Intro:
I think that most of the Muslims and non Muslims think hijab is a religious obligation of Islam to Muslim women.
The Hijab is the most common Muslim veil used by Muslim women, however there are more types of veils as you can see in the image below:
We informally call to all the veils, except the Niqab and the Burqa, Hijab.
The Reasons
Islam says that both men and women should dress with modesty. These are words from God in the Holy Quran:
[24.30] قُلْ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَغُضُّوا مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِمْ وَيَحْفَظُوا فُرُوجَهُمْ ذَلِكَ أَزْكَى لَهُمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ خَبِيرٌ بِمَا يَصْنَعُونَ
[24.30] Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: And Allah is well acquainted with all that they do.
[24.31] وَقُلْ لِلْمُؤْمِنَاتِ يَغْضُضْنَ مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِنَّ وَيَحْفَظْنَ فُرُوجَهُنَّ وَلا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا وَلْيَضْرِبْنَ بِخُمُرِهِنَّ عَلَى جُيُوبِهِنَّ وَلا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلا لِبُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ آبَائِهِنَّ أَوْ آبَاءِ بُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ أَبْنَائِهِنَّ أَوْ أَبْنَاءِ بُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ إِخْوَانِهِنَّ أَوْ بَنِي إِخْوَانِهِنَّ أَوْ بَنِي أَخَوَاتِهِنَّ أَوْ نِسَائِهِنَّ أَوْ مَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَانُهُنَّ أَوِ التَّابِعِينَ غَيْرِ أُولِي الإرْبَةِ مِنَ الرِّجَالِ أَوِ الطِّفْلِ الَّذِينَ لَمْ يَظْهَرُوا عَلَى عَوْرَاتِ النِّسَاءِ وَلا يَضْرِبْنَ بِأَرْجُلِهِنَّ لِيُعْلَمَ مَا يُخْفِينَ مِنْ زِينَتِهِنَّ وَتُوبُوا إِلَى اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا أَيُّهَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ
[24.31] And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband’s fathers, their sons, their husbands’ sons, their brothers or their brothers’ sons, or their sisters’ sons, or their women, or the slaves whom their right hands possess, or male servants free of physical needs, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex; and that they should not strike their feet in order to draw attention to their hidden ornaments…
As you see about clothing, Islam doesn’t really say how to dress. Only that you should guard your modesty, cover your breasts and yours sexual attributes.
So everyone specify that Muslims should not display between the belly until the knees (special if you’re a women) and your breasts.
Why cover the hair? Is it a sexual attribute? Since when you feel attracted by someone’s hair? If yes I recommend that you should go to the medic.
However the main Quranic argument is on the Surah Al Ahzaab:
[33.59] يَا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ قُلْ لأزْوَاجِكَ وَبَنَاتِكَ وَنِسَاءِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ يُدْنِينَ عَلَيْهِنَّ مِنْ جَلابِيبِهِنَّ ذَلِكَ أَدْنَى أَنْ يُعْرَفْنَ فَلا يُؤْذَيْنَ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ غَفُورًا رَحِيمًا
[33.59] O Prophet! Tell thy wives and daughters, and the believing women, that they should cast their outer garments over their persons (when abroad): that is most convenient, that they should be known (as such) and not molested. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
In order to understand this verse you need some background study.
The IRFI – Islamic Research Foundation International, Inc. has in it’s website this issue explained:
“According to the Quran, the reason why Muslim women should wear an outer garment when going out of their homes is that they may be recognized as “Believing” women and differentiated from streetwalkers for whom sexual harassment is an occupational hazard. The purpose of this verse was not to confine women to their homes, but to make it safe for them to go about their daily business without attracting unsavory attention.”
“The Quran does not suggest that women should be veiled or they should be kept apart from the world of men. On the contrary, the Quran is insistent on the full participation of women in society and in the religious practices.
Morality of the self and cleanliness of conscience are far better than the morality of the purdah. No goodness can come from pretence. Imposing the veil on women is the ultimate proof that men suspect their mothers, daughters, wives and sisters of being potential traitors to them. How can Muslim men meet non-Muslim women who are not veiled and treat them respectfully, but not accord the same respectful treatment to Muslim women?
To wear the Hijaab is certainly NOT an Islamic obligatory on women. It is an innovation (Bid’ah) of men suffering from a piety complex who are so weak spiritually that they just cannot trust themselves!”
Older women as they are no longer a source of sexual attraction they don’t have to take specially attention to their cloth when outside. This is according to the Holy Quran:
[24.60] وَالْقَوَاعِدُ مِنَ النِّسَاءِ اللاتِي لا يَرْجُونَ نِكَاحًا فَلَيْسَ عَلَيْهِنَّ جُنَاحٌ أَنْ يَضَعْنَ ثِيَابَهُنَّ غَيْرَ مُتَبَرِّجَاتٍ بِزِينَةٍ وَأَنْ يَسْتَعْفِفْنَ خَيْرٌ لَهُنَّ وَاللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ
[24.06] Such elderly women as are past the prospect of marriage, – there is no blame on them if they lay aside their (outer) garments, provided they make not a wanton display of their beauty: but it is best for them to be modest: and Allah is One Who sees and knows all things.
IRFI: “It is part of the growing feeling on the part of Muslim men and women that they no longer wish to identify with the West, and that reaffirmation of their identity as Muslims requires the kind of visible sign that adoption of conservative clothing implies.
For these women the issue is not that they have to dress conservatively, but that they choose to.”
I would like to say that I personally like women who wear the Hijab but that doesn’t discourage me to tell Muslims sister that they only have to wear hijab if they want to.
Note that in some countries using the Hijab may draw more eye attention to you but it allow that other people including Muslims know that you are Muslim sister 😉
So remember: Hijab is not obligatory, MODEST dress is.
Orlando, 2008 Portugal
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ
In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
64 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 9, 2008 at 7:59 am
Ahmed
THIS SITE SHOULD BE ABANDONED
January 9, 2008 at 2:18 pm
orlando7truth
Why? Cant you face the truth???
You have fallen in the into the 2º group…
October 25, 2008 at 9:07 pm
zahrah
Nobody has to do anything they don’t want to, we have free will. Of course, each human being – Muslim and non-Muslim – will answer for our choices on the day of judgment.
A woman’s hair is a sexual attribute. I’m thinking of glamour models and Victoria’s Secret, when they want to show a “sexy woman” she has full, flowing hair. Women all over the world spend a lot of time and money making their hair look “perfect.” If hair is not something attractive in the first place, why do this? Will a man be turned on by a woman’s hair alone? Probably not unless he is weird & has some kind of strange hair fetish! But in combination with the rest of her, yes, it is something making her more beautiful.
About khimar: The women in that time when Surah Al Ahzaab was revealed already wore a khimar as the verse implies. They wore it over their head with the ends just hanging on either side which exposed the front of the neck & chest. They wore revealing clothes and made displays of their beauty, their jewellery, and their bosoms. The command (it is worded as a commandment rather than recommendation) in the verse you have quoted says “they should draw their veils over their bosoms” which means they should take this thing they are already wearing, and wear it differently, wear it in a way that covers their bosoms (juyub).
You do not mention the hadith dealing with this issue:
Narrated Safiya bint Shaiba: ‘Aisha (rad.i-Allahu `anha) used to say: “When (the Verse): “They should draw their veils over their necks and bosoms,” was revealed, (the ladies) cut their waist sheets at the edges and covered their faces with the cut pieces.” Sahih Bukhari 6:60:282, Sunnan Abu Dawud 32:4091
“Aisha (rad.i-Allahu `anha) reported that Asma’ the daughter of Abu Bakr (rad.i-Allahu `anhu) came to the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) while wearing thin clothing. He approached her and said: ‘O Asma’! When a girl reaches the menstrual age, it is not proper that anything should remain exposed except this and this. He pointed to the face and hands.” [Abu Dawud]
BTW, I think the girls who wear the headscarf but with super-tight jeans, t-shirt etc are just making a Muslim identity statement.
A woman wearing loose, modest dress hiding the body but with no headscarf is more modest than one who wears a headcovering with tight lowrise pants showing her thong (I have actually seen this, LOL).
February 4, 2014 at 9:17 pm
Ali
Zahra
you said the hair itself is nt going to Turn on a man.It is with thecombination of the rest of her.
The rest of her is not on display if her hair is on display.It is a very wrong assumption to state that the rest of her is on display when the hair is not coverd.
October 27, 2008 at 10:05 pm
orlando7truth
Salam Zahrah
If we fallow that logic all we(men and women) must wear a Burqa… and no one can talk to each other because the voice can be attractive.
Beauty is not a crime otherwise God will be a criminal and i don’t see Him that way.
What is fun about this is how men want to control women in every single aspect of their lives even how they dress. Now that people try to “cheat” Islam for that… people like that website you linked.
Note that those quranic verses that speak about veil were for the prophet’s wives. Quran simply defends modest clothing which dont necessary needs something in your head.
You are saying that i dint talk about the Hadices. Sister i only use facts to my arguments, i dont care about something like: Mr X wrote that Mr Y reported that he heard from Mr W that heard the prophet saying this and that.
I dont work with that type of information specially when there so many proved cases of 100% false hadices and corrupt hadices. I may remind you sister that there is a lot of hadices contradicting the Quran… A lot of men pretend to ignore some verses of the Quran if it please them.
About those girls… thats fun… it happens a lot in Eastern societies like Iran where they r forced to use it, so they try to use in way that you dont even notice. Egpty for example since 70’s after the invasion of Israel it did rise like a nationalism so society almost tell you to wear it so they to disco dancing and making up with guys and when they left the disco they simply put it on 😀
November 13, 2008 at 10:25 am
ahmed (egypt)
If we follow what god order us to do there will be no 1 problem in the world but the ppl look like orlando have somthing in they hearts want to be look like the other ppl…i want to tell u 1thing man..heaven is not cheap and we aren’t here for fun we here to pray…when u go to heaven u would have everything to do everything for unlimited time…so wait this 70 or 60 years then u can go heaven for million years do what do u want:)
November 13, 2008 at 10:02 pm
Orlando
I totally agree with you man… We must follow what God says but guess what: God dont tell to wear the Hijab 😀 So you will go to Heaven even if dont wear it… Got it? Or should make picture?
You said Heaven is cheap? Guess what feminine circumcision like you guys do n Egypt is good way to go to Hell.
You guys cant handle that women have the same rights as you dont you?
God bless Europe
May 14, 2009 at 3:08 pm
sara
Allah has protected friuts by covering them and pearls by making hard shells around them so why not the women should be protected by hijab, the most precious one
May 15, 2009 at 9:10 am
Orlando
Because Allah has protected women with skin (according to your logic)
Plus I am not saying that you should not wear it, I am saying that Islam doesn´t force no one to wear it. It is all about dress with modesty so not wear a veil is not relevant to your faith.
Peace
November 25, 2009 at 5:53 am
Mariam
These are beautiful modest clothing.
January 3, 2010 at 1:28 pm
Orlando
Indee but not a compulsion
January 3, 2010 at 6:03 am
Prince
The argument which is going on is very good. We should discuss more and more. Some are saying, a woman covered with hijab but having tight dress is more attractive than a women wearing loose dress but having no hijab. Again, some are saying that women should be dressed modestly but hijab isn’t necessary. I respect both the comments. But I want to clarify that there are six criteria’s of hijab. a) The full body should be covered except face, hands and feet (for women) and from navel up to thai (for men). b) The dress should not represent the signs of disbelievers. c) The dress should not be tight. d) The dress should not be as like as the dress of opposite sex. e) The dress should not be transparent. And f) the dress should not attract the opposite sex. Following these conditions, a Muslim women can go anywhere outside she wishes (of course not in bad places). If we see the western countries we will find that rape is a common occurrence there. They have given women rights by making them call girls, prostitutes and concubines. They censure Islam without any logic. They censure polygamy (which is permitted in special cases but discouraged) but do not censure adultery which is destroying family lives. If the Christian nuns cover their heads they are religious but if a Muslim woman covers her head that is sign of deprivation. I want to question the west about how mother Mary (pbuh) was dressed.
January 3, 2010 at 1:27 pm
Orlando
Thats ridiculous, “there” which is “here” (West) women, including Muslim women are fully protect with rights.
As in East women are raped and convicted for being raped, a men can rape a girl and walk away and she can even be sentenced to death if she was married.
Not to mention sometimes a man rape his sister and his parents found out and… kill her.
Every Muslim women who lives in West dont wanna leave, even if people dont like the the veil they are treated as equal.
One more if a raper even rapes 80 years old women, you think he wont rape a veiled women? Worse is like a fantasy to him.
Muslim women dont have to wear a veil. period
June 17, 2010 at 10:20 pm
liz murray palmer
i think that muslim women should do what they feel is right. if they want to ware the vale they can if they want to cover there intire face they most certnley can… im a muslim and i choose not to not to cover my face until i am married.
August 3, 2010 at 10:30 am
mina makki
hi dear friend
Here me and my partners have a questionary which will survey the essential needs of
muslim minorities.
Can I ask you see the link below and answer to short questions please? All data you give
will be kept.
I am grateful!
http://www.ihrc.org.uk/activities/projects/9283-essential-needs-of-muslims-in-non-muslim-countries
September 6, 2010 at 5:55 am
Celina
Salam,
I have been considering wearing the hijab for some time, and have been doing my research, I have come to learn of Sheik Zaki Badawi and his interpretations of the Quran verse regarding coving of the hair, and here I am @ your blog 🙂
I am extremely confused, and I welcome this confusion with open arms..And I’m sure most of you are thinking.. What??? but this is because, in my journey through learning and discovering my religion there has been many times where I have been confused, and each time when I seek and learn the truth and my questions are answered I am that one step closer to Allah, and that one step stronger in my faith. I am not a sheep, and I don’t follow blindly, so in my views it is good to question, to debate, in the intentions of seeking the truth. I am here because I have a question and something doesn’t sound right or feel right to me, and this could be of my understandings so far, so please correct me if I am wrong.
This is my understanding so far of this topic –
Covering the hair is not mandatory and is not a command by Allah, the ayah in the Quran was implied to be a command to cover the chests of females, where back in those days culturally, it was very normal and acceptable for women to walk around with bare chests, revealing their breasts, and Allah commanded these women to cover their chests to be modest.
now having this new piece of information in mind, I read the Quran translation of this ayah / verse and it states – “…they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband’s’ fathers, their sons, their husbands’ sons, their brothers or their brothers’ sons, or their sisters’ sons, or their women, or the slaves whom their right hands possess, or male servants free of physical needs, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex…”
This is where the confusion kicks in, if this verse was not a command for covering the hair, but a command for coving the bosoms only, then is Allah permitting women to be free in showing bodily parts i.e. bosoms to our fathers, brothers etc?? If this beauty is not the hair then what is this beauty Allah is allowing us to show to our husbands, fathers, and brothers and not to the rest of the world? This is where I am stuck. I hope I have not offended anybody.
September 20, 2010 at 6:52 pm
Orlando
Islam need people like that, like you.
It is easy, which parts of the body do men look at??? It is the breasts, the butt, upper part of the legs and the belly. Thats what messes with men instincts 🙂 Thats what women should cover which is basically dressing with modesty. Of course with the father and brother there is no such problem because any normal person will not look to a daughter in sexual way.
Now, covering or not your hair is a decision that should be made by you.
September 5, 2013 at 2:54 pm
Man
Hi,
Please figure out the meaning of bosom in English dictionary. It has 2 meanings whether “breast” or “chest”.
But, there are some interpretations of the word “juyubihinna” by various Islamic scholars (ulamas).
There are about 17 interpretations/translations of the word in the verse.
The literal meaning is “collar opening in clothes/chests”
Not literal meanings:
Yusuf Ali: ‘bosoms’
Pickthall ‘bosoms’
Arberry: ‘bosoms’
Shakir: ‘bosoms’
Sarwar: ‘breasts’
Khalifa: ‘chest’
Hilali/Khan: (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms, etc.)
H/K/ Saheeh: ‘chest’
Malik: ‘bosoms
QXP (Qur’an as it explains itself of Dr. Shabbir Khan): ‘bosoms’
Maulana Ali: ‘bosoms’
Free Minds: ‘cleavage’
Qaribullah: ‘neck’
George Sale: ‘bosoms’
JM Rodwell: ‘bosoms’
Muhammad Asad: ‘bosoms’
–>> So, does that has a meaning to cover your hair or head? No, it does not, since “hair” or “head” is not meant/mentioned in the Quran verse.
–>> The exact meaning could mean the “chest” as translated by Khalifa, and H/K/Saheeh, or even the “cleavage” (of the breasts) as translated by Free Minds (and other non-stated scholars too).
–>>Nonetheless, “bosoms” can mean “chest”, too. So, the translations might exactly true to carry the meaning which instructing women to cover their cleavage of the breasts. And, the cleavage maybe is what is permissible to show to the “mahram”.
By the way, I found out a blog discussing the Islamic scholars different views about the hijab which believing that the hijab (veil) is never mandated by the God. Here it is: Hijab: Compulsion or Choice – by Syafiqah Othman
February 4, 2014 at 9:29 pm
Ali
A Father has already seen you naked as a baby and still thinks of you as a baby no matter how big you are.
It does nt state that you should display ur beauty to a father..But to be more carefull with others.
Now does beauty mean breast?
If nt breast is it hair?No. If nt breast, beauty does nt mean hair.It can mean good dress, jwelerries
December 4, 2010 at 8:51 am
Ahmad
those are the same ideas I had in mind…nice article
What makes me mad is that some women in the islam world wear hijab and say that it’s obligatory and at the same time they wear tight clothes act like total sluts hugging and kissing their boy friends having secret relationships talking to people in an unsuitable manner disrespecting etc..
Hijab is NOT obligatory Modesty is.. being respectful to yourself and others wearing respectful clothes those are obligatory
If a women wants to wear Hijab it her choice it but at least respect it!
December 6, 2010 at 12:35 pm
En ufortjent skjebne « Norske forhold
[…] om dette: Hijab er ikke noe krav i Islam. (“Hijab is NOT a compulsion of Islam“, i bloggen Islamic […]
December 31, 2010 at 7:51 pm
hanim
Hi,
Ive met a lot of people. ive been living in three non-muslim countries and one muslim country. And I found out that most muslim in non-muslim countries questions everything about Islam, which is good, because in that way, they become more pious and knowledgeable. However, some became more strayed away and doubt everything out of logic, because they fear to look “strange” compared to the other people in that country.
Are you afraid, dear sister? Afraid to be different? Or since you have made your own interpretation that Quran does not make covering hair compulsory, are you afraid to look like a fool? No, you are not a fool. It is good that you publish your opinion here, since it is easy that you are full of anger and frustration towards “something” in your life, but not Islam and its rule. What is it, sister? Please think carefully. Once you know your real problem, then everything will be as clear as the blue sky. You just think some of the rules/obligations just get in your way, when the real problem is actually not. But it is good that you post it here, so maybe someone out there can give you a satisfied answer.
Anything, ANYTHING, and EVERYTHING that we make because of Allah, because we heard what His prophet said and did will be rewarded. And the ultimate reward is His mercy. We want His mercy to succeed in business, to face disaster, and to be in peace before, during and after death.
Im not a good person, there are few things that I sometimes wish I didnt have to do. One of them was to wear hijab. Many non-muslim friends and muslim friends compliment me that I look much younger and cuter when I dont wear hijab. I can style my hair in different ways, which dramatically change my look. And there were few styles that made me looked certain way, which I loved very much but the style was ruined because of hijab. And I love to show off my frills and long hair to everyone, I received a lot of compliments that I look “adequately sexy, beautiful and professional”… (Im sure we all do sometimes).
But hijab is the choice of Fatimah R.A. And she was the first to enter jannah. That’s simply the reason why I choose hijab. Because of Allah. Insya-Allah. Hijab will not get in the way to Jannah. Can we say the same about “not wearing hijab?”
January 12, 2011 at 8:50 pm
Orlando
I do appreciate your comment even thou that it is in opposite view.
You comment also made me laugh a lot, I would like to draw attention to second paragraph of your comment. It is funny that you tried to play psychologist or profiler saying that I am woman with frustration… That theory is falls so fast for the simple fact that I am NOT a woman, I am Man XD… If you at least read my name in the end (you probably didn’t even read all the article or you would know that)
You are the second state as I posted here (…)When humans face truth they may(…) do everything they can to discard the messenger rather than pay attention to the message.
You tried to discard me because you can not discard the article, against truth there is no arguments.
As for the look, did you know that Hijab may give a mystic and consequently sexy look?
The main point is to dress with modesty, that’s all God asks from you sister.
February 4, 2014 at 9:36 pm
Ali
You ve said Hijab is the choice of Fathima RA.
I can more certanly tell you that she lives a life without any electricity and motor vehicles.Does that mean we should cut over electricity.Never get on a car or bus.The car and bus are Bidah.
March 12, 2011 at 10:31 am
Sarah
ummmm….i totally agree with u orlando i believe that wearing hijab isn’t a compulsion but it is 100% free will i just changed my religion to islam and iam still new at it …..i read in a book that we should pray everyday and in a prayer there is something called raka”a i wanted to know what does it mean? how many prayers we should pray a day? how many raka’as in a prayer? what are the prayers name? reply ASAP…thankssss..
‘
March 14, 2011 at 7:23 pm
Orlando
You should pray (salat) 5 times a day (however some pray 6) but the “rule” is 5
This link may help you
March 16, 2011 at 10:53 am
Suleha
Well, I got interested in Islam at age sixteen. All I knew was that Muslims believe in one God and that the women cover their hair. The Hijab caught my attention, always when I saw a woman wearing a Hijab I thought in my head that one day I`ll become a Muslim. When I see a Muslim woman showing her hair, wearing make-up and tight trouser with T-shirt it makes me feel sad. But when I see a woman that is properly covered in a modest way and wearing a Hijab I feel respect for her and it makes me happy.
I believe this modern world is too much focused on look like. I once told my father that I met a nice English woman who covered her hair and who converted to Islam… He said ” Why did she convert, was she ugly?” Anyway, my hair is not usual, it is very long and people turn around their head when I walk along the street. Since I wear the Hijab I feel protected as I don`t want to be the center of attention. To me it doesn`t matter wether Orlando will think my comment to be boring, what matters to me is what Allah thinks of me. If there hadn`t been Muslim women wearing Hijab I would not have found my way to Islam.
March 16, 2011 at 8:57 pm
Orlando
The thing is just because It made you search Islam it doesnt make it a good thing (I am not saying Hijab is bad) the point is that many people search for Islam because of 9\11 and terrorism is not a good thing.
Second a muslim sister that wears a T-Shirt and tight trouser doesnt make her less Muslim from the others who wear Hijab.
Islam is not the cloths you use, Islam is what is going on on your mind.
Also note that I am NOT against Hijab, the point is that men and women in the eyes of Islam should dress with modesty but with no compulsion.
March 17, 2011 at 8:42 am
Suleha
You are right, what is going on in your mind is what matters.
March 18, 2011 at 1:18 pm
Sarah
i bought the quran in the english translation and i read it all and it said nothing about the number of prayers except its a compulsion so how did you know its five?
NOTE: do u believe it’s the right number of prayers?
March 18, 2011 at 3:33 pm
Orlando
Dont mean to offend you probably missed some pages in the Quran.
The Quran only mentions praying twice a day; in the morning and in the evening. These times are the only ones specifically mentioned when it comes to prayer and every other time where Salat is mentioned can be deduced to these 2 times.
“Asalatul-Wustaa” that is mentioned in the Quran (2:238) can be rendered as “The Middle Prayer”, ‘The Best Prayer.” or even “The Moderate Prayer.” Following the principles of 41:3 and 3:7, to be clarified 2:238 has to be related to a more precise passage about this same subject. There is no noon prayer or afternoon prayer ever mentioned in the Quran.
Prayer times are specified in the Quran such as ‘The prayer of dawn’ in (24:58), and ‘the evening prayer’ in (24:58) and the book specifies these times as the edges of daylight, within the times of complete darkness and when the sun is touching (or rubbing) the horizon (11:114, 17:78).
PS: this has nothing to do with main theme of the article.
February 4, 2014 at 9:49 pm
Ali
Prayer is something Muslims have done everyday since the time of Prophet SAW.
Hence there is less confusion and debate on it.And I feel the unity in the wider community can be considerd.The Qursn does nt specify 5 however as the wider community believes it I take it as 5.
But i can nt say the same about Hijab.In the 1990s most Arabs did nt wear it. However it was nt after 1990 that Quran came to us.Ottaman leaders have had wives without Hijab.Leaders in the 60s and 1970s that tried to fight for Palestine has had wives without hijab.While leaders who sold their country and made deals with colonial forces have had wives with hijab.
June 7, 2011 at 3:13 pm
Christina
Nice one Orlando. 🙂
July 27, 2011 at 5:29 pm
huda
I really appreciate your effort, writer of the article!!
August 10, 2011 at 6:33 am
FaDanaAzmarah
May I have your kind permission to post this blog on this hot topic of Hijab as a whole on my Facebook profile? If so, can I copy and paste the whole article including the comments by the readers? If I do so, will in impinge your rights by violating the laws in regard to Law of Intellectual Property?
Please advise at your earliest as I am so much desirous of doing this as this blog seems very important and useful to all my friends in Facebook.
August 10, 2011 at 9:44 am
Orlando
Yes you can, as long as you do not change anything in the article and post the original link of the article.
October 9, 2011 at 11:35 pm
Shumi Dar
a.a
well i think it is true that it is all about modesty for both men women ….
well in a book named as sunnah n scince i have read that it is proven that women’s chics n lips are actractive too towards men…
so my choice for where ever i go would be nikab that i do n i m very much satisfied to nikab Alhmdulillah….
devil is as well every where east or west it dos’nt matter him…
it is upon us becoz no doubt we all know which is the rite part if i wear a nikab and walk out i m safe by my side Alhmdulillah i have nothing to do wid the man who is watchin me bcoz his deed with him mine with me …if i dont wear a nikab n a man stairing at me i can not complain anybody bcoz Al Quran & Sunnah had showed me the rite part whither compelsory or not in east or west it is upon us to cover ourself….
my vote goes to nikab….
December 30, 2011 at 12:11 am
Orlando
Then you gonna tell me that way women walk may attract men, so let close all women in caves shall we?
Give me a break.
August 25, 2011 at 11:59 pm
Lian
1: “…The main point is to dress with modesty, that’s all God asks from you…” I totally agree with this statement, however on those below I have so many dubts.
2: “…Imposing the veil on women is the ultimate proof that men suspect their mothers, daughters, wives and sisters of being potential traitors to them…”–So then is it a matter of insecurity or machismo?
3: “…Older women as they are no longer a source of sexual attraction they don’t have to take specially attention to their cloth when outside. This is according to the Holy Quran…” —Again older woman according to Quran are limited to have sexual intercourse with their own husbands until certain age?– my grandmother(69) and grandfather(75) are still enjoying their marriage including and not limited to intercourse (in a less frequent way as per their own statements) still that means that they are old and sexually attracted to each other.
4: “…women and differentiated from streetwalkers for whom sexual harassment is an occupational hazard…” –Means that the H. Quran teach followers to treat human creation based on their attire and no on just being human (God’s creation)?-what is the difference between raping an uncovered woman and raping one that wears a hijab? -I believe the rapist is the problem and not the cloth, isn’t it?
December 30, 2011 at 12:15 am
Orlando
Rapist rape every women, with or without veil, the problem is people trying to justify traditions with religion.
October 9, 2011 at 6:04 pm
Ali Azhar Hussain
women should b like As Moon that u can easly watch.
it should b like as Sun that if u try to watch her u cant it ….and tears fall
December 11, 2011 at 5:07 pm
ShojoBakunyu
“We have free will!”
Yeah… And if you express that free will in Islamic Areas, you can be beaten and arrested for expressing your free will…
Like women beaten and arrested for wearing pants.
Like girls being beaten for not wearing the head scarf.
Like girls, boys, and women being raped for going out alone.
Like wives saying no to sex and being beaten and raped by her husband.
SO MUCH FREE WILL and SO MANY CONSEQUENCES.
“You must watch Fox News because things like Spousal Rape, Beatings, and Honor Killings don’t happen half as often as the big bad biased media wants you to think it does!”
1. I don’t watch Fox News nor MSNBC because I avoid all news sources that only push a specific agenda.
2. “Don’t happen as often” still means it fu*king happens and if ANY of that happens even ONCE, it is too often and means that there is a SEVERE cultural problem where Abuse becomes accepted. This doesn’t make the abuse “Right” but it makes the victims believe that it is something they deserve, need to tolerate, and bring upon themselves. This is called “Normative Abuse” and as with other types of cultures where a child is indoctrinated from the teat, they will go as far as to defend their chains as something they willfully take upon themselves. This is nothing more than life-long stockholm syndrome.
February 6, 2012 at 12:03 pm
Word of the Day: Burqa, Niqab, Hijab | Galileo Unchained
[…] it’s easy to see the hijab requirement as oppressive, though from the inside it can be seen as a matter of cultural identity. A cultural demand doesn’t always vanish when that demand is lifted. During the Qing dynasty […]
February 6, 2012 at 12:05 pm
Word of the Day: Burqa, Niqab, Hijab | | Cross ExaminedCross Examined
[…] it’s easy to see the hijab requirement as oppressive, though from the inside it can be seen as a matter of cultural identity. A cultural demand doesn’t always vanish when that demand is lifted. During the Qing dynasty […]
March 5, 2012 at 2:17 pm
Mohammad Yasrab
Hey I really love your Post, and I agree with you, someone out there says that the Hijab is fard, here is his post:
KHIMAR
Arabian women, both before and after Islam used to wear head-covering (khimar; pl. khumur) both as a protection from the sun and as an adornment. In accordance with the fashion prevalent at the time, the upper part of a woman’s tunic had a wide opening in the front, leaving her breasts partly bare (Ibn Kathir). Undoubtedly, women at times showed modesty by covering their bosoms with their head-covering. The Qur`an is enjoining that such modesty should be a regular feature of Muslim women’s dress.
The Qur`an does not explicitly tell women to cover their heads. Does that mean that the covering of the head is not obligatory? The focus of the passage is certainly on the covering of the bosom and one may argue that the reference to the head-cover reflects the situation of Arabia. Because of intense heat, both men and women carried some piece of cloth to cover their head when they went out. The Qur`an is simply telling the women to use this piece of cloth to cover their bosoms as a practical matter and not with the expectation that the head should necessarily be covered. On the other hand, one could argue that it is understood that the head-covering will cover the head. To appreciate this point suppose somebody asked a person to cover his navel with the trousers. It would be a mockery of this suggestion, at least in the context where modesty is being taught, if the person took off his trousers and wrapped them around his waist to cover the navel, remaining naked below the waste. For in the context of teaching modesty it is understood that the trousers must cover what they normally cover. Similarly, when in the context of teaching modesty the Qur`an tells women to cover their bosoms with the head-coverings it is understood that the head-coverings must cover what they normally cover, namely, the heads. Furthermore, hair is among the attractive parts of a woman’s body and the Qur`anic commandment is to hide female charms unless it is awkward to do so. Now there is nothing awkward about covering the head. Women in all cultures often do it, either as fashion or for some religious or practical reasons.
Some who deny that the Qur`an enjoins the covering of the head also point out that khimar does not necessarily mean head-cover, but any sheet or cloth that is used to cover something such as a blanket or curtain or table-cloth (the word is related to khamr ( an alcoholic drink, which is so called because it covers the consciousness). But the word can certainly mean “head-cover”. In the Qur`anic verse it certainly refers to something that women normally carried, for the verse does not say that they should cover their bosoms with a khimar but with their khumur, and women normally did not carry a table-cloth or a curtain or a blanket.
It seems from the above considerations that the arguments in favor of the interpretation that head should be covered are stronger. But the case for covering head becomes even stronger in view of other verses to be discussed further below.
The words “except that which becomes apparent” are understood in two ways:
1) that part of a woman’s zinat which is exposed by some accident, e.g. her head covering is removed by a strong wind; according to this interpretation, a woman needs to cover the whole body, including her face (except eyes);
2) woman need not cover what is awkward to cover such as the face and the hands.
The second interpretation is almost certainly the correct one. If the Qur`an meant the words in the first sense, why does it tell women only to cover their bosoms with their head coverings?
However, it would also be against the spirit of the Qur`an if a woman put a very attractive make-up and/or ornaments on her face and/or hands and exposed them while covering the rest of her body or making the head-covering itself very attractive and fashionable or wearing transparent or very tight clothes. Notice how the Qur`an often combines the concrete regulations about dress with a reminder of their purpose and spirit. Thus in 24:60 while the requirements of dress are relaxed for elderly women the requirement of inner modesty are still inculcated. And in 33:33, 53, to be discussed next, it is said that regulations about hijab are for the purpose of removing uncleanness and for achieving purity.
So tell me bro, what are your views on this and how would you reply?
February 4, 2014 at 11:13 pm
Ali
There are some very good points in this.Howvere it is very long and in the middle loses coherence.
For example the below point is in favour of Hijab not bn compulsary.The opposing view.
( The words “except that which becomes apparent” are understood in two ways:
1) that part of a woman’s zinat which is exposed by some accident, e.g. her head covering is removed by a strong wind; according to this interpretation, a woman needs to cover the whole body, including her face (except eyes); )
March 23, 2012 at 3:40 pm
Khalisa
Hi, I’m 13 yrs old and i want to say something about this debate going on here. Even if wearing hijab isn’t mandatory you will find out for those who wear hijab on the Day of Judgment you will see if wearing hijab was mandatory. You might be thinking about if its mandatory but did you stop and think about how if you don’t wear hijab you are displeasing Allah by not following his command. i would NEVER do something to displease the one who created me. i would do everything i can to please him and to make sure i am being an example for those who are watching and have doubts about islam. And the girl who saw a muslim woman wearing hijab and abaya would have never converted to islam.
I am Muslim and i love to cover and wear hijab because it’s something Allah wanted women to do
I am sorry everyone doesn’t feel the same way 😦
February 4, 2014 at 11:20 pm
Ali
If it is not mendatory you can not claim refraining from it( not doing something which is not compulsary) is displeasing Allah.
Remember you can not make something legal or illegal (in the name of Allah ) just because for a long time you heard your parents say something.
March 25, 2012 at 12:51 pm
Nada Fadl
it’s a very strong debate,please read it
September 5, 2012 at 10:08 am
zahra
Hi,dear Orlando.
Here is a great and appreciated argument about Islam,specially Hijab. U r full off knowledge but in some I dont agree u.I’m a muslim in Iran.One of your sisters who loves Islam,loves Hijab and is researching about Quranic subjects.
September 5, 2012 at 10:13 am
zahra
I’m so pleased I see there are girls or ladies like your commentors who love Islam and wear Hijab and love it 2.
October 4, 2012 at 11:36 am
salmanzq
Orlando – you are fighting a losing battle against these people because they are so blinded by their mullahs. This indoctrination has been taking place since they were young kids. It seems logic and thinking go out the window the minute you try talking to people about the problems with their beliefs.
October 4, 2012 at 2:33 pm
hijab
I have read so many content concerning the blogger lovers however this article is actually a pleasant piece of
writing, keep it up.
July 11, 2013 at 6:55 pm
Shaz
No hijab then get ready to be denied the fragrance of jannah.
February 4, 2014 at 11:35 pm
Ali
Fragnance of Janah. ? ?!!
What authority do you have to talk about it. Sp denial of fragnance of janah.
You need to refer to the points presented in the argument.
July 16, 2013 at 4:18 am
Latifa frmmorroco
Hi every one am I think that hijab it’s not obligation to wear But I wear it cuz My mom and dad want me to wear it , and am fine with hijab 🙂 Ramadan karim
September 6, 2013 at 5:55 pm
TheGreatZambini
I really enjoyed this post. I`ve been wondering about the differences between the various types of scarves and their names, and this post had good pictures included for that purpose. Personally, I do think the scarf serves a side purpose, besides modesty, of proclaiming your religious beliefs. I`m curious here, though. What have I not been noticing that men do to show they are muslim to others with their clothes?
December 22, 2013 at 12:07 am
fatimah-zahra
hi, i’m a muslim girl from Nigeria, I attended a christain high school throughout my 6 years.. but I didn’t covert.. i’m trying to find myself again in islam and I just feel guilty when i see girls my age wearing hijab and i don’t because I was brought up in a family that hijab or scarf isn’t compulsory.. does this mean i’m a bad muslim 😦 😦
December 22, 2013 at 12:17 am
Orlando
Nope, it means you are smart enough to question the use of a veil as religious obligation.
February 6, 2014 at 3:57 pm
Angel
No you are not, you are fine. Hijab is not what makes you a good person or a bad person. I don’t believe it is compulsory but even if you do believe in you should also believe that god judges you with who you are and not what you wear.
March 17, 2014 at 2:08 pm
Peace
Thank you Orlando, for making sense and bringing the message back to blind people of these days..as with everything, people distort and forget that not everything is black and white and doesnt apply to all in every land. If that was the case, we wouldnt have so many prophets in different lands, different times. Unfortunately these days people put Hadith on the same level as the Quran, which is truly sad. Thats just the same as taking the New Testament as the divine words and therefore blindly believing a prophet is God. No human is exempt from learning and people that think they were taught everything right need to travel lands and see what Allah created to understand the magnitude of His creations. May Allah bless you in your efforts!
May 20, 2014 at 5:52 pm
Noreen
Thanks for clarification of this. Having read your article it now makes sense. Yes the quran says cover modestly not cover head in any way at all. The word head is not used. In fact I cone across a lot of girls wearing hijab but then dressing incorrectly according to Islam by wearing skinny jeans, tight tops and some you can see, what is the meaning of that. Thanks again it helps me better to relate this to my deen.
May 29, 2014 at 8:25 am
Asia and Australia’s engagement with Asia | phoebedolby
[…] In 2006, a young woman by the name of Sadia Ali (Image 1.0), wore an “Australian hijab” on Melbourne streets during Harmony Day, says she was using it as a “powerful symbol to grab attention and make people aware that her dual identities as Muslim and Australian could happily co-exist” (The Sydney Morning Herald 2006) Firstly, one must point out to students that Sadia, along with her friends are asian thus creating a broader understanding and view of the stereotypical Asian view. Sadia said,”I just wanted to show the Australian public that I’m a Muslim and Australian, I don’t want the two to be divided.” (The Sydney Morning Herald 2006) The photograph brings to light that Sadia is proud of her cultural heritage and in Australia feels free to express as such. She said of Australia being ”very tolerant of different countries and cultures – only a minority are racist, not a majority,” (The Sydney Morning Herald 2006). Also to point out to students that Muslim girls have decided to wear the hijab not by obligation to their culture as this is a stereotype as proven here. […]
November 2, 2015 at 5:19 pm
Hey, Look — Boots on the Ground in Syria + More – Daily Digest | PA Pundits - International
[…] and once again, while the Koran urges Muslim women to dress “modestly,” the hijab is not required by Islamic […]