What Qur’an Says About The Hijab
Ever wondered why the hijab in islam is such a big deal? It’s more than just a piece of cloth; it’s a sign of tradition, faith, and personal choice. The word "hijab" itself comes from the Arabic word "hajaba," which literally means "to cover" or "to conceal." In a wider sense, it represents a form of modesty and privacy.
For some, it’s a daily expression of their religious beliefs, while for others, it’s a personal choice linked to cultural heritage. It’s not just about covering up; it’s about standing up for one's values and embracing a way of life that values modesty, respect, and dignity.
In this blog, we’ll dive into what the Qur'an says about the hijab, how it’s interpreted by scholars, and what it means in today’s world. Whether you’re curious about its historical roots or looking for modern ways to incorporate it into your life, you’ll find that the hijab is much more than just a fashion statement—it’s a meaningful part of a larger story about identity and respect. Let’s see how Qur’an explains it.
Quran and Hijab:
1. Surah An-Nur (Surah 24)
Verse 31:
“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof and to wrap [a portion of] their head covers over their chests and not expose their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers, their brothers' sons, their sisters' sons, their women, that which their right hands possess, or those male attendants having no physical desire, or children who are not yet aware of the private aspects of women. And let them not stamp their feet to make known what they conceal of their adornment. And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you might succeed.”
This verse provides detailed instructions on women's modesty. It tells women to dress modestly by covering their hair and chest, which is why many Muslim women choose to wear a hijab. The Qur'an and hijab guidance here emphasize that modesty is not just about appearance but also about how we present ourselves.
What Scholars Say:
Ibn Kathir, a respected Islamic scholar, explains that this verse was revealed to instruct women on how to cover themselves properly. He notes, “The command to ‘wrap [a portion of] their head covers over their chests’ means that women should cover their heads and also draw their head covers over their necks and chests.” This guidance aimed to complete the modesty that was partly observed before this verse.
Al-Qurtubi, another notable scholar, elaborates, “The term ‘adornments’ refers to both natural beauty and any additional ornaments, such as jewelry. This verse is not just about physical covering but also about avoiding actions that might draw attention to oneself.” He underscores that modesty involves both physical appearance and behavior.
Verse 30:
“Tell the believing men to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do.”
This verse complements the previous one by addressing men. It instructs them to lower their gaze and maintain modesty, reinforcing that modesty is a mutual responsibility. This aspect of modesty is also central to discussions on hijab in Islam.
What Scholars Say:
Ibn Kathir explains, “This verse commands men to avoid looking at things that are not permissible for them to see, including parts of the body that must be covered. Lowering the gaze helps maintain purity and modesty.” He emphasizes that this control is crucial for maintaining both personal and social modesty.
Al-Tabari, an early Islamic scholar, adds, “By lowering their gaze, men can prevent their hearts from being swayed by inappropriate desires. This preventative measure helps protect both men and women from temptation and maintains modesty.”
This verse shows that hijab is not just about the clothes we wear but also about how we see and treat others. It also lies in the eyes. Men and women both need to practice modesty, starting with their hearts and actions.
2. Surah Al-Ahzab (Surah 33)
Verse 59:
“O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.”
This verse instructs women to wear an outer garment (jilbab) when going outside. It helps others recognise them as respectable and protects them from harassment. The guidance about women’s clothing in this verse lines up with the principles of hijab in Islam.
What Scholars Say:
Al-Qurtubi explains, “The jilbab mentioned in this verse is a loose-fitting garment that covers the whole body, except for the face and hands. It was intended to protect women from unwanted attention and to identify them as respectable believers.” This interpretation emphasizes on the importance of maintaining modesty and respectability.
Ibn Kathir also notes, “The jilbab was used to distinguish free women from slaves, and to protect women from harassment. By covering themselves properly, women could avoid unwanted advances and be recognised as respectable individuals.”
Verse 53:
“…And when you ask [his wives] for something, ask them from behind a partition. That is purer for your hearts and their hearts…”
This verse advises talking to the Prophet’s wives from behind a curtain to maintain modesty and purity in communication.
What Scholars Say:
Al-Qurtubi states, “This verse illustrates the principle of modesty in communication. Using a partition or veil serves as a physical barrier to help maintain purity of heart and mind.” It shows how modesty extends beyond physical appearance to verbal interactions.
Ibn Kathir adds, “The use of partitions helps preserve modesty and prevents inappropriate conduct. It indicates that physical barriers can help in maintaining modesty in social interactions.”
3. Surah Al-A'raf (Surah 7)
Verse 26:
“O children of Adam, We have bestowed upon you clothing to conceal your private parts and as adornment. But the clothing of righteousness—that is best. That is from the signs of Allah that perhaps they will remember.”
This verse reminds us that clothing is meant to cover our bodies and also serve as a form of adornment. However, the best form of “clothing” is being righteous and having good character.
What Scholars Say:
Ibn Kathir interprets this verse as a reminder of the importance of clothing in maintaining modesty and gives us a better understanding of hijab in islam. He says, “Clothing is essential for covering the body, but the ‘clothing of righteousness’ represents a higher value—spiritual purity and good character.”
Al-Tabari comments, “This verse uses clothing as a metaphor for modesty. While physical attire is important, the true measure of modesty is found in one's internal righteousness and character.”
4. Surah An-Nisa (Surah 4)
Verse 34:
“O you who have believed, let those whom your right hands possess and those who have not [yet] reached puberty among you ask permission of you [before entering] three times: before the dawn prayer and when you put aside your clothing [for rest] at noon and after the night prayer. [These are] three times of privacy for you. There is no blame upon you nor upon them beyond these [periods], for they continually circulate among you—some of you, among others. Thus does Allah make clear to you the verses; and Allah is Knowing and Wise.”
This verse does not talk directly about women’s clothing or hijab, but it talks about maintaining privacy at home, instructing people to seek permission before entering private spaces at specific times when one might be unclothed.
What Scholars Say:
Ibn Kathir explains, “This verse provides guidelines for maintaining privacy, particularly when people might be undressed. It ensures modesty and respect for others' private moments.”
Al-Qurtubi adds, “The verse ensures that family members do not intrude on each other’s private moments, thus upholding modesty and dignity in the household.”
The Takeaway
So, there you have it—a simple breakdown of what the Qur'an says about modesty and hijab in islam. It shows us that modesty isn’t just about how we dress but also about how we act and interact with others. It’s something both men and women should practice.
In today’s world, where appearances often matter a lot, the Qur’an reminds us of what’s really important. Modesty helps us build a better society where people are valued for who they are inside, not just for their looks. So, as you explore various Muslim women hijab options or women’s clothing, remember that it’s not just about the garment but also about embodying the spirit of modesty in all aspects of life. Malbus offers a wide variety for women’s clothing in a decent way and Muslim women hijab options that align with these principles.