What is hijab?

A Muslim woman’s modest way of dressing is called “Hijab”, it is an expression of

modesty. It not only includes covering head but also dressing modestly overall (i.e.

wearing loose clothing, not showing skin, not getting extra attention of the opposite gender or lowering gaze and guarding modesty). Hijab is not only for body (physical), but it also includes actions and behaviors. 

As it is in Holy Quran! “Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their modesty. That is pure purer for them. Lo! Allah is aware of what they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their modesty, and to display of their adornment only that which is apparent, draw their veils over their bosoms, and not to reveal their adornments save to their own husband, or father, or husbands father, or their sons, or their husbands sons or their brothers, or their brothers sons, or sisters sons, or their women, or their servants, or male attendants who lack vigor, or children who know not of women’s nakedness. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And turn onto Allah together, O believers, in order that you may succeed.” (24, 30-31)

Hijab is an obligation as it was considered obligatory in other religions about a century ago (now modernism has invaded modesty). Muslim women tend to dress modestly as Virgin Mary (Peace be upon her) did, as nuns do today. Some Christians such as Amish women also cover their head, some

Jewish sects also require women to cover their head. Hinduism and Sikhism also have a tradition of head covering. In short, head covering or dressing modestly is nothing new but it has been a part of almost every faith or religion but modernism replaced it with time!!

~By Hina Nadar~