quality springs from a certain root. In the case of a good quality, the Quran enjoins that the root should be mastered and fully kept under control and, in the case of an evil, it aims at its complete eradication and extermination and thus bolts and bars all the avenues to it. As it is the eyes through which most evil thoughts enter the mind, so in the verse under comments believing men and women have been commanded to restrain their looks when they happen to meet one another. Short English commentary taken from https://www.alislam.org] and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Surely, Allah is well aware of what they do." [24:31] [https://www.alislam.org/quran/search2/showChapter.php?ch=24&verse=31]
"And say to the believing women that they restrain their eyes and guard their private parts, and that they disclose not their natural and artificial beauty except that which is apparent thereof, and that they draw their head-coverings over their bosoms, and that they disclose not their beauty save to their husbands, or to their fathers, or the fathers of their husbands or their sons or the sons of their husbands or their brothers, or the sons of their brothers, or the sons of their sisters, or their women, or what their right hands possess, or such of male attendants as have no sexual appetite, or young children who have no knowledge of the hidden parts of women. And they strike not their feet so that what they hide of their ornaments may become known. And turn ye to Allah all together, O believers, that you may prosper [As a good deal of misunderstanding and lack of proper knowledge as to what constitutes Islamic “Purdah” prevails even among Muslims, a somewhat detailed note on this much-vexed question is called for. The following verses deal with every aspect of “Purdah”. Short English commentary taken from https://www.alislam.org] " [24:32]
“From these verses it has been made clear that both men and women are to conduct themselves with modesty at all times especially when in each other’s presence. This teaching is based on the fact that Islam recognizes that ‘prevention is the better part of a cure’ [https://www.alislam.org]”. A wise person can easily interpret the meaning of these verses and the order of the verses also shows that purdah was first commanded to men and then women. Therefore, both the believing men and women must always follow and abide by the instructions of the Holy Quran.
Yes, it’s true that Islam instructs Muslim women to observe purdah. However, it’s crucial to understand that the physical covering is only the first step. Therefore, my beloved sisters observing purdah doesn’t end with simply just wearing the Hijab. The whole point of Purdah for both the believing men and women is to purify their minds and hearts which can only be achieved when one shields his/her mind and heart from impure thoughts when in contact with the opposite sex. The mind is responsible for a person’s actions therefore; one’s thoughts, words and actions should reflect love and respect towards fellow beings.
Bazla Samin
Carshalton High School For Girls.
