What is Hijab
Hijab means covering. There are two types of hijab- covering of the body through behaviour and also physical hijab of dress. Both are mandatory on Muslims especially when they become the age of maturity (Baligh).
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Why is hijab mandatory?
It is a symbol of their Muslim identity and showing one’s submission to Allah. It is also a way of protecting oneself from unlawful distractions.
Does it only apply to women?
Hijab is also for men. It is being conscious of one’s actions and moral conduct. An example of this is lowering one’s gaze in the presence of non-mahram and guarding modesty- this means not being so revealing about oneself that could cause attraction for towards a person or by a person that is not lawful.
The requirements of Islamic modest dress are based upon these two principles. Dress should be such that it guards your modesty and aids you in lowering your gaze and does not make it unnecessarily difficult for someone else to lower their gaze and guard their own modesty.
When does Hijab need to be observed?
To wear Hijab becomes wajib on a girl once she turns reaches the age of maturity (baligh). Hijab for her consists of loose clothing that covers her body, and covering her hair completely with a headscarf. The fabric should not be transparent or worn/styled in a way that attracts attention.
One should also be conscious of the way they behave in public and in the presence of non-mahrams. This includes avoiding physical contact (e.g. shaking hands), mindful of speech (not talking too loudly or freely) and overall behaviour should be one of distance to someone who is not a mahram.
Principles of physical hijab
1. Extent: Everything but your hands and face must be covered. Make-up and jewellery should be covered, even if that means covering parts that would not otherwise have to be covered.
2. Looseness: The clothes should be loose enough so that the shape of your body from at least the shoulders to the mid-thighs is not apparent. Even for the legs, clothes should not be skin-tight.
3. Thickness: The clothing should be thick enough that your skin is not visible through the fabric.
Hijab in the Holy Quran
“Say to the believing men that they cast dawn their looks and guard their private parts; that is purer for them; surely Allah is Aware of what they do. And say to the believing women that they cast down their looks and guard their private parts and not display their ornaments except what appears there of, and let them wear their head-coverings over their bosoms, and not display their or name except to their husbands…” (Holy Qur’an 24:30-31).
Further resources
Here is a short Video from Islam Made easy that outlines the basics of Hijab: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rb5ZkTtEhPA&feature=emb_logo
