HIJAB: A COMPREHENSIVE TERM
The Hijab has become a topic of debate, discussion, and serious contention in print and television media. Through social media, the public has taken an active interest in the discussion of the Hijab. It is pertinent that we understand the meaning and connotation of the Hijab. The hijab is a comprehensive concept. It is not the name of a scarf or a veil. The idea of the Hijab starts from simplicity in one’s attire and then extends to the person’s behaviour and character. Its primary purpose is to lay the foundation of pure societies. It is a concept to guard the security and sanctity of relationships. It is to ensure that everyone operates within their sphere, and when it comes to relationships, no one should misuse their freedom to infringe upon others’ rights. Human beings do face temptations and desires for various things. Islamic teachings guide their followers to keep control over such desires. To this effect, it gives clear commandments meant to help us not to go near temptation. Islam prohibits indecency and immoral acts and those things that may lead one to commit indecent acts. This is known as the principle of Sadd al-Dharaa'i, that is, blocking the means to evil (or prohibiting seemingly harmless acts that eventually lead to grave sins).
The Quran, while laying the foundation of a pure society, talks of the following:
“Believers, avoid much suspicion. Indeed some suspicion is a sin. And do not spy on one another and do not backbite.” (49:12)
The verse mentioned is of a general kind so that we all stay pure in our dealings with others. More specific injunctions are given for various aspects, leading to societal wrongdoing and evil. It is the Hijab that I would like to draw your attention to.
The physical attraction between males and females is a part of nature. However, granting unrestricted freedom to the opposite sexes will lead society to a situation where the family institution will become weak.
The goal of Islamic teachings is the prevention of such situations. Both men and women have specific physiological and psychological traits. They are guided to follow certain principles that ensure a modest appearance and behaviour. These guidelines assure respect for relationships with their elders, youngsters, relatives, friends, neighbours, and those they are eligible to marry. Different rules are laid out clearly for each category.
The principles and set of guidelines are elementary to follow. The following verses of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad outline the fundamentals of Hijab:
“Tell believing men to lower their gaze and remain chaste. That is purer for them. God is aware of what they do.” (24:30)
“Say to believe women that they should lower their gaze and remain chaste and not to reveal their adornments—save what is normally apparent thereof, and they should fold their shawls over their bosoms.” (24:31)
At the end of the above verse, believers are asked to ‘turn to God, every one of you, so that you may prosper. There are two other verses of the Quran in this regard:
“Do not flaunt your charms as in the former times of ignorance.” (33: 33)
“men and women who guard their chastity, men and women who are ever mindful of God—God is ready with forgiveness and an immense reward.” (33:35)
There are broad principles for a modest dress code for both men and women in Islam. Additionally, there is practical advice regarding those actions that threaten the quality of modesty among people. Islam is strict about the free mixing of men and women in an atmosphere of partying and entertainment, as it is a cause of promiscuity that leads to permissiveness. In such a society, one’s loyalties keep changing. Hijab is pivotal to this.
Hijab in Islam extends to our character and thinking, which no one can know except God. The Prophet Muhammad said, “Only a man of noble character will honour women, and only a man of base intentions will dishonour them.” (Ibn Asakir, Tarikh Dimashq, Vol. 13, p. 313) In another of his teachings, the Prophet encouraged believers to select their spouses based on piety. Simplicity, dignified behaviour, and refraining from relationships outside marriage are all integral to Hijab. The learned amongst the Muslims should guide the community on these crucial issues of the Hijab and maintain peace and dignity in the society.
