What is the Importance of Hijab in Islam?
In a world where women are forced to show skin to validate themselves, Islam has advanced Muslim women by adorning them with the Hijab.
While to some, the hijab may seem like a simple headscarf; for Muslim women, it is a symbol of their faith, modesty, and submission to Allah Almighty.
If you practice Hijab, knowing its significance in Islam is essential. In this blog, we will discuss why the hijab for women is important in Islam.
So, let's get into it.
Hijab - A Symbol of Modesty
In Islam, Muslim men and women are obligated to reflect modesty in their words, actions, and attire. A hijab is a piece of cloth that Muslim women wear over their heads to cover their hair. It does not only symbolize physical covering, but also a broader concept of modesty and morality.
The hijab encourages prioritizing inner beauty and moral integrity over external appearances. By adhering to it, Muslim women highlight the importance of values and character, proving that they are more than just beautiful faces. In Islam, the hijab for women does not hinder their success; instead, it provides them a safe boundary to pursue it.
Importance of Hijab in Islam
The hijab holds the utmost value in Islam. Looking through the Quran and Sunnah, we get various references of Allah SWT commanding it and Muslim women exercising it. Some of them are as follows.
By the Words of Allah:
In the Holy Qur’an, Allah Almighty has reinforced the importance of hijab for women multiple times. Here is an Ayah from Surah An-Noor where Allah says to Muslim women;
“...and not display their beauty except what is apparent, and they should place their khumur over their bosoms...” (24:31).
Here, the word khumur refers to a piece of cloth a woman uses to conceal her head.
Additionally, in Surah Ahzab, Allah says,
“O Prophet! Ask your wives, daughters, and believing women to draw their cloaks over their bodies. In this way, it is more likely that they will be recognized ˹as virtuous˺ and not be harassed. And Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (33:59)
From these ayahs, it is apparent that the hijab is a Muslim woman’s identity and source of protection.
By the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet:
After the ayah of hijab was revealed in the Qur’an, Prophet Muhammad PBUH also reinforced it. When he commanded that women should be brought out to the place of Eid prayer, they said,
“O Messenger of Allah, some of us do not have jilbabs.”
The Prophet PBUH said,
“Let her sister give her one of her jilbabs to wear.” Narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslim.
By the Life of Pious Women:
The Sahabiyat at the time of Prophet PBUH were always vigilant to fulfill Allah’s commandments. They embodied the teachings of Islam their whole lives. It was narrated from Safiyyah bint Shaybah that ‘Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) used to say.
When these words were revealed – “and to draw their veils all over Juyubihinna (i.e., their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)” – they took their izars (a kind of garment) and tore them from the edges and covered their faces with them. Narrated by Al-Bukhari, 4481.
Hijab and I - What it Means To a Muslim Woman
Wearing the hijab has a personal significance for Muslim women. It provides a sense of obedience to Allah and is seen as an act of worship (Ibadah) and self-expression. By wearing the hijab, they submit themselves to Allah and resist oppression by defying Western norms. By adhering to it, they aspire to earn rewards in the hereafter.
The Takeaway
In conclusion, the Hijab symbolizes faith, modesty, and empowerment for Muslim women. It is Allah’s commandment and an obligation that Muslims should follow.
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