The meaning of the word “Hijaab”
The importance of Hijaab for the young woman who has reached puberty.
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- The meaning of the word “hijaab” as outlined in the dictionary refers to a veil, screen, covering or curtain. The word hijaab is also used in the Qur’aan in the sense of covering or veil as Allah ﷻ states in the Qur’aan:
وَإِذَا سَأَلْتُمُوهُنَّ مَتَـٰعًۭا فَسْـَٔلُوهُنَّ مِن وَرَآءِ حِجَابٍۢ ۚ ذَٰلِكُمْ أَطْهَرُ لِقُلُوبِكُمْ وَقُلُوبِهِنَّ ۚ ( سورة الأحزاب : ٥٣)
And when you ask [his wives] for something, ask them from behind a partition [hijaab]. That is purer for your hearts and their hearts. (Soorah al-Ahzab: 53)
- It is clear from the verse quoted above, that Allah ﷻ mentions the word hijaab to mean partition/covering.
- When a young Muslim girl reaches puberty, she must do her best to cover her head and her body so that she is not seen by men who are not her mahram (those whom she is forbidden to marry).
- The scholars have two opinions regarding what comprises the ‘hijaab’ of a woman. The one opinion states that it includes her entire body, including her face. The hands upto the wrists would be excluded. The second view is that it comsists of her entire body, excluding the face and the hands. What is clear is that the scholars agree that all women must cover themselves appropriately. The important lesson for all young girls to understand, is that they must observe hijaab, in one form or another.
- Once a person reaches puberty religious obligations become binding and necessary upon that person. Therefore, a young girl who has become baalighah will also find that her life will be regulated by Islamic requirements, and her dressing will be included in these changes that she will adapt to.
- There exists concrete proof in the Qur’aan and the authentic Sunnah on the obligation of hijaab for Muslim women.
- The words of Allah ﷻ and His Messenger ﷺ guide us as to how women in Islam must be covered. Allah says the following in the Qur’aan:
وَقُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنَـٰتِ يَغْضُضْنَ مِنْ أَبْصَـٰرِهِنَّ وَيَحْفَظْنَ فُرُوجَهُنَّ وَلَا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا ۖ وَلْيَضْرِبْنَ بِخُمُرِهِنَّ عَلَىٰ جُيُوبِهِنَّ ۖ( سورة النور : ٣١)
And tell the believing women to reduce [some] of their vision 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. (Soorat an-Noor: 31)
- The above verse is a proof of the significance and position of Islam on the wearing of hijaab. Firstly, Allah ﷻ makes it clear that only the woman’s outer clothing may be seen. Their bodies must not be visible in any form. Secondly, when Allah ﷻ tells women to “draw their veils all over their body, face and necks,” indicating the parts of the body that should be covered as part of hijaab.
- It is important to remember that hijaab is not only the covering or clothing of women. It is in fact an attitude, approach and a complete way of life for all Muslims who have reached puberty.
- Since it is an attitude and way of life, it must be pointed out that males are not exempted from the rules of hijaab. A male also has to observe rules with regard to modest dress and clearly must observe hijaab in the sense of not mixing freely with females. He must also guard his gaze from falling upon what is not permissible for him to see.
- Allah ﷻ commands young boys and girls who have reached puberty to take special care of the way in which they interact with one another. It is not permissible for girls to mix freely with boys and vice versa. The main aim of the practice of hijaab is to protect the dignity of our young boys and girls.
- Islam is a religion that promotes fairness and allows each individual to live a life free of danger, risks and threats. Islam wants all Muslims who are baaligh (adult) to be safe, both spiritually and physically and through the practice of hijaab, Muslims will ensure a fair and just society.
- Hijaab is a religious duty that Allah ﷻ has prescribed to the believing men and women for their protection and success. If all Muslims practice hijaab in one form or another, it will be a clear indication that the ‘ummah is adhering to the Qur’aan and the Sunnah.
Learning from the lesson
- Every young girl who reaches puberty must do her best to cover herself appropriately.
- Hijaab protects young girls and boys both spiritually and physically.
