The Requirements of Women's Hijab in Accordance with the Qur'an, the Authentic Sunnah and the Practice of the Pious Predecessors. Introduction: This essay will attempt to briefly yet concisely enumerate the basic requirements regarding Muslim women's dress (Hijab) as stipulated by the Shari'ah (Divine Law) of Islam. The term Hijab, includes not only dress and covering the body, but methods of behavior before members of the same and/or opposite sex, promoting privacy for females and prohibiting loose intermingling between males and females, and thereby encouraging modesty, decency, chastity and above all, respect and worship of Allah ![]() Minor differences exist among the scholars regarding the actual number of the requirements because of varying methods used by them in codifying. The ones mentioned here represent the ones agreed upon by the overwhelming majority of scholars and are all solidly backed by firm evidence taken from the Qur'an, the Sunnah and the practice of the Sahabah (the Companions). The First Requirement: The Extent of Covering The dress worn in public must cover the entire body except what has been specifically excluded, based upon the following proofs: Allah Ta'ala says: "And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts from sin and not show of their adornment except only that which is apparent, and draw their headcovers over their necks and bosoms and not reveal their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers, or their brothers' sons, or their sisters' sons, or their women (i.e., their sisters in Islam), or their female slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants free of physical desires, or small children who have no sense of women's nakedness. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And turn unto Allah ![]() The word zeenah in the aayah above, literally means "adornment", and includes both (a) that which Allah ![]() ![]() O Prophet ![]() ![]() Abu Dawood Radi Allahu Ta'alaa Anhu narrates that `Aishah Radi Allahu Ta'alaa Anha said: "Asmaa' Radi Allahu Ta'alaa Anha the daughter of Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta'alaa Anhu came to see the Messenger of Allah ![]() ![]() The word khumur (pl. of khimar) refers to a cloth which covers the head (including the ears), hair, neck and bosom. The esteemed mufaasir (Quranic interpreter) Al-Qurtubi explains: "Women in the past used to cover their heads with the khimar, throwing its ends over their backs. This left the neck and the upper part of the chest bare, in the manner of the Christians. Then Allah ![]() Allah ![]() ...And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornments The women in the time of the Prophet ![]() ![]() ![]() Amongst the authentic hadeeths which clarify this point is the following: Ibn `Umar Radi Allahu Ta'alaa Anhu reported that the Messenger of Allah ![]() ![]() The aayah of Soorat An-Nur also lists in detail those with whom a woman is permitted to be more at ease. Furthermore, the ayah from Soorat Al-Ahzab orders Muslim women to draw their outer garments about themselves when they go out. Abu Dawood related that `Aishah Radi Allahu Ta'alaa Anha Radi Allahu Ta'alaa Anha said: "After this Aayah was revealed the women of the Ansar appeared like crows." (because of the color and shape of the cloaks they wore). Hence, an outer garment or cloak must be worn by a Muslim woman whenever she goes out in public or if she is in the presence of strangers within her own home or the home of a close relative. Slight differences have arisen amongst the scholars concerning the precise meaning of ...except only that which is apparent... from Soorah An-Nur which according to Ibn `Abaas Radi Allahu Ta'alaa Anhu, includes "the face, the two hands, and rings. This view is shared by Ibn `Umar, `Ata'a Radi Allahu Ta'alaa Anhu, and others from the Tabi'een." [Tafseer Ibn Kathir] Also, Imam Ash-Showkani states concerning this same ayaat, that it includes: "The dress, the face, and the two hands"; Ibn `Abaas and Qatadah Radi Allahu Ta'alaa Anhu have stated: "The adornments include eye shadow (i.e., Kuhul), bracelets, hand dye, and rings, and it is permissable for women to (uncover) them." [Fateh Al-Qadeer] The major point of difference among the scholars concerns the hadeeth of Asmaa' Radi Allahu Ta'alaa Anha i.e., that the face and hands need not be covered; a number of the scholars have maintained that the face and hands must also be covered, because it was the practice of the wives of the Prophet ![]() The Second Requirement: Thickness The garment should be thick and opaque so as not to display the skin color and form of the body beneath it. Delicate or transparent clothing does not constitute a proper covering. The Sahabah were very stern on this and regarded scanty clothing in public as an indicator of a woman's lack of belief. Al-Qurtubi reports a narration from `Aishah Radi Allahu Ta'alaa Anha that some women from Banu Tamim came to see her wearing transparent clothing. `Aishah Radi Allahu Ta'alaa Anha said to them: "If you are are believing women, these are not the clothes of believing women." He also reports that a bride came to see her wearing a sheer, transparent khimaar, whereupon `Aishah Radi Allahu Ta'alaa Anha said: "A woman who wears such clothing does not believe in Soorat An-Nur." Moreover, the following hadeeth makes this point graphically clear. Allah's Messenger ![]() The Third Requirement: Looseness The clothing must hang loosely enough and not be so tight-fitting as to show the shape and size of the woman's body. The reason for wearing a garment which is wide and loose fitting is that the function of Muslim women's clothing is to eliminate the lure and beauty of her body from the eye of the beholder. Skin-tight body suits, etc. may conceal the skin color, yet they display the size and shape of the limbs and body. The following hadeeth proves this point clearly: Usamah ibn Zaid Radi Allahu Ta'alaa Anhu said: Allah's Messenger ![]() ![]() ![]() The Fourth Requirement: Color, Appearance and Demeanor Allah ta'ala says: "O wives of the Prophet ![]() ![]() The reason for the revelation of this verse is not the fear of distrust nor misbehavior on the part of the women, but rather to prevent them from speaking invitingly, walking seductively, or dressing revealingly so as to arouse sexual desire in the heart of lecherous and evil men. Seductive dressing and enticing speech are the characteristics of ill-intentioned women, not Muslims. Al-Qurtubi mentions that Mujahid Radi Allahu Ta'alaa Anhu said: "Women (before the advent of Islam) used to walk about (alluringly) among men." Qatadah Radi Allahu Ta'alaa Anhu said: "They used to walk in a sensuous and seductive manner." Maqatil Radi Allahu Ta'alaa Anhu said: "The women used to wear an untied cloth on their heads, while provocatively toying with their necklaces, earrings and other ornamental jewelry." Furthermore, Allah ![]() ![]() ...And do not make a display of yourselves like the displaying of the ignorance of long ago... [Al-Ahzaab, 33:33] A garment which is intended to conceal a woman and her beauty from public view cannot be a thing which enhances her beauty. Therefore, the garment cannot contain bright colors, bold designs or shiny and reflective material that draw men's attention to the wearer. The Arabic word above, At-Tabarruj, means not only "to display oneself" but also "to spruce up one's charms for the purpose of exciting desire". Imam Adh-Dhahabi says in his book Kitab Al-Kaba'ir (The Book of Major Sins): "Amongst the deeds which a woman is cursed for are displaying the adornments she wears, wearing perfume when she goes out, and wearing colorful clothes..." Hence, the Muslim woman is encouraged to wear muted, somber colors and to avoid bright designs, patterns and colors. This point should serve also as a reminder to Muslim men who are in positions of responsibility for their women, that Allah's Messenger ![]() Ad-Dayooth, who is contented with obscenity within his family. i.e., a cuckold-a man who permits the women for whom he is responsible, such as his wife, daughter, etc., to engage in illicit sexual relations or to display their beauty to men, thereby stimulating sexual desire. The Fifth Requirement: Difference from Men's Clothing The clothing of a Muslim woman must not resemble the clothing of men. The following two hadeeth help to explain this. Abu Hurayrah Radi Allahu Ta'alaa Anhu said: Allah's Messenger ![]() `Abdullah ibn `Umar Radi Allahu Ta'alaa Anhu said he heard Allah's Messenger ![]() Additionally, Abu Dawood relates a narration from Umm Salamah Radi Allahu Ta'alaa Anha which shows that the Prophet ![]() The Sixth Requirement: Difference from the Clothing of Unbelievers Her clothing must not resemble the clothing of unbelievers. This is a general ruling of the Shari'ah which encompasses not only dress but also such things as manners, customs, religious practices and festivities, transactions, etc. Indeed, dissimilarity with unbelievers is a precedent that was established by the first generation of Islam. The following two hadeeth and statement of `Umar Radi Allahu Ta'alaa Anhu will help to clarify this position: `Abdullah ibn `Amr ibn Al-`Aas Radi Allahu Ta'alaa Anhu said: Allah's Messenger ![]() `Abdullah ibn `Umar Radi Allahu Ta'alaa Anhu said: Allah's Messenger ![]() ![]() The Seventh Requirement: No Vain or Ostentatious Dressing The woman's dress must not be an expression of ostentation, vanity or as a status symbol by being excessively showy or expensive, nor must it be excessively tattered so as to gain admiration and fame for being humble. Ibn `Umar Radi Allahu Ta'alaa Anhu reported that Allah's Messenger ![]() ![]() The Niqab (Face Veil): Between Mustahab (Recommendable) and Wajib (Mandatory) The esteemed Quranic commentators At-Tabari, Al-Qurtubi, Ash-Shanqeeti and others have elaborated on the form of Hijab or Jilbab i.e., "outer garments" as viewed by the Companions of the Prophet ![]() They state that when the believing women used to go out at night (wearing ordinary clothes) to answer the call of nature, some hypocrites tried to annoy them, thinking the women were slavegirls. The women thereby would scream out loudly causing these hypocrites to flee. Thereupon Allah ![]() Furthermore, it has been authentically related in Sahih Al-Bukhari, the Muwatta of Imam Malik and the Sunan of Abu Dawood that the Prophet ![]() ![]() Among the proofs used by the scholars regarding the face veil are the following: `Aishah Radi Allahu Ta'alaa Anha said: "May Allah ![]() ![]() Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani, known as "Amir Al-Mu'mineen in Hadeeth" has explained that "covered themselves" means: "covered their faces." [Fateh Al-Bari]. Additionally, after the battle of Khaybar, the Prophet ![]() ![]() ![]() The issue of the Niqab has continued to arouse extended controversy and debate between `Ulama (scholars) and Fuqaha (jurists) both past and present concerning whether it is Wajib (mandatory) or Mustahab (favored by Allah) ![]() One of the views on this is that the Niqab is legally binding on the woman-she who abandons it is a sinner. It says that the woman's face which she is ordered not to reveal to non-relatives is definitely part of the `Auwrah. The other view says that the Niqab is simply recommended and encourages the woman to cover her face; however, it does not place it on the level of mandatory. Consequently, this opinion does not consider the woman falling into sin when she exposes and unveils her face as long as in doing so, she has not applied facial makeup. The dispute continues between the two viewpoints and takes, on certain occasions, bitter aspects. The advocates for making the face veil mandatory accuses the other group of following their own desires. While the other group accuses their opponents with being obstinate fanatics. The matter is much broader than this and does not require accusations of obstinance or of following the desires but rather requires reaching Ijtihad (judgement based on the Shari'ah) and following Dalil (proof from the Shari'ah) to the best of one's ability. To give the benefit of the doubt in such a situation is better and most befitting for the Muslim, limiting the points of difference and narrowing the gap of disagreement are two factors which are sought after. I do not want in this rush to take a side with one group over the other; nor to validate the proofs of which I see the truth in this issue. Rather the aim is, as I said, to narrow the controversy and to highlight the points agreed upon. Thereby, we may adopt them and work on spreading them. As for the point of disagreement-it will remain under the category of Ijtihad whose advocate will be rewarded whether he attains truth or was mistaken. First: Since the two views agree upon the legitimacy of the Niqab, that it is a consumate perfection for a woman and more virtuous for her, as well as closer to the aims of the Shari'ah-which is to prevent Fitnah, and is an obstruction to excuses as well as severing the path of those who follow their lusts, it is therefore more appropiate, that the efforts should be directed to encourage wearing the Niqab, and to motivate people towards it. And to show and explain it's virtues and merits. This implies that covering the face with the Niqab should be the general rule and uncovering the face the exception. Second: In spite of the fact that there are differing views on the Islamic ruling regarding whether the Niqab is obligatory or recommended, it is undoubtably one's duty to unify the call for it and cooperate as much as possible in urging young women about its necessity and to limit their desire to expose their faces as much as possible. Indeed, it is merely gracious according to both parties. Not as is happening now between opposing sides which is to leave the matter loose and dangling, through the claim that the Niqab is only Mustahab, and being aloof from spreading the call for it. This is indeed an inversion of the truth and poor judgement in the matter. Hence, my fellow Muslims, when you are asked: what is the form of the Hijab according to the Shari'ah, especially from a woman who loves the Deen?, you should urge and encourage her to wear the Niqab-even if you are of the opinion that it is only Mustahab. Lastly: We truly hope from Allah ![]() I pray that Allah ![]() ![]() ![]() Questions Related to Hijab, Dress and Adornment Ruling Concerning a Woman Uncovering Her Face in Front of Her Husband's Relatives and a Boy Sleeping with His Mother or Sister Question:Is it legally permissible for a woman to uncover in front of her husband's brothers and cousins? Is it allowed for a boy to sleep in the same bed with his mother or sister after he has reached the age of puberty? Response: First, the brothers and cousins of the husband are not mahram for hiswife simply because they are his brothers or cousins. Therefore, it is not allowed for his wife to uncover in front of them what she cannot uncover in front of non-mahram men. This is true even if they are very pious and trustworthy. Allah has delineated whom a woman may expose her beauty to in the verse, "[Tell the believing women] not to reveal their adornments 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 or the (female) slaves, or old male servants who lack vigor, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex" (al-Nur 31). Therefore, neither the brothers of the husband nor the children of the brothers of the husband nor the husband's cousins are from that group, even though they are related to him. Allah makes no distinction in this matter between pious people and others. This is safer for the honor of people. It also blocks the road to sin and evil. It is confirmed in authentic Hadith that the Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked about the male in-laws1 and he said, "The in-laws are death."2 The in-laws are the brother of the husband and so forth. They are not mahram for the wife. A Muslim must protect his religion and safeguard his honor. Second, it is not allowed for male children, if they have reached the age of puberty or are ten years old or more, to sleep with their mothers or sisters in the same bedding or mattress. This safeguards chastity and keeps the person away from temptation. It also closes the door to evil. The Prophet (peace be upon him) ordered that the children be separated in their bedding when they reach the age of ten. He said, "Order your children to pray when they are seven years old. And spank them [to exhort them] to do it by the age of ten and separate them in their bedding."3 Those who are not approaching the age of puberty still must ask permission to enter upon their parents at three times during the day. These are the times in which one is more likely to be taking off his clothing and exposing the parts that are usually covered. This has been stressed by them being called times of privacy. Allah ![]() "O you who believe! Let your slaves and those among you who have not come to the age of puberty ask permission [before they come to your presence] on three occasions: before morning prayer, and while you put off your clothes for the noonday [rest] and after the Isha [Night] Prayer. [These] three times are times of privacy for you. Other than those times there is no sin for you or for them to move about, attending to each other. Thus Allah ![]() However, those who are past the age of puberty must seek permission to enter at all times of the day. Allah says, "And when the children among you reach the age of puberty, then let them (also) ask for permission, as those senior to them (in age ask permission). Thus Allah ![]() All of this is to avoid any kinds of problems and temptations and to safeguard honors. It also brings an end to the means that lead to evil. As for the child who is less than ten years old, it is permissible for him to sleep with his mother and sister in their bedding if there is some need to look after him and if there is no fear of temptation. They may also all sleep in the same area, in their own bedding, if they are of the age of puberty if there is no fear of temptation. The Standing Committee Footnote: 1.Other than the husband's father or sons. Recorded by al-Bukhari and Muslim. It implies that such close relations can easily lead to adultery which has the death penalty. 2.Recorded by Abu Dawud and Ahmad. Al-Albani has graded it hasan. Al-Albani, Sahih al-Jami, vol. 2, p. 1021. It is Not Allowed for a Woman to Shake the Hand of a Non-Mahram Man Question: Some tribes have customs that go against the pure Shariah. For example, in some places it is customary for the guest to shake the hands of the female host. If he does not do so, it will lead to lots of problems and people will understand it in different ways. What is the best practice to follow given those circumstances? Response: Shaking the hands of a woman for whom one is not mahram is not allowed. This is based on what is confirmed from the Prophet (peace be upon him) Who said, when the women were giving the pledge of allegiance to him, "I do not shake the hands of women."1 It is also confirmed that Aisha said, "By Allah ![]() ![]() "Indeed in the Messenger of Allah ![]() ![]() Furthermore, shaking hands by women with men that are not mahram is one of the means that leads to temptation for both of them and it is obligatory to avoid it. There is no harm in saying greetings without shaking hands. Any speech of a question able nature or soft speech must be avoided. This is based on Allah's statement, "O wives of the Prophet! ![]() ![]() During the time of the Prophet ![]() There is no harm in women shaking hands with mahram men, such as their fathers, paternal uncles, Maternal Uncles and so forth. Shaikh ibn Baz Footnote: 1.<LI type=1>Recorded by Malik, Ahmad, al-Nasal, al-Tirmidhi and ibn Majah. Al-Albani has graded it sahih. Al-Albani, Sahih al-Jami, vol1 p. 494. 2.Recorded by al-Bukhari and Muslim. Ruling Concerning Ridiculing a Woman who Wears the Proper Hijab and Covers Her Face Question: What is the ruling concerning one who ridicules those who wear the proper hijab and cover their faces and hands? Response: Whoever ridicules a Muslim woman or man for sticking to and applying the teachings of Islam is a disbeliever. This is regardless of whether it is concerning woman's hijab or any other matter of the Shariah. This is based on the following narration from ibn Umar: At a gathering during the Battle of Tabuk, one man said, "I have not seen anyone like our Quranic readers who is more desirous of food, more lying in speech and more cowardly when meeting the enemy." A man said, "You have lied and you are a liar. I shall definitely tell the Messenger of Allah ![]() ![]() Abdullah ibn Umar Radi Allahu Ta'alaa Anhu added, "I saw the man holding on to the bag of the camel of the Messenger of Allah ![]() ![]() ![]() "Was it Allah ![]() So ridiculing believers has been equated with ridiculing Allah ![]() ![]() The Standing Committee Footnote: 1.This narration may be found in al-Tabari and numerous other books of tafseer. There are some problems with every chain by which this and similar reports have been narrated. Muhammad Ibrahim and Abdul Munim Ibrahim did not make any clear conclusion regarding this report. However, based on supporting evidence, Alawi al-Saqaaf and Muqbil alWadi concluded that it Is authentic. Allah knows best. See Abdul Munim Ibrahim and Muhammad Ibrahim, Fath Dhi al-Jalaal fi Takhreej Ahadeeth al-Dhilaal (Makkah: Maktaba Nazaar Mustafa al-Baz, 1995), vol. 2, pp. 817-818; Alawi al-Saqaaf, Takhreej Ahadeeth wa Athaar Kitaab fi Dhilaal al-Quraan li-Sayyid Qutb (Riyadh: Dar al-Hijra, 1991), p. 177; Muqbil bin Hadi al-Wadii, al-Sahih al-Musnad min Asbaab al-Nuzool (al-Maktab al-Salafi, 1401 A.H.), p. 71. The Hijab of a Young Girl Question: What is the ruling concerning the young girls who have not reached the age of puberty? Is it allowed for them to go out without covering themselves? Can they pray without wearing a head covering? Response: It is a must that their guardians bring them up and teach them the manners of Islam. They should tell them not to go outside unless their bodies are covered. This is in order to avoid any temptation and to get them used to the virtuous manners so that they will not be a source of spreading evil. They should be ordered to pray with head coverings. If they pray without it, their prayers are sound. This is because the Prophet ![]() "Allah ![]() This was recorded by al-Tirmidhi, Ahmad, Abu Dawud and ibn Majah.1 The Standing Committee Footnote: 1.According to al-Albani, this hadith is sahih. Al-Albani, Sahih al-Jami, vol. 2, p. 1280. Hijab of an Elderly Woman Question: Is it allowed for a woman advanced in age, say 70 or 90 years old, to uncover her face in front of relatives who are not mahram? Response: Allah ![]() "And as for women past child-bearing who do not expect marriage, it is no sin upon them if they discard their (outer) clothing in such a way as not to show their adornment. But to refrain is better for them. And Allah ![]() So there is no harm if the menopausal women who are not seeking marriage and are not displaying their adornments uncover their faces in front of non-related men. However, for them to remain covered is still better for Allah ![]() "But to refrain is better for them." This is because some of them, when they are seen, may be a source of temptation due to their beautiful faces even though they are elderly and not displaying their adornments. However, if she is going to be having adornments [such as make-up and jewelry], she may not take off her outer covering. Having adornments includes beautifying the face with kohl and so forth. Shaikh ibn Baz The Hijab of a Female Servant Question: Is it necessary for a female servant who works in the house to wear hijab in front of her employer? Response: Yes, she must wear hijab in front of him and she may not display her adornments in front of him. Also, it is forbidden for them to be in private due to the generality of the evidences. This is because if she does not wear hijab or she displays her adornments, she will be a source of temptation for him. Similarly, being in private is an opportunity for Satan to make them alluring and tempting Shaikh ibn Baz Ruling Concerning Wearing Hijab in the Presence of the Son-in-Law Question: Some women wear hijab in front of their son-in-laws and they refuse to greet them by shaking their hands. Is this allowed for them or not? Response: The son-in-law is a mahram for the woman due to marriage. It is allowed for him to see of her what he can see of his mother, sister, daughter and other mahram women. Covering her face, hair, forearms and so forth from her son-in-law is a type of extremism in the religion. Refusing to shake his hand when meeting him is also a kind of extremism. That may lead to hard feelings and cutting off of relations between them. Therefore, she should not be extreme in this matter, unless she has some suspicion about him or she does not like the way he looks at her. In that case, what she is doing is acceptable. The Standing Committee Ruling Concerning a Woman Riding with a non-Mahram Chauffeur Question: What is the ruling concerning a woman riding into town alone with a chauffeur who is not mahram to her? What is the ruling concerning a group of women riding in a car with a driver who is not mahram for them? Response: It is not allowed for a woman to ride alone with a driver and nobody else present, as this is considered the same as being in privacy. It is confirmed that the Messenger of Allah ![]() "A man cannot be alone with a woman unless with her is one of her male relatives (mahram)."1 The Prophet ![]() "A man is never alone with a woman except that Satan is the third."2 However, if another man or more is with them or one or more other women is with them, then there is no harm in that as long as there is no mom for any suspicious activity. It is no longer considered privacy when there is a third or more present. This is for cases other than traveling. As for traveling, a woman may not travel except with a mahram. The Prophet ![]() "A woman does not travel except with a mahram." This was recorded by al-Bukhari and Muslim. It makes no difference whether that traveling is by land, air or sea. Shaikh ibn Baz Footnote: 1.<LI type=1>Recorded by Muslim. 2.Recorded by Ahmad and al-Tirmidhi. Al-Albani says it is sahih. Al- Albani, Sahih al-Jami, vol. 1, p. 234.-JZ Ruling Concerning a Woman Cutting Her Hair Question: I hope you will help me concerning cutting my hair from the front of it in a certain style wherein the hair sometimes falls down over the eyebrows of a Muslim woman. Is this allowed or not? May Allah ![]() Response: I do not know of anything [wrong] in cutting a woman's hair. It is not allowed to shave all of it off. You cannot shave off the hair of your head but you may shorten its length. I do not know of anything wrong with that. However, that should be done in a good way that is pleasing to you and your husband. You should agree upon how it is going to be done. Also, it should not be in imitation of the disbelieving women. If you leave it long, it makes it more difficult to wash it and tend to it. If it is long or thick and a women cuts it short or layers it, there is nothing wrong with that. Or she may cut part of it short to make herself more beautiful to herself and her husband. I do not know of anything wrong with that. However, one may not shave all of it off. This is not allowed except in the case of some disease or problem. Shaikh ibn Baz Ruling Concerning Wearing a Wig Question: What is the ruling concerning a woman wearing a wig in order to beautify herself for her husband? Response: Each spouse must beautify himself or herself for the other, in a way that is pleasing to the other and strengthens the feelings between the two. However, this must be done in a way that is within the limits of the Shariah and is not forbidden. The wearing of a wig is something that began among non-Muslim women and became a popular way for them to beautify themselves. If a Muslim woman wears one and beautifies herself with it, even if just for her husband, she is imitating the disbelieving women and the Prophet ![]() "Whoever imitates a people is one of them."1 Furthermore, it takes on the same ruling as "artificially adding hair o one's hair". The Prophet ![]() The Standing Committee Ruling Concerning Shortening Eyebrows, Letting Fingernails Grow Long and Using Nail Polish Question: 1.What is the ruling concerning shortening extra eyebrow hairs? <LI type=1>What is the ruling concerning letting fingernails grow long and putting on finger nail polish, given that I make ablution before putting them on and it stays for twenty-four hours and then remove it? 2.Is it allowed for a woman to wear hijab without covering her face when she travels abroad? Response: 1It is not allowed to remove or shorten eyebrow hairs. It is confirmed that the Prophet ![]() ![]() "From the acts of nature are five: circumcision, removing pubic hairs, trimming the mustache, cutting the nails and plucking the hair from under the armpits."1 It is not allowed to leave them for more than forty nights. This is based on the Hadith of Anas who said, "The Messenger of Allah ![]() As for nail polish, it is better to avoid it. One must remove it when making ablution since it prevents water from reaching the nails. 2.It is obligatory for women to wear hijab in front of non mahram men both inside and outside of the country. Allah ![]() "And when you ask them, ask them from behind a screen, that is proper for your hearts and for their hearts" (al-Ahzab 53). This verse refers to the face and the rest of the body. In fact, the face is the distinguishing part of the woman and it is her most alluring aspect. Allah ![]() "O Prophet! ![]() ![]() Another verse states, "[Tell the believing women] not to reveal their adornments except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband's fathers," (al-Nur 31). This verse indicates that hijab is obligatory upon a woman both inside and outside of the country, in front of the Muslims and the non-Muslims. It is not allowed for any woman who believes in Allah and the Hereafter to be lax in this matter as such is an act of disobedience to Allah ![]() Shaikh ibn Baz Footnote: 1.<LI type=1>Recorded by al-Bukhari and Muslim. 2.Recorded by Muslim Ruling Concerning Wearing Light Colored Clothing, such as White or Yellow and Ruling Concerning Wearing Short Dresses Question: What is the ruling concerning wearing light colored clothing, such as yellow, white or red, but which covers the body? What is the ruling concerning wearing short clothing that expose the legs? Response: It is allowed for a woman to wear whatever clothing is normal for the women to wear, as long as it is not something to be specifically recognized as that for men. In that case, a woman should not wear it as the Prophet (peace be upon him) cursed the women who imitate men and vice-versa. A woman must wear clothing that covers her entire body if she is in the presence of men she is not related to. She may not uncover anything of her body to them, not her face, hands or feet except in cases of need, such as handing or taking something and so forth. She also cannot wear tight clothing that shows her body shape or the size of parts of her body, such as her breasts, shoulders, chest, buttocks and so forth. One must also bring up one's children accustomed to wearing long, flowing garments. If a child grows up accustomed to something, it is very difficult to get them away from it when they get older. If the dress is short, it may show the attractiveness of her body and shows to men what will be temptation or cause of temptation for them. There is no harm if a woman, in her house and in the presence of her relatives, wears a short dress due to some need, even if it shows her shins or upper arm, as women usually wear when they have to work. Shaikh ibn Jibreen Fear and Obey Allah as Much as You are Able Question: I am a young girl in a very perplexing situation. I live with my family that has some very strange, distorted ideas. I used to wear hijab. I found great opposition and ridicule from my family. It reached the point that they physically beat me and prevented me from leaving my house. They forced me to take off the hijab and simply wear a long cloak but with my face uncovered. What should I do? Should I leave the house although untrustworthy people are many? Response: This question involves two basic issues. The family that did such an evil to this young lady have to be one of two cases: either they are ignorant of the truth or they are arrogantly refusing to follow the truth. This is very vicious and unruly behavior. They have no right to behave this way. Hijab is not something improper or ill-mannered. Humans are free within the limits of the Shariah. If they did not know that hijab is obligatory upon the woman, they must be taught that. They must be taught that it is obligatory according to the Quran and sunnah. However, if they were knowledgeable but simply arrogantly refused to submit, then the crime is even greater. As a poet once said, "If you were unaware, it is a great misfortune. But if you were aware, then the misfortune is even greater." The second issue is with respect to this young lady. We say to her that it is obligatory upon her to obey and fear Allah ![]() "Whoever disbelieved in Allah after his belief, except him who is forced thereto and whose heart is at rest with Faith-but such as open their breasts to disbelief, on them is Wrath from Allah ![]() Another verse states, "There is no sin for you if you make a mistake therein, except in regard to what your hearts deliberately intended. And Allah ![]() But fear and obey Allah ![]() ![]() ![]() "It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah ![]() ![]() ![]() When Aisha Radi Allahu Ta'alaa Anha was asked about the situation of the menstruating woman, why she makes up her fasts but not her prayers, she answered, "That happened to us during the time of the Messenger of Allah ![]() Ruling Concerning Buying and Possessing Fashion Magazines Question: What is the ruling concerning fashion magazines, like Burda, in order to benefit from them concerning new women's fashions and accessories. What is the ruling concerning keeping them after one has already benefited from them while they are filled with pictures of women? Response: There is no doubt that buying magazines that just contain pictures is forbidden. This is because possessing pictures is forbidden, based on the statement of the Messenger of Allah ![]() "The angels do not enter a house which contains pictures."1 When the Prophet (peace be upon him) saw a picture on a cushion with Aisha, he stood and did not enter the room. His dislike could be seen on his face. Those fashion magazines must be looked into to see what they contain as not every fashion is permissible. The fashions might be such that they show the woman's body, due to their tightness or for other reasons. The fashions could be the dresses of the disbelievers that are particular to them. Imitating the disbelievers is forbidden, since the Prophet ![]() "Whoever imitates a people is one of them."2 I advise my Muslim brothers in general and my Muslim sisters in particular to avoid those fashions as either they are imitation of non-Muslims or they display what the woman should be concealing. If women follow every new fashion, then it means, in general, that our customs that have come from our religion will be changed for customs that have been taken from non-Muslims. ALLAH KNOWS BEST... |
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Top Ten Excuses for not Wearing Hijãb
1. I'm not yet convinced of the necessity of the Hijāb...
We then ask this sister two questions.•Is she truly convinced of the correctness of the religion of Islām?
The natural answer is: Yes, she is convinced for she responds "Lā ilāha illallāh!" (There is no god but Allāh), meaning she is convinced of the aqīdah, and then she says: "Muhammadur rasūlullāh!" (Muhammad is the Messenger of Allāh), meaning by that that she is convinced of its legislation or law (sharī'ah). Therefore, she is convinced of Islām as a belief system and a law by which one governs and rules their life.•Is the hijāb then a part of Islāmic Law (sharī'ah) and an obligation?
If this sister is honest and sincere in her intention and has looked into the issue as one who truly wants to know the truth her answer could only be: Yes. For Allāh ta'āla, Whose deity (Ulūhiyyah) she believes in has commanded wearing hijāb in His Book (Al-Qur'ān) and the Noble Prophet ('alaihi salāt wa salām) whose message she believes in has commanded wearing the hijāb in his sunnah.What do we call a person who says they believe in and are content with the correctness of Islām but who nonetheless does not do what Allāh or His Messenger have ordered? Certainly they can in no way be described as those whom Allāh speaks of in this āyah:
The only saying of the faithful believers when they are called to Allāh and His Messenger to judge between them is that they say 'we hear and obey' and such are the successful. [Soorah An-Noor 24:51]
In summary: If this sister is convinced of Islām, how then can she not be convinced of its orders?
2. I am convinced of the Islāmic dress but my mother prevents me from wearing it and if I disobey her I will go to Hell...
The one who has answered this excuse is the most noble of Allāh's creation, the Messenger of Allāh (sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam) in concise and comprehensive words of wisdom: There is no obedience to the created in the disobedience of Allāh.[Ahmed]
The status of parents in Islām, especially the mother, is a high and elevated one. Indeed Allāh ta'āla has combined it with the greatest of matters, worshipping Him and His tawheed, in many āyāt. He stated: Worship Allāh and join none with Him and do good to parents.[Soorah An-Nisā 4:36] Obedience to parents is not limited except in one aspect, and that is if they order to disobedience of Allāh. Allāh said: But if they strive with you to make you join in worship with Me others that of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not.[Soorah Luqmān 31:15] The lack of obedience to them in sinfulness does not prevent being good to them and kind treatment of them. Allāh said afterward in the same āyah: But behave with them in the world kindly.
In summary: How can you obey your mother and disobey Allāh Who created you and your mother?
3. My position does not allow me to substitute my dress for the Islāmic dress...
This sister is either one or the other of two types: She is sincere and honest, or she is a slippery liar who desires to make a showy display of her "hijāb" clamouring with colours to be "in line with the times" and expensive.
We will begin with an answer to the honest and sincere sister. Are you unaware my dear sister, that it is not permissible for the Muslim woman to leave her home in any instance unless her clothing meets the conditions of Islāmic hijāb (Hijāb shar'ee) and it is a duty of every Muslim woman to know what they are? If you have taken the time and effort to learn so many matters of this world how then can you be neglectful of learning those matters which will save you from the punishment of Allāh and His anger after death!!? Does Allāh
not say:
Ask the people of remembrance (i.e. knowledgeable scholars) if you do not know. [Soorah An-Nahl 16:43].
Learn, therefore, the requirements of proper hijāb.
If you must go out, then do not do so without the correct hijāb, seeking the pleasure of Allāh and the degradation of Shaitān. That is because the corruption brought about by your going out adorned and "beautified" is far greater than the matter which you deem necessary to go out for.
My dear sister if you are really truthful in your intention and correctly determined you will find a thousands hands of good assisting you and Allāh will make the matter easy for you! Is He not the One Who says:And whoever fears Allāh and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty) and He will provide him from sources he never could imagine[Soorah At-Talāq 65:2-3]?
With regards to the 'slippery' one we say: Honor and position is something determined by Allāh ta'āla and it is not due to embellishment of clothing and show of colors and keeping up with the trendsetters. It is rather due to obedience to Allāh and His Messenger (sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam) and holding to the pure law of Allāh and correct Islāmic hijāb. Listen to the words of Allāh: Indeed, the most honourable amongst you are those who are the most pious. [Soorah Al-Hujurāt 49:35]
In summary: Do things in the way of seeking Allāh's pleasure and entering His Jannah and give less value to the high priced and costly objects and wealth of this world.
4. It is so hot in my country and I can't stand it. How will it be if I wore Hijāb...
Allāh gives an example by saying:
Say: The Fire of Hell is more intense in heat if they only understand. [Soorah At-Taubah 9:81]
How can you compare the heat of your land to the heat of the Hellfire?
Know, my sister, that Shaitān has trapped you in one of his feeble ropes to drag you from the heat of this world to the heat of the Hellfire. Free yourself from his net and view the heat of the sun as a favor and not an affliction especially in that it reminds you of the intensity of the punishment of Allāh which is many times greater than the heat you now feel. Return to the order of Allāh and sacrifice this worldly comfort in the way of following the path of salvation from the Hellfire about which Allāh says:
They will neither feel coolness nor have any drink except that of boiling water and the discharge of dirty wounds.[Soorah An-Naba' 78:24-25]
In summary: The Jannah is surrounded by hardships and toil, while Hellfire is surrounded by temptations, lusts and desires.
5. I'm afraid that if I wear the Hijāb,I will put it off at a later time because I have seen so many others do so....
To her I say: If everyone was to apply your logic then they would have left the Deen in its entirety! They would have left off salāt because some would be afraid of leaving it later. They would have left fasting in Ramadhan because so many are afraid of not doing it later. etc. Haven't you seen how Shaitān has trapped you in his snare again and blocked you from guidance?
Allāh ta'āla loves continuous obedience even if it be small or recommended. How about something that is an absolute obligation like wearing hijāb?! The prophet (sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam) said: The most beloved deed with Allāh is the consistent one though it be little. Why haven't you sought out the causes leading those people to leave off the hijāb so that you can avoid them and work to keep away from them? Why haven't you sought out reasons and causes to affirm truth and guidance until you can hold firm to them?
Among these causes is much supplication to Allāh (du'ā) to make the heart firm upon the Deen as did the prophet (sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam). Also is making salāt and having mindfulness of it as Allāh stated:And seek helpin patience and the prayer and truly it is extremely heavy except for the true believers in Allāh
who obey Allāh
with full submission and believe in His promise of Jannah and in His warnings (Al-Khāshi'oon).[Soorah Al-Baqarah 2:45] Other causes to put one upon guidance and truth is adherence to the laws of Islām and one of them is indeed wearing the hijāb. Allāh
said:
If they had done what they were told, it would have been better for them and would have strengthened their faith. [Soorah Al-Baqarah 2:66]
In summary: If you hold tight to the causes of guidance and taste the sweetness of faith you will not neglect the orders of Allāh after having held to them.
6. If I wear the Hijāb, then no one will marry me. So, I'm going to put it off till then...
Any husband, who desires that you be uncovered and adorned in public in defiance of and in disobedience to Allāh , is not a worthy husband in the first place. He is a husband who has no feeling to protect what Allāh has made inviolable, most notably yourself, and he will not help you in any way to enter Al-Jannah or escape from the Hellfire. A home which is founded upon disobedience to Allāh
and provocation of His anger is fitting that He decree misery and hardship for it in this life and in the Hereafter. As Allāh
stated:
But whosoever turns away from My reminder (i.e. neither believes in the Qur'ān nor acts upon its teachings) verily for him is a life of hardship and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Resurrection. [Soorah Tā Hā 20:124]
Marriage is a favour and blessing from Allāh to whom He give whom He wills. How many women who wear hijāb (mutahajibah) are in fact married while many who don't aren't? If you were to say that '..my being made-up and uncovered is a means to reach a pure end, namely marriage', a pure goal or end is not attained through impure and corrupt means in Islām. If the goal is honourable then it must necessarily be achieved by pure and clean method. We say the rule in Islām is: The means are according to the rules of the intended goals.
In summary: There is no blessing in a marriage established upon sinfulness and corruption.
7. I don't wear hijāb based on what Allāh says: And proclaim the grace of your Rabb [Soorah Ad-Dhuhā 93:11] How can I cover what Allāh has blessed me with of silky soft hair and captivating beauty?
So, this sister of ours adheres to the Book of Allāh and its commands as long as they coincide with her personal desires and understanding! She leaves behind those matters when they don't please her. If this was not the case, then why doesn't she follow the āyah:
And do not show off their adornment except only that which is apparent
[Soorah An-Noor 24:31]
and the statement of Allāh Subhānahu wa Ta'ālā:
Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks all over their bodies [Soorah Al-Ahzāb 33:59]?
With this statement my sister you have now made a sharī'ah (law) for yourself of what Allāh ta'āla has strictly forbidden, namely beautification (at-tabarruj) and uncovering (as-sufūr), and the reason: Your lack of wanting to adhere to the order. The greatest blessing or favor that Allāh has bestowed upon us is that of Imān (faith) and hidāyah (guidance) and among them is the Islāmic hijāb. Why then do you not manifest and talk about this greatest of blessings given to you?
In summary: Is there a greater blessing and favor upon the woman than guidance and hijāb?
8. I know that hijāb is obligatory (wājib), but I will wear it when Allāh guides me to do so...
We ask this sister on what plans or steps she will undertake until she accepts this divine guidance? We know that Allāh has in His wisdom made a cause or means for everything. That is why the sick take medicine to regain health, and the traveler rides a vehicle or an animal to reach his destination, and other limitless examples.
Has this sister of ours seriously endeavoured to seek true guidance and exerted the proper means to get it such as: Supplicating Allāh sincerely as He stated: Guide us to the Straight Path. [Soorah Al-Fātihah 1:6]; Keeping company with the righteous good sisters - for they are among the best to assist her to guidance and to continue to point her to it until Allāh guides her and increases her guidance and inspires her to further guidance and taqwā. She would then adhere to the orders of Allāh
and wear the hijāb that the believing women are commanded to wear.
In summary: If this sister was really serious about seeking guidance she would have exerted herself by the proper means to get it.
9. It's not time for that yet. I'm still too young for wearing hijāb. I'll do it when I get older and after I make Hajj!
The Angel of Death, my sister, is visiting and waiting at your door for the order of Allāh Ta'āla to open it on you at any moment in your life. Allāh said: When their term comes, neither can they delay it nor can they advance it and hour (or a moment). [Soorah Al-An'ām 7:34]. Death my sister doesn't discriminate between the young or the old and it may come while you are in this state of great sinfulness disobedience, fighting against the Lord of Honor with your uncovering and shameless adornment. My sister, you should race to obedience along with those others who race to answer the call of Allāh tabāraka wa ta'āla:
Race with one another in hastening towards forgiveness from your Lord and Paradise the width whereof is as the width of the heavens and the earth. [Soorah Al-Hadeed 57:21]
Sister, don't forget Allāh or He will forget you by turning His mercy away from you in this life and the next. You are forgetting your own soul by not fulfilling the right of your soul to obey Allāh
and proper worship of Him. Allāh
stated about the hypocrites (Al-Munāfiqoon): And be not like those who forgot Allāh
and He caused them to forget their own selves.[Soorah Al-Hashr 59:19] My sister wear the hijāb in your young age in opposition to the sinful deed because Allāh
is intense in punishment and will ask you on the Day of Resurrection about your youth and every moment of your life.
In summary: Stop presuming some future expectation in your life will indeed occur!! How can you guarantee your own life until tomorrow?
10. I'm afraid that if I wear Islāmic clothing that I'll be labelled as belonging to some group or another and I hate partisanship...
My sisters in Islām, there are only two parties in Islām, and they are both mentioned by Allāh Almighty in His Noble Book. The first party is the party of Allāh (hizbullāh) that He gives victory to because of their obedience to His commands and staying away from what He has forbidden. The second party is the party of the accursed Shaitān (hizbush-Shaitān) which disobeys the Most Merciful and increase corruption in the earth. When you hold tight to and adhere to the commands of Allāh, and among them is wearing the hijāb - you then become a part of the successful party of Allāh. When you beautify and display your charms you are riding in the boat of Shaitān and his friends and partners from among the hypocrites and the disbelievers and none worse could there be as friends.
Don't you see how you are running from Allāh and to the Shaitān, trading filth for good? Run instead my sister to Allāh
and follow His way: So flee to Allāh (from His Torment to His mercy). Verily I (Muhammad) am a plain Warner to you from Him.[Soorah Adh-Dhāriyāt 51:50] The hijāb is a high form of worship that is not subject to the opinions of people and their orientations and choices because the one who legislated it is the Most Wise Creator.
In summary: In the way of seeking the pleasure of Allāh and in hope of His Mercy and success in His Jannah and throw the statements of the devils among people and jinn against the wall! Hold tight to the legislation of Allāh
by your molars and follow the example of the striving and knowledgeable Mothers of the Believers and the female companions (radiallāhu 'anhum ajma'een).
Conclusion !
Your body is on display in the market of Shaitān seducing the hearts of men. The hairstyles, the tight clothing showing every detail of your figure, the short dresses showing off your legs and feet, the showy, decorative and fragrant clothing all angers the Merciful and pleases the Shaitān. Every day that passes while you are in this condition, distances you further from Allāh and brings you closer to Shaitān. Each day curses and anger are directed toward you from the heavens until you repent. Every day brings you closer to the grave and the Angel of Death is ready to capture your soul.
Every soul shall taste death. And only on the Day of Resurrection shall you be paid your wages in full. And whoever is removed away from the Hellfire and admitted to Al-Jannah, is indeed successful. The life of this world is only the enjoyment of deception (a deceiving thing) [Soorah Ale 'Imrān 3:185]
Get on the train of repentance my sister, before it passes by your station. Deeply consider my sister, what is happening today before tomorrow comes. Think about it, my sister - now, before it is too late!
The Islamic veil...
The Hijab or the Islamic veil is the Muslim women dress code. Muslim women should wear lose clothes that cover the whole of their bodies, except their faces and their hands.
Yet, wearing the Hijab doesn't mean just putting a piece of cloth on your head; it is an attitude, a way of thinking and a behavior. Basically it constitutes an Islamic way of life; it is a statement which indeed should portray a certain attitude.
A Muslim woman should wear a long skirt and a scarf on her head, but if she flirts constantly and is not well mannered, then she can't be really described as wearing the Hijab (Clothes should be long, loose and not see through, after which any style of clothing is applicable). The whole idea involves conducting oneself with dignity at all times. The Hijab depicts a statement, and that is something one should be continually aware of. It identifies the woman as a Muslim (Yet it is not just a symbol).
Curiosity prompts people to question, and it is a good opportunity for a veiled woman to show the non-Muslims the beauty of Islam. A veiled woman may get the stares at times, but it is amazing how many are sincerely interested to learn about veil and about Islam in general. Hijab does not restrict the Muslim woman from doing the kind of things she want to do, it is a blessing because it makes her watch her behavior continuously. Anything (with the blessings of the Almighty, is possible) -studying, working etc. -provided it is within the bounds of Islam (Halal). However, sometimes the decision to wear the Hijab is not very easy for some women, and this could be a result of external pressures, notably family and friends. Unfortunately, some Non-Muslims, or Muslims who don't have good knowledge about Islam, consider wearing the Hijab being too "extreme". But what helps a Muslim woman and actually makes her enjoy wearing the Hijab, is the belief in Allah and the conviction that she's doing this only for the sake of Allah.
Also it is important to ascertain the motive behind wearing the Hijab. For instance a Muslim woman should not wear the Hijab just to please her husband, to impress people at the mosque, or just for the change. Muslim women wear the Hijab following God's commands, purely for the sake of Allah, and they do enjoy the feeling of satisfying God.
Hijab may seem to be merely a woman's issue, but that is not true. Muslim men have to follow a certain dress code too. Muslim men should also wear loose clothes -so no tight fitting jeans for instance, and they should not reveal the part between their bellies and their knees. Also their attitude to all women should always remain respectful and business like, as the women's attitude to men should be.
Allah said in the Qur'an:
"Oh Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters, and wives and daughters of the believers, to extend their outer garments around themselves, so that they would be distinguished and not molested. And God is All-Forgiving, All-Merciful".
(Qur'an, 33:59)