MuslimKidsMatter | Am I Doing the Right Thing? – A Muslim Preteen and the Hijab Heebeejeebees

44 Comments

1. 

   Dee Tee

   January 13, 2013 at 5:39 AM

   Masha Allah, dear Zaynub…You are exactly my daughter’s age and I noticed that you have similar interests except for the Hijah(She feels she’s not ready). I loved your inspiring article and I will be sharing it with my daughter. Jazakillahu khairan!

   Reply
2. 

   ArabianSpace

   January 13, 2013 at 7:54 AM

   Nice article. The hijab has been always a touchy subject for many people whether they are Muslims or non-Muslims. I once asked a person why she started wearing hijab, she told me that she was afraid that she won’t have an answer when Allah asked her on the day of judgment “what prevents you from wearing hijab”. So she wants to be ready for that day and follow the commands of Allah. So, if you choose not to wear hijab, just make sure to have a reasonable answer when Allah ask you why?. May Allah guide all of us to the straight path.

   Reply
3. 

   Anjum

   January 13, 2013 at 8:15 AM

   Assalamu alaikum Zaynub! I loved how you covered so many different aspects of wearing hijab, it’s all there in the article!
   I remember how difficult it was for me to start. I spend all summer debating it. Peer pressure was one thing, but like you said, real friends won’t leave you for a ‘piece of cloth’!
   Please keep writing!

   Reply
4. 

   ahsan arshad

   January 13, 2013 at 1:03 PM

   salaam alaykum zaynab,
   I am your fan. Your article is quite inspiring. I think you have lovely parents to support who would be proud of you. May Allah increase your knowledge and help you teach others.

   Reply
5. 

   Unicorns

   January 13, 2013 at 1:17 PM

   Salam. I feel like. These days, hijab has become or rather is becoming a fashion statement rather than a way to cover aurat. I see articles saying how hijab shouldn’t be worn with clothes which are too fashionable or attractive because t defeats the purpose. I also see articles which encourage and even suggests different styles of wearing the hijab, clothing and all. It just gets very confusing for a person who is wanting to wear it but not wanting to wear it because it’s becoming a “trend” now. But ultimately, yes it is the niat. I guess there’s just so many contradictions out there. It gets confusing :/

   Reply
6. 

   Yasmin

   January 13, 2013 at 3:59 PM

   Jazakallah khair for this very informative and inspirational post!

   Reply
7. 

   Deeqo qurey

   January 13, 2013 at 6:18 PM

   Mashallah! Keep up the good work u guys:) this is good.

   Reply
8. 

   Aeraj

   January 13, 2013 at 6:39 PM

   Wow Zaynub great article!

   Reply
9. 

   shaheen

   January 13, 2013 at 6:54 PM

   Nice article mashallah! Very appropriate for the young generation in this country.
   Keep up the good work.
   May Allah (SWT) bless you al.

   Reply
10. 

    mustafa

    January 13, 2013 at 9:26 PM

    Assalamualaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh

    JazzakAllahu khairan.

    However, images are haram in Islam when they include the face as it is the face that makes the image. Among the people who have the greatest punishment on Yawm al Qiyamah are the picture makers.

    4. ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood said: I heard the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say: The people who will be the most severely punished before Allaah on the Day of Resurrection will be the image makers. (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5606; Muslim, 2109).

    5. It was reported from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with them both) that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: Those who make these images will be punished on the Day of Resurrection. It will be said to them, Give life to that which you have created! (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5607; Muslim, 2108).

    http://www.islamqa.info/en/ref/7222/images

    Reply
    • 

      mustafa

      January 15, 2013 at 1:19 PM

      Assalamualaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh

      There is nothing wrong with my comment, and there is no rudeness in it whatsoever. I merely thanked the girl for her post and pointed out that she should avoid using pictures as they are haram.

      Reply
      • 

        Aly Balagamwala | DiscoMaulvi

        January 16, 2013 at 3:33 AM

        WaAlaikum Assalam Wa Rehmatullahi Wa Barakatuhu:

        Did you consider your comment may not have been posted since the moderator may have not had a chance to get to it? Since we are all volunteers, we can’t monitor everything round the clock.

        Regards
        -Aly

        Reply
        • 

          mustafa

          January 16, 2013 at 2:18 PM

          Assalamualaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh

          Ok, Inshaa Allah from now on I will have the most excellent thann, may Allah give me tawfiq for this.

          Reply
          • 

            Aly Balagamwala | DiscoMaulvi

            January 17, 2013 at 1:33 AM

            WaAlaikum Assalam Wa Rehmatullahi Wa Barakatuhu:

            Akhi I love you for the sake of Allah, whatever our differences of opinion and viewpoints may be. Remember me and the rest of the team in your duas.

            -Aly
11. 

    Kulz

    January 14, 2013 at 9:03 AM

    Mashallah, this an awesome article! Not only for young girls but older girls deciding on hijab as well. Great work. :)

    Reply
12. 

    Kulz

    January 14, 2013 at 9:07 AM

    Mashallah, this an awesome article! Not only for young girls but older girls deciding on hijab as well. Great work. I really like the suggestion about wearing a regular dress while still covering. Muslim girls can definitely be fashionable. We just have to be careful about distinguishing what’s fashionable and modest and what is too tight and revealing.

    Keep writing! This is awesome advice!

    Reply
13. 

    zeze

    January 14, 2013 at 12:01 PM

    Mashaallah, well done. please keep writhing.

    Reply
14. 

    Mohammad Yusha

    January 14, 2013 at 12:10 PM

    So your brothers can’t wear tight shirts or skinny jeans either.

    Men can wear tight shirts as the satr for men is from the navel to the knees. Not sure why women always feel the need to compare themselves with men, because then they come across as people suffering from an inferiority complex. No offence …

    Other Muslim girls get worried about dressing up. With hijab, even if you don’t always have to worry about looking like a model, you don’t have to look like a dump. You can still look stylish. For example, you can take a short dress and wear a long-sleeved shirt under it with jeans. Dressing up means a lot to girls and being Muslim doesn’t mean you can’t wear the latest trends or have a fashion sense. For example, last year the trend included colorful maxi dresses, skirts, ruffles, and ray-bans. You could easily buy a hijab with ruffles and wear a pair of ray-bans. Just be creative. Don’t let other people get to you and put you down.

    First off, I find it very offensive that a Muslim woman who is not fashionable is being labelled as someone who looks like a dump. Secondly, the whole focus on fashion is the exact reason why hijabis nowadays wear perfume, branded and colourful hijabs, and many even wear tight clothes with the headscarf. It is as though the hijab is now more important than dressing modestly, and those girls who put on 2 kilos of make-up with a colorful, branded hijab and clothes attract attention while the purpose of the hijab is the opposite. Furthermore, we all know from Ahadith the warning for women who go out while wearing perfume. As for make-up, it is only for the husband. If women are truly trying to be religious, they should wear a veil, as did the wives and daughters of the Prophet (SAW). Thanks.

    Reply
    • 

      mustafa

      January 14, 2013 at 3:57 PM

      Asslamualaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh

      Good points but I disagree with the “need to compare themselves with men”

      This deen is wasat/balanced. When Allah mentions Jannah don’t you also find a mention of Jahannam in Quran? We must always strive to achieve a level of balance.

      Reply
15. 

    Konga

    January 15, 2013 at 7:07 AM

    Dear Zaynub,

    Although I admire your conviction and, even more, your courage to project and exptess that conviction (specially in your age), I have some objections that I cannot help but express them.

    You talk about having to dress modestly because God likes to see us dressed modestly. And then suddenly, modesty equals hijab? On what grounds? What is your definition of modesty? According to wikipedia’s entry on modesty, the word “describe[s] a mode of dress … intended not to encourage the opposite sex”. Since this is very much different in different societies, the article goes on saying “Clothing should not reveal parts of the body that society of the time and place consider immodest”. So how did hijab became the equivalent of modesty everywhere?

    Reply
    • 

      mustafa

      January 18, 2013 at 1:55 PM

      Assalamualaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh

      Hijab is fard. It definitely helps in being modest. Of course a girl could be fully dressed but in reality she is naked.

      Our nation is a wasat nation. We are balanced. We don’t go to one extreme or the other. It is inappropriate to make everything about the physical aspect of hijab and neglect the non-physical aspect of being modest. The opposite is also inappropriate.

      Also, Quran is not guidance for just one era. Every woman on the planet should wear hijab and be modest.

      Reply
      • 

        Konga

        January 22, 2013 at 4:41 AM

        @mustafa: “Hijab is fard” and “Every woman on the planet should wear hijab”

        Oh really? Says who? Can you list the quran verses that says that every woman should cover her hair?

        I have read the quran and the closest thing I could find to mandatory hijab is sura 24 verse 31 and sura 33 verse 59, and both of them talk about modesty, not hijab. The fact is: the quran basically tells women to cover themselves so that they would not make men lust for them. What they should cover and how much is a matter of interpretation. Then in the last half century or so, hijab became the most popular interpretation for purely political reasons.

        I have no problem with the notion of modesty, physical and non-physical, or even with the hijab itself. What I have problem with is the false pretences that a covered hair is the equivalence of piety. I’m sure that there are many women who wear the hijab out of conviction (like the writer of this article) and do fulfil the non-physical modesty “requirements” first. But unfortunately, my experience tells me that there are many more women who wear it just to keep up appearances. Hijab’s popularity in the muslim world is mainly due to the social obligations/expectations and the law of the land. And hijab in the west is mainly to make the statement of an “i’m better than you” attitude without really living up to that attitude.

        Reply
        • 

          mustafa

          February 7, 2013 at 3:22 PM

          Assalamualaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh

          We Muslims believe that the wahy (inspiration to Rasulullah sallallahualayhiwasalam) is not only Quran but in hadith.

          Hijab is absolutely obligatory and no amount of argumentation will help you before Allah.

          Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Everyone from my nation will enter Paradise except those who refuse.” They said, “O Messenger of Allah, who will refuse?” He said, “Whoever obeys me enters Paradise and whoever disobeys me has refused.”

          [Sahih Bukhari, Book 92, Number 384]

          عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ كُلُّ أُمَّتِي يَدْخُلُونَ الْجَنَّةَ إِلَّا مَنْ أَبَى قَالُوا يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ وَمَنْ يَأْبَى قَالَ مَنْ أَطَاعَنِي دَخَلَ الْجَنَّةَ وَمَنْ عَصَانِي فَقَدْ أَبَى

          6851 صحيح البخاري كِتَاب الِاعْتِصَامِ بِالْكِتَابِ وَالسُّنَّةِ لأقضين بينكما بكتاب الله

          Reply
16. 

    Zeynep Tuncer

    January 16, 2013 at 5:19 PM

    I liked it because it related to the same things I was worried about.

    Reply
17. 

    sumeyye islamoglu

    January 16, 2013 at 8:37 PM

    Hi my mame is sumeyye I am 12 years old actually I wanted to wear hijab but I always thougt about what other people might think but know I really don’t care what other people think and I’m thinking to start wearing hijab thank you so much

    Reply
18. 

    Aasia

    January 24, 2013 at 10:30 PM

    First of all, I am very appreciative of the efforts that this young Muslimah has made by expressing her thoughts and understandings of the hijab. I am pleased with the understanding that this young lady has of her religion regarding hijab in terms of clothing in the many places where she has explained to us in her writing. However, some statements reveal a shortcoming in her perception of the concept of the dress code prescribed in Islam and thus are contrary to what is in Islam and I wish to clarify and correct them. My intention here is to tell the truth and to remove any misunderstanding regards the issue of hijab. Others, of course, may have better explanations to offer. I am just trying to do my part. At the same time, I don’t want to discourage Zainab. I encourage her greatly in seeking to please Allah in every way insha-Allah. Overall, it a praiseworthy and well-written article.
    The writer does a great job of articulating the fears that may be in the hearts of Muslim girls and women regarding hijab and how they make think it is ‘bland’. This is very real and one has to fight these inner thoughts let alone face social pressure and feelings of self-consciousness which may be very overwhelming at times. But the writer mentions about wearing a “ pair of black, saggy jeans and a long-sleeved shirt” -this statement reflects an incomplete understanding of hijab or dress code as prescribed in Islam. Even though this type of outfit of baggy jeans and long-sleeved shirt may be relatively modest than wearing a short sleeved tight shirt with skinny jeans with hijab it is still not the type that is required or mandated by Allah and His messenger ( peace be upon him). There are certain conditions with regards to the hijab and it is important to adhere to those conditions whether in ease or difficulty so that Allah may make us among those who are of the steadfast and strong in Islam. Here is the link: http://www.igotitcovered.org/2010/02/17/obligatory-conditions-for-hijab/ -it explicates the conditions for hijab. As far as I know, only one condition is subject to the difference of opinion among scholars and that is of the covering of the face and hands. Some scholars say that covering tha face and hands is fard and many say that it is mustahab ( highly recommended). The conditions pertaining to hijab also apply to men. Zainab has correctly mentioned that hijab is not just for girls. In short, the conditions are as follows:
    1- The extent of covering:
    For women, one opinion is that all of her body including her hands and face should be covered. The other opinion is that everything should be covered except the hands and face. For men, it is from the navel to the knees.
    2-The hijab should not be glamorous or attractive:
    Usually this condition is more apt for women than men because men’s clothings are usually very plain. However ,nowadays I have seen some disturbing trends in men’s clothing where they have shiny and elaborate work done on collars and wrists and the colors of their clothing is women-like for example, bright shiny orange shalwar kameez for wearing at parties. Also, for women the color of the jilbab ( outer garment) that women wear needs attention too. Black, blue, brown, olive are preferable and neutral colors but other colors like orange, red etc are considered attractive and one should avoid wearing them.
    2- Hijab should be loose and tight:
    The purpose of this is to conceal the shape and curves of the body. This applies to both men and women.

    3- Hijab must not be transparent:

    This applies to both men and women. Wearing clothes that are thick enough to conceal the color of your skin is crucial.
    4- The hijab shouldn’t resemble the dress of opposite gender:
    Men shouldn’t wear what women wear and women shouldn’t wear what men wear.
    5- The hijab shouldn’t resemble the garment or symbols of the Kuffar.
    And there are a few other conditions explained in detail in the link provided above. Many Scholars agree that an outer garment is one of the necessary conditions of hijab. Dr. Zakir Naik follows the opinion of Sheikh Muhammad Nasiruddin Albaani that covering the whole body except for the face and hands up to the wrist is fard and that covering the face and hands is highly recommended if not fard. But he confirms the fact that many scholars are of the view that an outer garment or jilbab is an obligatory condition of the dress code prescribed for women. So those who say a jilbab is not necessary are wrong.
    Zainab illuminates to us why we have to wear the hijab and her answer cannot be any closer to the truth- to do it to obey Allah and His messenger ( peace be upon). She also expresses the fact that many girls may feel scared when wearing the hijab and the uncomfortable situation in which people ( both Muslim and non-Muslim) intentionally or unintentionally staring at women in hijab- this feeling of being scared and stares from people is something that women and girls do experience and Zainab has a done a commendable job of voicing those concerns.
    I do have to say about what Zainab has written in one of her paragraphs:
    “With hijab, even if you don’t always have to worry about looking like a model, you don’t have to look like a dump. You can still look stylish. For example, you can take a short dress and wear a long-sleeved shirt under it with jeans. Dressing up means a lot to girls and being Muslim doesn’t mean you can’t wear the latest trends or have a fashion sense. For example, last year the trend included colorful maxi dresses, skirts, ruffles, and ray-bans. You could easily buy a hijab with ruffles and wear a pair of ray-bans. Just be creative. Don’t let other people get to you and put you down.”
    Now, I agree that wearing the hijab with head covering, khimaar ( the piece of garment that covers the chest) and jilbab and socks ( at least but niqab is also considered necessary by many people) one doesn’t need to look like a dump. One should wear clean and good quality clothing. Even though you may look simple, you look elegant. I know for sure that authentic scholars would never say that a short dress with a long –sleeved shirt under jeans is acceptable form of hijab. Also following the latest trends is not part of the hijab or dress-code. There is just one uniform way-head-covering, khimaar, jilbab, socks ( and niqab and gloves for those who follow the opinion that the face and hands should be covered). I know women and girls have this innate desire to beautify themselves but let me tell you- Islam does not suppress that desire. Islam channels that desire in the right direction-that is, for the husband. A woman’s beauty is the sole privilege of her husband. You can beautify yourself for your husband in the way you want in the protection of your home. I know of a woman who goes outside in full covering except that her eyes and her hands are exposed to the public and she usually wear black niqab, khimaar, jilbab, head covering and socksetc but when she is inside her home, she dresses up for her husband, she wears the jewelry she wants, the dresses up in what she likes, she applies the make-up she prefers. She has that liberty and freedom with security in her sacred home. So it is a win-win situation for her and her husband. Also, in strictly all women gatherings, one can dress up as one wants as long as there is no fear that a non-mahram will not enter upon their gathering,
    “Don’t other people get you or put you down”: that is very true, You should be confident. Even if you are self- conscious now about wearing the hijab as prescribed by Islam, I assure you that the promise of Allah is always true. If you remain steadfast Allah will turn that self-consciousness into self-confidence. Every time you are faced to make a decision regarding your deen whether it be hijab or whatever, make sure you make your decision by having you trust in Allah and not in what yourself wants to thinks is right. If Allah has ordained something for you, then to Allah belongs the creation and legislation. He knows that the hijab which He has mandated for you is the best for you and you can do it. Would you trust Allah, the Creator, the All-powerful, the All-wise or would you trust others ( your baser self, society, culture, peers)? Always trust Allah. I am telling you and I say this through experience Allah will never betray that trust. His best gift to his persevering servant is the sweetness of the Iman and the Jannah in the Hereafter. But Allah also rewards in materialistic ways to His slaves by giving them better circumstances and good company etc
    Furthermore, it is important to note that the concept of hijab is not limited to your outfit or dress-code, it encompasses many things- the way you talk, the way your walk, how you interact with ohters and with whom you interact , what you say and what you don’t say. It is a manifestation of Iman and one major branch of Iman is haya and the source of haya is the heart. So what is in the heart is demonstrated by the body. As our beloved messenger ( peace be upon him ) had said that in the body is a piece of flesh is that if is sound the whole body is sound and if it is corrupt then everything is corrupt- it is the heart. Make sure your sense of haya is strong enough and complete enough to allow you the determination and zeal to follow the rules of modesty in Islam is the most perfect way possible. And of course, this principle applies to all aspects of our deen.
    With best and sincere duas
    Your sister in Islam
    Aasia Batool

    Reply
    • 

      Konga

      January 26, 2013 at 5:53 AM

      @Aasia: I read your post and the article you linked to, but I am still missing any references saying that covering the hair of a woman is an obligation is Islam.

      The article you linked to listed 8 requirements for how the “hijab” should look like. Although each point started with the word “hijab”, only the first one had actually something to do with what this “hijab” should be covering. Let’s go through the list (sorry that this list will make the post long…):

      1. Covering all of the body
      This is the only point that deals with what should be covered and it is based on the hadeeth narrated by the prophet’s wife Um Salama:

      “When the verse {That they should cast their outer garments over their persons} [33:59] was revealed, the women of the Ansar came out as if they had crows over their heads.” [Sahih Abi Dawud]

      First of all, “crows over their heads” hardly means that they covered their hair the way the word “hijab” means now a days. It merely says that they had pieces of black cloth over their heads. It is more likely that these pieces of clothes were just thrown over the heads loosely, not strictly covering the front of their heads/hair or even the length of their hair. Pretty much like how older women in our societies usually throw a “shawal” over the top of their heads when they are at home.

      Secondly, a description of what the ansari women did when they heard the verse is hardly a good motivation for a requirement. For all we know, she was mocking the ansari women for interpreting this verse this way. Besides, the hadeeth only mentions the ansari women, what about the muhajireen women? why didn’t they go out with “crows over their heads”? weren’t they muslims too? or was the verse only for the ansari women? Isn’t that an indication that the verse was misinterpreted by the ansari women?

      2.The hijab must not be a display
      Based on the verses:
      “And not show of their adornment except only that which is apparent.” [24:31]
      Says nothing about hair!
      “And stay in your houses and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance.” [33:33]
      Says nothing about hair. It does say though that women should stay in the house and never go out, but that is a different discussion of the one we are having.

      3. The hijab must not be transparent
      Based on the hadeeth: “During the last days of my ummah there will be women who are clothed but naked, with something on their heads like the humps of camels. Curse them, for they are cursed.” [Narrated by Muslim]

      Let’s assume that “clothed but naked” does refer to transparent cloths, this still doesn’t say anything about the obligation of covering the head. If the hadeeth is to be interpreted literately, it basically means: don’t wear transparent clothes and put something big and solid on your head. If it is to be interpreted metaphorically, it would mean: don’t pretend to be a saint in your head (covered with pious garments) while you are in fact naked (of all goodness) from the inside.

      4. Hijab must be loose, and not tight
      No referenced from the quran or sunna are given here. And it would still have nothing to do with mandatory covering of the hair if it was not for the word “hijab”.

      5.The hijab must not be perfumed
      Based on the hadeeth ““Any woman who perfumes herself and passes by some people that they smell her scent, then she is a zaniyah (adulteress).” [Sahih an-Nasaa’i]”

      Still, the hadeeth itself does not mention the hair.

      6. The hijab shouldn’t resemble the dress of a man
      Based on the hadeeths: “Women who assume the manners of men are not from us and also those of men who assume the manners of women.” [Sahih al-Jami’]
      “The Prophet salla Allahu alayhi wasallam cursed the man who wears the dress of a woman and the woman who wears the dress of a man.” [Sahih Abi Dawood]

      Again, the hadeeths themselves do not mention the hair!

      7. The hijab must not resemble the garments of the kuffar
      Based on the hadeeths:“The one who take the similitude (manner) of a certain people, then he/she becomes one of them.” [Sahih Abi Dawood]
      “The Prophet salla Allahu alayhi wasallam saw me wearing two garments dyed in saffron (orange), whereupon he said: ‘These are the clothes (usually worn) by the kuffar, so do not wear them.’” [Sahih Muslim]

      Again: the hadeeths themselves do not mention the hair.

      8.The hijab should not be for fame
      Based on the hadeeth: “The one who wears a garment designed for a worldly fame, Allah will make them wear a garment of humility on the Day Of Resurrection then he will be set ablaze.” [Musnad Ahmad, and it is Sahih]

      One last time, the hadeeth itself does not mention hair.

      I could agree with you that all these requirements should apply to the hijab that covers the hair, but only when it has been established first that covering the hair itself is mandatory, which I have yet to see any evidence for in the quran or hadeeth. But in the absence of clear quranic verses and/or authentic hadeeths mandating the covering of the hair, those requirements (point 2 through 8) are made for the modest dressing style, whatever that maybe depending on the norms of the society where one lives.

      Reply
      • 

        Aasia

        January 28, 2013 at 3:58 PM

        @Konga:From what you have written I get that you don’t/can’t find a clear cut verse from the Quran or an authentic hadith regarding the covering of hair for women in Islam.

        I searched this a little bit and here is a link that you might find helpful: http://www.onislam.net/english/ask-the-scholar/quran-and-hadith/452525-covering-hair.html?Hadith=

        The answer does mention the fact that there is no verse or hadith that says explicitly to cover the hair but the scholars have classified it as a woman’s awrah based upon their study and understanding of the religious text.

        My suggestion would be to ask a scholar yourself if you are really searching for answers. Scholars will give a better and more complete answer since they are aware of the sources and evidences of Islam/Islamic practices. I can only tell the little that I know for I am not a student of knowledge and definitely not a scholar. And Allah knows best.

        Wasalaam
        Aasia

        Reply
        • 

          Konga

          January 30, 2013 at 3:06 AM

          @Aasia: Thank you for the link. However, it still does not provide an answer. Yes, the writer did admit that there is no clear verse or hadeeth that requires women to cover their hair. Yet he still says that it is a requirement and the only reason he gives is that it is “widely known” that hair is ‘awrah’ “according to the juristic collective view of scholars in past and present times”. This is not a satisfactory answer. Yes, I have searched for information from shaiks/islamic scholars about this subject and have not got better answers than this one. And the problem I have with this answer is that when some “scholars” make a decision that effects my life and require me to follow it, I believe that I am very much entitled to a better explanation than “we men gathered and decided that women should look like this. we don’t really have much authentic sources to motivate our decision, but this is what we agreed that we wanted so this is what you are obligated to do”. I also believe that no one should take the word of any “scholar” on face value without checking their sources, and their sources’ sources, and here is why:

          When all is said and done, these scholars “in past and present time” are only human. They have all the human weaknesses, from being unintentionally wrong sometimes to intentionally abusing their power. Trusting the word of someone just because he wears the religious dress and claims that he’s a scholar gives the opportunity to very unholy men to wear the religious dress and order people to do things for their own personal pleasure by saying “These are God’s orders”. The only way to not fall pray for this kind of “scholars” is by checking their sources and questioning their motivations, which is not a very hard thing to do. Since non of these scholars “in past and present time”, as far as we know, have received any new revelations from God, their knowledge come from the very same sources that are available for everybody: the quran, the 6 collections of authentic hadeeths and the biography of the prophet. Everything else, all other studies, all other Islamic books, all other knowledge of Islam throughout history are based on nothing other than these sources.

          Reply
          • 

            Aly Balagamwala | DiscoMaulvi

            January 31, 2013 at 1:27 AM

            Dear Konga

            Other than the scholars, the ones to hold this opinion were the companions and family members of Muhammad (SAW) (may Allah be pleased with them all).

            Regards
            -Aly
        • 

          mustafa

          February 7, 2013 at 3:45 PM

          Assalamualaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh

          I wouldn’t reccomend onislam if a bullet was put to my head. (Not literally speaking of course.)

          There are more than a few astray opinions there. It’s as An-Nabi sallalahualayhiwasalam foretold, the rightious men would be taken and so knowledge is lifted and now we see people giving fatwa on their own opinions, thus straying and leading others astray.

          Reply
19. 

    I'm a starter

    January 25, 2013 at 2:01 AM

    Really nice. Thnk u,it inspiring me to keep continue my intention. :)

    Reply
20. 

    Hafsa

    January 26, 2013 at 10:31 AM

    wonderful article Zaynub :) Please keep writing. May Allah grant you wisdom to continue to be a voice for young Muslim girls and make your road easier for you. Ameen.

    Reply
21. 

    Zahrah

    January 30, 2013 at 6:46 AM

    Hijaab is an Ibadah, NOT A FASHION
    First, we must understand that wearing Hijaab is worship (Ibaadah). We also have to differentiate between Hijab/Jilbab (the outer long garment that covers a woman’s body) and Khimar (head scarf). Today many sisters think that just wearing a Khimar (head scarf) is sufficient and they wear tight tops, shirts, blazers and trousers. Some even show their skins, exposing their arms, neck, feet and ankles. They come out of their houses and even pray Salah like this. This is not permissible. Many do it out of ignorance, not bothering to learn. Others due to pressure from parents etc, others due to custom and culture and yet others really think that this is correct obtaining Fatawah from Scholars not grounded in Knowledge of the Quran and the Sunnah upon the understanding of the Companions. If we want to please Allaah – our Creator and sustainer- by worshipping Him alone and gain reward, then every act of worship and good deeds that we do has to fulfil three very essential, fundamental conditions and principles so that Allaah accepts it from us. And they are; first and foremost; we must have the correct Islamic Aqeedah in Allah, His Tawheed, Names & Attributes and all the six pillars of eemaan and all other aspects of Aqeedah such as; the bliss and punishment in the grave, jannah, jahannam, Prophet Eesaa coming back, etc. etc. and secondly; we have to do all acts of worship and good deeds for the sake of Allaah, not to show off, for fashion, for fame, for money, nor due to custom and culture, not because of parents and community telling us to do it but for Allaah’s sake and thirdly; do worship and good deeds according to the Sunnah of the Messenger, Muhammad sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam. Exactly how he has related to us in doing a certain Ibaadah. Salah, saum, Zaqah. Haj, enjoining the good and forbidding the evil, giving Da’wah, how to wear the Hijab/Jilbab. If one, two or all of these conditions are missing it will not be accepted from us. If someone wears Hijab for Allah’s sake, yet NOT according to the Sunnah, it will NOT be accepted. Likewise, if someone wears it according to the Sunnah yet NOT for Allah’s sake, it will NOT be accepted.
    So as Muslim, believing Women covering ourselves is also worship, Ibaadah and it has conditions that we need to fulfil. We will not know these conditions, except by learning and educating ourselves. For the conditions, please refer to Imaam al-Albani’s ‘The Correct Requirements of Hijaab’. Wearing the Hijaab isn’t just a matter of simply putting a piece of cloth on your head, it is an attitude, a way of thinking and behaving, and accepting yourself for who and what you are. Basically it constitutes an Islaamic way of life, it is a statement which indeed should portray a certain attitude.
    A woman may wear the correct Hijaab or just the Khimar without fulfilling the Hijaabs conditions, but if she flirts and free mixes, then she can’t be really described as wearing the Hijaab. The whole idea involves conducting oneself with dignity at all times (that means running for the bus and boisterous behaviour in public is not a good idea!!). As previously mentioned, the Hijaab depicts a statement, and that is something one should be continually aware of. It identifies you as a Muslim, and ultimately people will judge Islaam by you, and that is a heavy responsibility!! Yet sisters, we must also be thankful that by wearing the Hijaab, we go a long way in fulfilling our duties of Da’wah. Curiosity prompts people to question us, giving us the opportunity to show the non-Muslims the beauty of our religion. O.k., so we may get the stares at times (to which one rapidly becomes immune), but it is amazing how many are sincerely interested, oh and not to forget the redoubtable old British ladies on the Tube (“Oh I do like your headdress, my dear!!!”).
    Hijaab isn’t meant to restrict you from doing the kind of things you want to do. Whoever wears it correctly and conducts their behaviour properly, will attain dignity and honour in Allaah’s sight and amongst people…respect, dignity and honour will be instilled. Hijaab makes us check our behaviour continuously, preventing us from doing the things that Muslims shouldn’t be doing anyway. Anything (with the blessings of the Almighty, is possible) -studying, working etc. etc. -provided it is within the bounds of Islaam.
    Sometimes, however the decision to wear the Hijaab, let alone the Niqaab (face veil worn when alot of non-Mahram men are around, i.e. in Markets, supermarkets) can become extra complicated through external pressures, notably family and friends. Unfortunately, even some Muslims nowadays look upon the Hijaab as being too “extreme”, and the like and when these attitudes come from members of your family then the decision becomes all the more difficult. Speaking from experience, things do change, because ultimately, you are doing this for Allaah (s.w.t), and he will make it easy for you, by “softening” the hearts of those that may not be all that encouraging. Eventually they themselves will want to follow you because deep down they know that it is the right thing to do. If that doesn’t help, then this should convince you: On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Prophet (may the peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said : Allaah the Almighty says: ” I am as my servant thinks I am…If he draws near to Me a hand’s span, I draw near to him an arms length; and if he draws near to Me an arm’s length, I draw near to him a fathom’s length. And if he comes walking, I go to him at speed.”
    On the other hand, it is important to ascertain the motive for wearing the Hijaab. If you are thinking of wearing it to please your husband, to impress people at the mosque, being with the ‘in crowd’, fashion or just as a change, then please think again. Hijaab (as with everything else) is to please Allaah only, any other motive will not sustain that conviction.
    A word also to our brothers; Hijaab may seem to be merely a woman’s issue, but that is not so. Muslim men have to follow a dress code too, no matter if it isn’t as extensive as for women it still exists! The men, like women, should also wear loose clothes -so no tight fitting jeans please!! They are obligated to keep their beard and trim the moustache and keep their garments (trousers, thoub, khamees) above the ankle all the time. Their attitude to all women should also always remain respectful and business like, as the women’s attitude to men should be.
    Finally, all of the above pales in significance to the words of our Creator (subhana wa ta’ala):
    Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc.). That is purer for them. Verily, Allaah is All-Aware of what they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc.) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like palms of hands or one eye or both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer dress like veil, gloves, head-cover, apron, etc.), and to draw their veils all over Juyubihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms, etc.) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband’s fathers, their sons, their husband’s sons, their brothers or their brother’s sons, or their sister’s sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islam), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful. (Al -Qur’ân, ch.24:30-31)

    Reply
22. 

    Zahrah

    January 30, 2013 at 6:47 AM

    The conditions and requirements of Hijaab from the Qur’an and the Sunnah:

    Firstly: It should cover all the body apart from whatever has been exempted (the face and the hands).

    Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allaah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

    This aayah clearly states that it is obligatory to cover all of a woman’s beauty and adornments and not to display any part of that before non-mahram men (“strangers”) except for whatever appears unintentionally, in which case there will be no sin on them if they hasten to cover it up.

    Al-Haafiz ibn Katheer said in his Tafseer:

    This means that they should not display any part of their adornment to non-mahrams, apart from that which it is impossible to conceal. Ibn Mas’ood said: such as the cloak and robe, i.e., what the women of the Arabs used to wear, an outer garment which covered whatever the woman was wearing, except for whatever appeared from beneath the outer garment. There is no sin on a woman with regard to this because it is impossible to conceal it.

    Secondly: it should not be an adornment in and of itself.

    Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

    “… and not to show off their adornment…” [al-Noor 24:31]. The general meaning of this phrase includes the outer garment, because if it is decorated it will attract men’s attention to her. This is supported by the aayah in Soorat al-Ahzaab (interpretation of the meaning):

    “And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance” [al-Ahzaab 33:33]. It is also supported by the hadeeth in which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There are three, do not ask me about them: a man who leaves the jamaa’ah, disobeys his leader and dies disobedient; a female or male slave who runs away then dies; and a woman whose husband is absent and left her with everything she needs, and after he left she made a wanton display of herself. Do not ask about them.”

    (Narrated by al-Haakim, 1/119; Ahmad, 6/19; from the hadeeth of Faddaalah bint ‘Ubayd. Its isnaad is saheeh and it is in al-Adab al-Mufrad).

    Thirdly: It should be thick and not transparent or see-through

    – because it cannot cover properly otherwise. Transparent or see-thru clothing makes a woman more tempting and beautiful. Concerning this the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “During the last days of my ummah there will be women who are clothed but naked, with something on their heads like the humps of camels. Curse them, for they are cursed.” Another hadeeth adds: “They will not enter Paradise or even smell its fragrance, although its fragrance can be detected from such and such a distance.” (Narrated by Muslim from the report of Abu Hurayrah).

    Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr said: what the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) meant was women who wear clothes made of light fabric which describes and does not cover. They are clothed in name but naked in reality. [Transmitted by al-Suyooti in Tanweer al-Hawaalik, 3/103]

    Fourthly: It should be loose, not tight so that it describes any part of the body.

    The purpose of clothing is to prevent fitnah (temptation), and this can only be achieved if clothes are wide and loose. Tight clothes, even if they conceal the colour of the skin, still describe the size and shape of the body or part of it, and create a vivid image in the minds of men. The corruption or invitation to corruption that is inherent in that is quite obvious. So the clothes must be wide. Usaamah ibn Zayd said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) gave me a thick Egyptian garment that was one of the gifts given to him by Duhyat al-Kalbi, and I gave it to my wife to wear. He said, ‘Why do I not see you wearing that Egyptian garment?’ I said, ‘I gave it to my wife to wear.’ He said, ‘Tell her to wear a gown underneath it, for I am afraid that it may describe the size of her bones.’” (Narrated by al-Diyaa’ al-Maqdisi in al-Ahaadeeth al-Mukhtaarah, 1/442, and by Ahmad and al-Bayhaqi, with a hasan isnaad).

    Fifthly: It should not be perfumed with bakhoor or fragrance

    There are many ahaadeeth which forbid women to wear perfume when they go out of their houses. We will quote here some of those which have saheeh isnaads:

    Abu Moosa al-Ash’ari said: the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Any woman who puts on perfume then passes by people so that they can smell her fragrance, is an adulteress.”

    Zaynab al-Thaqafiyyah reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “If any one of you (women) goes out to the mosque, let her not touch any perfume.”

    Abu Hurayrah said: the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Any woman who has scented herself with bakhoor (incense), let her not attend ‘Ishaa’ prayers with us.”

    Moosa ibn Yassaar said that a woman passed by Abu Hurayrah and her scent was overpowering. He said, “O female slave of al-Jabbaar, are you going to the mosque?” She said, “Yes,” He said, “And have you put on perfume because of that?” She said, “Yes.” He said, “Go back and wash yourself, for I heard the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say: ‘If a woman comes out to the mosque and her fragrance is overpowering, Allaah will not accept any prayer from her until she goes home and washes herself.’”

    These ahaadeeth are general in implication. Just as the prohibition covers perfume applied to the body, it also covers perfume applied to the clothes, especially in the third hadeeth, where bakhoor (incense) is mentioned, because incense is used specifically to perfume the clothes.

    The reason for this prohibition is quite clear, which is that women’s fragrance may cause undue provocation of desires. The scholars also included other things under this heading of things to be avoided by women who want to go to the mosque, such as beautiful clothes, jewellery that can be seen, excessive adornments and mingling with men. See Fath al-Baari, 2/279.

    Ibn Daqeeq al-‘Eed said: This indicates that it is forbidden for a woman who wants to go to the mosque to wear perfume, because this causes provocation of men’s desires. This was reported by al-Manaawi in Fayd al-Qadeer, in the commentary on the first hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah quoted above.

    Sixthly: It should not resemble the clothing of men

    It was reported in the saheeh ahaadeeth that a woman who imitates men in dress or in other ways is cursed. There follow some of the ahaadeeth that we know:

    Abu Hurayrah said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) cursed the man who wears women’s clothes, and the woman who wears men’s clothes.”

    ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Amr said: I heard the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say: ‘They are not part of us, the women who imitate men and the men who imitate women.’”

    Ibn ‘Abbaas said: “The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) cursed effeminate men and masculine women. He said, ‘Throw them out of your houses.’” He said: “The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) expelled So and so, and ‘Umar expelled So and so.” According to another version: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) cursed men who imitate women and women who imitate men.”

    ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Amr said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘There are three who will not enter Paradise and Allaah will not even look at them on the Day of Resurrection: one who disobeys his parents, a woman who imitates men, and the duyooth (cuckold, weak man who feels no jealousy over his womenfolk).”

    Ibn Abi Maleekah – whose name was ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Ubayd-Allaah – said: “It was said to ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her), ‘What if a woman wears (men’s) sandals?’ She said: ‘The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) cursed women who act like men.’”

    These ahaadeeth clearly indicate that it is forbidden for women to imitate men and vice versa, This usually includes dress and other matters, apart from the first hadeeth quoted above, which refers to dress only.

    Abu Dawood said, in Masaa’il al-Imaam Ahmad (p. 261): “I heard Ahmad being asked about a man who dresses his slave woman in a tunic. He said, ‘Do not clothe her in men’s garments, do not make her look like a man.” Abu Dawood said: “I said to Ahmad, Can he give her bachelor sandals to wear? He said, No, unless she wears them to do wudoo’. I said, What about for beauty? He said, No. I said, Can he cut her hair short? He said, No.”

    Seventhly: It should not resemble the dress of kaafir (non-Muslim) women.

    It is stated in sharee’ah that Muslims, men and women alike, should not resemble or imitate the kuffaar with regard to worship, festivals or clothing that is specific to them. This is an important Islamic principle which nowadays, unfortunately, is neglected by many Muslims, even those who care about religion and calling others to Islam. This is due either to ignorance of their religion, or because they are following their own whims and desires, or because of deviation, combined with modern customs and imitation of kaafir Europe. This was one of the causes of the Muslims’ decline and weakness, which enabled the foreigners to overwhelm and colonize them. “…Verily, Allaah will not change the condition of a people as long as they do not change their state themselves …” [al-Ra’d 13:11 – interpretation of the meaning]. If only they knew.

    It should be known that there is a great deal of saheeh evidence for these important rules in the Qur’aan and Sunnah, and that the evidence in the Qur’aan is elaborated upon in the Sunnah, as is always the case.

    Eighthly: It should not be a garment of fame and vanity.

    Ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘Whoever wears a garment of fame and vanity in this world, Allaah will clothe him in a garment of humiliation on the Day of Resurrection, then He will cause Fire to flame up around him.’”

    By Shaykh Al-Albani (Hijaab al-Mar’ah al-Muslimah, p. 54-67).

    Note; wearing the Niqab (face veil) is not obligatory, but it can be when men are around according to the correct view in Islam..

    Reply
23. 

    Konga

    January 31, 2013 at 4:40 AM

    @Aly:

    Do you have a quote by any of them?

    As far as I know, the opinions and sayings of the companions and family members are also documented in the hadeeth collections and Sunna biography, which are the sources I refered to. Actually, the hadeeth and the biography are basically narrated by the companions and family members. Please correct me if I’m wrong!

    Reply
    • 

      Aasia

      February 4, 2013 at 9:03 AM

      Konga, I see that you confused about the issue of head covering and doubtful that it is part of Islam. I was thinking about this and my mind went to an aspect of Islam that is somewhat related to hijab-that is the salah. Even in salah Muslim men and women are commanded to dress in a certain way and to a certain extent. If in salah a head covering is required then it makes sense that covering the head does constitute the hijab for women because in salah one is required to cover the awrah and one of the purposes of hijab is to cover the awrah
      Here is the hadith of our beloved messenger ( Peace be upon him):
      And the Prophet (sa) said: “Allah does not accept the prayer of a woman of childbearing age (lit. a woman who menstruates) except with a head covering.”
      And here is the link from where I got the hadith: http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/126265/covering%20of%20women

      Reply
24. 

    shaduu

    February 4, 2013 at 4:45 AM

    Asalam Aleykum
    As far as i know a proper hijab according to our religion should not be attractive or have any decorations to avoid attracting people( shubha)

    Reply
25. 

    Alkalaamblog

    February 10, 2013 at 9:01 PM

    May Allah keep you steadfast on his deen and increase your knowledge.

    Reply
26. 

    Munira

    July 31, 2013 at 7:15 AM

    Mashallah! Your’e same age as i am! Another silly question people have asked is if i wear a hijab when I’m taking a shower and when I’m sleeping ~munira~

    Reply
27. 

    jasew

    November 5, 2013 at 12:25 PM

    wow !!! A 12 year old wrote this?

    Reply
28. 

    Hanifah Abbadi

    July 11, 2014 at 2:43 AM

    Nice article, but in my experience it is only a half measure to start with only the hijab. As you can see from the different opinions, there is a lot of debate as to what the true level of cover a Muslimah is required to wear, but by all accounts there is no penalty but even greater reward to covering more. There will never be an easier time than early in life to move right into the wearing of the full niqab, abaya and gloves. As you get older you are already expected to change into the righteous clothing style of grown woman, but you do not yet have all the responsibilities yet of adulthood, so you have the opportunity to adopt the attire prescribed for us and have time to learn it and grow accustomed to it before the other challenges of life come to you. By starting young it becomes a part of you and your niqab and gloves and outer veil are as easy and natural and indispensable as your own skin. The sooner you can cover your awrat the less fitna you will spread, even unintentionally, because one can never know who sees you out in the street at school or traveling. Being properly attired from early on also helps put your mind and heart in the right place to to listen and follow Allah’s guidance in all things, for you will have the confidence that you are doing you best to follow His commandments without worry or doubt. Starting hijab is a first step, but if you are going to take it take the full step to complete coverage, It will never be easier and you will gain reward from the earliest time possible, there is no such thing as “too much” modesty, only not enough. Do not worry about what your friends might say, for when the time comes you will stand alone before Allah, and your friends, as important as they are to you, will not be at your side. If anything your dressing will set the example for them and help them to follow the right path too.

    Reply
    • 

      Hanifah Abbadi

      July 11, 2014 at 3:06 AM

      https://www.flickr.com/photos/47400948@N04/4344314337/in/photostream/

      Reply
29. 

    Nancy Wain

    November 25, 2016 at 7:54 PM

    I have no real thoughts on hijabs however I was driving in Fawkner yesterday morning ( school time) and I saw a family of very young children, a boy and two little girls, all in traditional dress ( for want of a better word) , one of the little girls was wearing a colourful hijab and her legs covered and the other little girl was in a full BLACK burka with her hands and face including her eyes fully covered. I haven’t slept thinking about this little girl, she will be faceless all of her life it seems. Is this wrong or am I missing something? I am respectful to all beliefs but this really disturbed me.

    Reply