CHAPTER 5

HIJAB IN ISLAM

These days, many Muslims use the term hijab as equivalent to burqa, but the word hijab is not used in the Quran in this sense. Hijab literally means ‘curtain’. The hijab is used in the Quran seven times, but not in the sense that is prevalent among Muslims today. Instead, it is used in its literal sense of ‘curtain’. Regarding women’s purdah, two words have been used in the Quran: jilbab (33: 59) and khimar (24: 31). But again, these words are not used in their present connotation. It is a fact that both words have a similar meaning, that is, chaadar or dupatta, which is something that covers the body of a woman and not her face. So, it is apparent that the present burqa and hijab are not Quranic terms; both are part of Muslim culture and not part of Quranic commandments. The concept of hijab, as understood in the popular sense today, has emerged from Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence).

In reality, Islam talks about adopting simplicity and modesty. In terms of outfits, the Shariah prescribes that women cover their bodies with clothing that does not fit tight and is not meant to attract others.

It is noteworthy that the well-known Arab scholar Sheikh Muhammad Nasiruddin al-Albani clearly endorses the position mentioned above of the Shariah in his book on this subject, Jilbab al-Mar’ah al-Muslimah fil Kitab was Sunnah (The Veil of Muslim Woman in the Light of the Quran and Sunnah). He goes on to say that it is clear from the Quran, the Hadith, and the practice of the Companions of Prophet Muhammad and the Tabiun (Companions of the Prophet’s Companions) that whenever a woman steps out of her home, she should cover herself so as not to show any part of her body except the face and the hands.