The Hijab... Why
INTRODUCTION
ALL praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, the Most Merciful, the Beneficent, and the Master of the Day of Judgment. O Allah! Have Your Salat(1) and Salam (peace) and blessing upon Your slave and Messenger Muhammad and upon all of his companions. Extraordinary consideration has been given by the Islamic Law to women's affairs. Such consideration is sufficient to protect her chastity, to honor her and to secure her position in life. The "restrictions" placed upon her regarding her dress and the display of her beauty and ornament is only to guard against all ways of corruption arising from such dazzling displays. What Islam has established is not a restriction on the freedom of women but is a firm protection for her from falling down to the lowest levels of humility. In this work, we mention the virtues of a critical aspect of this protection: the HIJAB. The characteristics of the Hijab are discussed, bringing the glad tidings promised (by Allah) to those women adhering to it. We also point out the danger of dazzling displays of ornaments and beauty as well as the terrible repercussions in this life and in the hereafter for those who practice Tabar'roj.
This is the second edition of this book. It comes at a time when more women are throwing away their revealing clothes, and wearing the Hijab. It goes to print when Muslim women are being raped and tom in their Hijabs in "civilized" Europe(2)! and when France(3) prevents Muslim women from wearing the Hijab at school. These are times of trials for Muslims and particularly for Muslim women. We all have to remember the path of the Prophets: endurance, patience, holding on, and aiming high by keeping the way of Allah above everything. Allah knows our intentions and He is Sufficient to Us and He is the Best Guardian.
Shayekh - Dr. Muhammad Bin Ismail
Translator and Commentator: Dr. Saleh As-Saleh
13/6/ 1414 Hj. Nov.26, 1993
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(1) The Salat of Allah upon prophet Muhammad is His Praise and mentioning of the Prophet to the angels in the Most High place in Heaven
(2) Bosnia is a testimony against the "civility" of Europe and the West. Civility stops at the word: Muslim or Islam!
(3) The country that raises the banner of: equality, brotherhood, and freedom.!!!
The Virtues of Hijab
(1) AN ACT OF OBEDIENCE
The Hijab is an act of obedience to Allah SWT(4) and to His Messenger Muhammad (SAAW(5)). Allah (SWT) says:
"It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have an option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, has indeed strayed in a plain error." (Qur'an 33:36)
Allah (SWT) also says:
"But no by your Lord, they can have no Faith, until they make you (Muhammad (SAAW)) a judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission." (Qur'an 4:65)
Indeed,, Allah ordered that women must put on the Hijab(6). Allah (SWT) says:
"And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things) and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc.) and not to show off their adornment except what must (ordinarily) appear thereof, that they should draw their veils over their Juyubihinna(7)." (Qur'an 24:31).
Allah considered the dazzling display of beauty an act of ignorance:
"And stay in your houses and do not display yourselves like that of the times of Jahiliyeeyah(8) (ignorance). " (Qur'an 33:33)
Allah, Most Glorified, says:
"And when you ask the Prophet's wives for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen." (Qur'an 33:53)
The above Ayah (verse) does not apply only to the Prophet's wives but to all of the believing women. Carefully read the following saying of Allah (SW):
"O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) over their bodies (when outdoors). That is most convenient that they should be
known and not molested."(9) (Qur'an 33:59)
The Prophet (SAAW) said:
"The woman (i.e. any woman) is A'wrah (10)", that is she must be covered.
(4) SWT: Subhanahu Wata'ala, Most Glorified and Most High is He.
(5) SAAW: Salla Allahu Aleihi Wassalam: May the Salat and Salaam (Peace) of Allah be upon His Prophet Muhammad
(6)This is not something cultural. It is Allah's order. Its conditions are not Arabian, Egyptian, Pakistani, Black or White American, etc. Its conditions are specified in the Qur'an and Sunnah to provide a protection and safeguarding of women. No one knows about what is good for men and women more than their Creator, Allah. His laws are Wise as it is the case with all of His actions.
(7) Juyubihinna: The respected scholars from As-Salaf As-Saleh (righteous predecessors) differed whether the veil cover of the body must include the hands and face or not. Today, respected scholars say that the hands and face must be covered. Other respected scholars say it is preferable for women to cover their whole bodies.
(8) Jahilyeeyah: The days of ignorance prior to the Revelation of the Qur'an.
(9) No one can ignore the molestation of women that exists in the so called "open" societies. The question is: why it is happening? The answer begins to shape up when people think about the purpose behind creation. Allah created us for the single purpose of worshipping Him alone. He detailed all the ways to fulfill this purpose in the Last Revelation to all mankind, the Qur'an. In it we can find how women and men can safeguard their dignity, honor, and morality. The worship of Allah is manifested in the following of His orders. Allah orders that men and women must avoid all the roads that lead to animalistic ways of living. The Hijab is one of Allah's commands. It is an honor and protection for women as well as a true freedom for her body from the hands and eyes of aggressors and molesters.
(l0) This hadeeth is narrated by Abdullah bin Masoud and collected by At-Tirmidhi who said it is Hassan-Ghareeb i.e. good and Ghareeb (The Ghareeb is a narration by one narrator either in each level of the levels of the chain of narrators or in some levels of the chain). Also As-Siyouti hinted that it is authentic.
(2) THE HIJAB IS IFFAH (MODESTY):
Allah (SWT) made the adherence to the Hijab a manifestation for chastity and modesty:
"O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) over their bodies (when outdoors). That is most convenient that they should be known and not molested." (Qur'an 33: 59)
In the above Ayah there is evidence that the recognition of the apparent beauty of the woman is harmful to her. When the cause of attraction ends, the restriction is removed. This is illustrated in the case of elderly women who may have lost every aspect of attraction. Allah (SW) made it permissible for them to lay aside their outer garments and expose their faces and hands reminding, however, that it is still better for them to keep their modesty:
"And as for women past child-bearing who do not expect wed-lock, it is no sin for them if they discard their (outer) in such a way as not to show their adornment; but it is best to be modest and Allah knows and sees all things provided they do not make a display of their beauty; but it is best to be modest and Allah knows and sees all things." (Qur'an 24:60)
So how about young women? Clearly they must stay modest find not display their beauty.
(3) THE HIJAB IS TAHARA (PURITY)
Allah (SWT) had shown us the Hikma (Wisdom) behind the legislation of the Hijab:
"And when you ask them (the Prophet's wives) for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen that is purer for your hearts and their hearts." (Qur'an 33:53)
The Hijab makes for greater purity for the hearts of believing men and women because it screens against the desire of the heart. Without the Hijab, the heart may or may not desire. That is why the heart is more pure when the sight is blocked (by Hijab) and thus the prevention of fitna (evil actions) is very much manifested. The Hijab cuts off the ill thoughts and the greed of the sick hearts:
"Be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy or evil desire for adultery, etc.) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honorable manner." (Qur'an 33:32)
(4) THE HIJAB IS A SHIELD
The Prophet (SAAW) said:
"Allah, Most High, is Ha'yeii(11), Sit'teer(12), He loves Haya' (Bashfulness) and Sitr (Shielding; Covering)"(13).
The Prophet (SAAW) also said:
"Any woman who takes off her clothes in other than her husband's home (to show off for unlawful purposes). Has broken Allah's shield upon her"(14) The hadeeth demonstrates that depending upon the kind of action committed there will be either reward (if good) or punishment (if bad).
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(11) Ha'yeii: Allah is Bashful: He does not unravel the acts of disobedience by His slaves. They openly disobey Allah while they are in need of Him, yet He (being Ha'yeii) is ashamed of humiliating them leaving the door of repentance opened for them. If, however, they become arrogant and persist on the spread of evil, and disobedience, Allah certainly is All-Just in His infliction of punishment.
(12) Sit'teer: Allah is Sit'teer: He provides means that shield against the uncovering of disobedient acts. The slaves commit acts of disobedience while Allah is providing them with many of His favors. He (SWT) gives the opportunity for each one of us to return to Him in repentance and to seek His forgiveness. He loves those who do not like the spread of sin. He dislikes the Muslim who publicizes his acts of sin and disobedience. He loves the Muslim who does not unravel the sins of his brother in Islam while at the same time calls him to repent. The Hijab is something beloved by Allaah because it is a shield against the spread of evil manifested in the display of beauty to strangers.
(l3) Collected by Abu Dawoud, An-Nissa'ee, AI-Baihaqee, Ahmed, and inSaheeh An-Nissa'ee.
(14) Collected by Abu Dawoud and At-Tirmidhi who said: it is a good hadeeth" .
(5) THE HIJAB IS TAQWAH (RIGHTEOUSNESS)
Allah (SWT) says:
"O Children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover yourselves (screen your private parts, etc.) and as an adornment. But the raiment of righteousness, that is better." (Qur'an 7:26)
The widespread forms of dresses in the world today are mostly for show off and hardly taken as a cover and shield of the woman's body. To the believing women, however, the purpose is to safeguard their bodies and cover their private parts as a manifestation of the order of Allah. It is an act of Taqwah (righteousness ).
(6)THE HIJAB IS EEMAN(BELIEF OR FAITH)
Allah (SWT) did not address Allah’s Words about the Hijab except to the believing women, Al-Mo'minat:
"And say (O Muhammad (SAAW) to the believing women." (Qur'an 24: 31)
In another Ayah Allah (SWT) also says:
"And the believing women" (Qur'an 33: 59).
A'isha (RAA(15)) the wife of the Prophet (SAAW), addressed some women from the tribe of Banu Tameem who came visiting her and had light clothes on them: "If indeed you are believing women, then truly this is not the dress of the believing women, and if you are not believing women, then enjoy it."(16)
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(15) RAA: Radiya Allahu anhu (anha or anhum): May Allah be pleased with him (her or them)
(16) Reported in "Ma'alim As-Sunnan" by Abu Suleiman Al-Khitabi in his explanation of Sunnan An-Nissa'ee V 4, p.376
(7) THE HIJAB IS HAYA'(BASHFULNESS)
The Prophet (SAAW) said:
"Each religion has a morality and the morality of Islam is haya' (bashfulness)."(17)
He (SAAW) also said: "Bashfulness is from belief and belief is in Aj-Jannah (Paradise)."(18)
Furthermore, he (SAAW) said:
"Bashfulness and belief are fully associated together if one is lifted the other follows suit."(19)
The mother of the believers, A'isha said: "I used to enter the room where the Messenger of Allah (SAAW) and my father were later buried in without having my garment on me, saying it is only my husband and my father". But when Umar (RAA) was later buried in (the same place), I did not enter the room except that I had my garment on being shy from Umar (RAA)."(20) The Hijab fits the natural bashfulness which is a part of the nature of women.
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(17) Related by Imam Malik in his "Mu'wata" (2: 905-Arabic). The hadeeth chain is Mursal i.e. the chain of narrators is disconnected at one point or another. For example to say: "On the authority of A, on the authority of B, on the authority of C that the Prophet said "...." . The hadeeth is Mursal if for example C did not hear directly from the Prophet. In the case of the above hadeeth, Ibin Habban connected the chain by two ways of narrators, both of them are weak.
(18) collected by At-Tirmidhi who said it is: "a good and authentic hadeeth".
(19) Narrated by Abdul'lah bin Umar as Related by Al-Hakim in his "Mustadrak" (1/22-Arabic) who said: "it is a good and authentic Hadeeth….." and Al-Thahabi confirmed Al-Hakim on this.
(20) As-Simt Ath'ameeen Fee Maniqib Ummahat Ul-Mu'mineen, p.91:A Book by Ibin As-Sakir that represents a collection of the great attributes of the Mothers of Believers (The wives of the Prophet-SAAW). Al-Hakim reported a similar narration and said that it is "good according to the conditions of Imam Bukhari and Imam Mulslim", noting that both Imams did not discuss the chain of narration itself. Al- Thahabi had no comment about Al-Hakim's narration.
(8) THE HIJAB IS GHEERAH
The Hijab fits the natural feeling of Gheerah which is intrinsic in the straight man who does not like people to look at his wife or daughters. Gheerah is a driving emotion that drives the straight man to safeguard women who are related to him from strangers. The straight Muslim man has Gheerah for all Muslim women. Many in the world had lost this great moral aspect. In response to lust and desire men look (with desire) at other women while they do not mind that other men do the same to their wives or daughters! In "free" societies you see men sitting with strange women who are half-naked "enjoying" the scene! They introduce their wives to other strange men. Mutual looks here and there! Affairs develop and phone calls are exchanged. "Love affairs" destroys many families and children suffer most. What kind of "love" is this? The mixing of sexes and absence of Hijab kills the Gheerah in men. The eyes "eat up" other men and women! The inner "justification" is: since I can look they can look. It's a " free choice"!! Few are those who feel anything when they discover their wives have "affairs". They become numb!! No dignity ! No honor! The bottom line is that in many societies of this modern World the animalistic behaviors are becoming very apparent.
Ali (RAA) said: "It was related to me that you women used to crowd the Kuffar (disbelieving men) from the non-Arabs in the markets; don't you have Cheerah? There is no good in the one who does not have Gheerah." Islam considers Gherrah an integral part of faith .The dignity of the wife or daughter or any other Muslim woman must be highly respected and defended.
The Disgrace Of Tabar’roj"21"
(Display of Woman’s Charm)
(1)TABAR'ROJ IS A DISOBEDIENCE TO ALLAH & HIS MESSENGER
The one who disobeys Allah and his Messenger (SAAW) can only harm himself and cannot in any way harm Allah. The Messenger of Allah (SAAW) said:
"All of my followers will enter Aj-Jannah except those who refuse." They said, "O Allah's Messenger! Who will refuse? " He said, "Whoever obeys me will enter Aj-Jannah, and whoever disobeys me is the one who refuses (to enter it)."(21) It is reported that Mu'awiyah (RAA) gave a sermon in Humss (Syria) and mentioned that the Prophet (SAAW) prohibited seven things and that he (SAAW) named Tabar'roj as one of them(22). Abdullah bin Mas'oud (RAA) reported that the Prophet (SAAW) "used to dislike ten kinds of behavior and he (Abdullah) mentioned amongst them: "Tabar'roj by means of displaying beautification in an improper place."(23) Imam As- Siyouti, may Allah's mercy be upon him said: "Tabar'roj by displaying beautification is showing off to strangers and this is disliked. This is the explanation of "an improper place." It is
not so if the beautification is done for the husband.
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(21) Saheeh Al-Bukhari (English-Arabic, Dar Al-Arabia, Publ. Beirut, Lebanon), V.9, hadeeth # 384, p.284
(22) Related by Imam Ahmed in his Mussnad 4/101-Arabic. (23) Related by An-Nissa'ee in his " Sunan "Arabic 8/141.
(2) TABAR'ROJ IS A GRAVE DESTRUCTIVE SIN
Umay'mah, the daughter of Ruqay'ah came to the Messenger of Allah to acknowledge the message of Islam and that he (SAAW) is the Messenger of Allah (SWT). The Prophet (SAAW) told her: "I give my acknowledgment that you must not set partners to worship besides Allah and that you don't steal or commit fornication and adultery, that you don't kill your child, that you don't commit any falsehood before your hands and between your legs, that you don't wail, and that you don't make Tabar'roj like that of Jahilyeeyah(24). It is clear that the Prophet (SAAW) associated Tabar'roj with grave destructive sins.
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(24) Related by Imam Ahmed in his "Mussnad" 2/196. The scholar Ahmed Shaker, may Allah's Mercy be upon him, said : " Its chain of narration is good". He also said that Ibin Khatheer in his "Tafseer :Explanation of the Qur'an 8: 327-328" mentioned this hadeeth saying, "its chain of narration is good" and he related it to At-Tirmidhi, An-Nissa'ee and Ibin Majah.
(3)TABAR'ROJ BRINGS THE CURSE AND EXPULSION FROM THE MERCY OF ALLAH.
The Messenger of Allah (SAAW) said:
"There shall be, in the latter part of my nation, women who are dressed but (in fact) naked, on their heads are humps like those of Bukht (one kind of camels), curse them for they are surely cursed."(25)
(25) At-Tabarani related this hadeeth in "Al-Mu'jam As-Sagheer" p.232 and Al-Albani said it Saheeh as in his book "The Hijab" p.56. As-Siyouti related on behalf of Ibin Abdul'barr that: "The Prophet (SAAW) intended women who put on light clothes that shows off and shapes the body descriptions. In reality they are naked although they have clothes on them!".
(4)TABAR'ROJ IS AN ATTRIBUTE OF THE PEOPLE OF HELL
The Messenger of Allah (SAAW) said:
“Of the people of Hell there are two types whom I have never seen, the one possessing whips like the tail of an ox and they flog people with them. The second one, women who would be naked in spite of their being dressed, who are seduced (to wrong paths) and seduce others with their hair high like humps. These women would not get into Aj-Jannah and they would not perceive its odor, although its fragrance can be perceived from such and such distance.”(26)
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(26) Saheeh Muslim (English-Arabic, Published by Dar Al-Arabia, Beirut. Lebanon) V. 4 hadeeth # 6840 p. 1486.
(5)TABAR'ROJ IS DARKNESS ON THE DAY OF RESURRECTION
It is related that the Prophet (SAAW) said:
“The parable of a woman who moves with slow sweeping motion, trailing her beautified clothes, performing not for her husband, is like darkness on the Day of Judgment; she has (or comes with) no light,"(27)
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(27) Related by Imam At-Tirmidhi in his "Sunan" # 1167. Al-Albani said it is a weak hadeeth (See Al-Albani's collection "Ad-Da'eefah" (Collection of Weak Hadeeths) # 1800. Abu Bakr Bin Arabi, may Allah's Mercy be upon him, said: "At-Tirmidhi related this hadeeth and said it is weak but its meaning is correct because the "enjoyment" in disobedience is in fact torture and suffering……". The meaning indicates that this type of women will come on the Day of Judgment Blackened in darkness as if she physically originated from darkness. In contrast, what appears to be difficult and painful in performance of obedient acts, is a true enjoyment because of the reward awaiting those who obey Allah and His Messenger e.g. the odor of the mouth of a fasting Muslim may not be pleasant in this world. To Allah, however, it is better than the odor of Musk because the Muslim had obeyed Allah and performed what is due upon him from fasting. Similarly the woman wearing her Hijab may be looked upon as "reactionary, old fashioned, a walking tent! etc." She is the winner on the Day of Judgment and those who mock her put themselves on a dangerous road. They may be subjected to the wrath of Allah.
(6)TABAR'ROJ IS NIFAQ (HYPOCRISY)
The Prophet (SAAW) said: "The best of your women is the affectionate, the fertile (in productivity), the propitious (favorable), the consultative if they fear Allah. the Most evil of your women are the Mutabar'rijat (those who do Tabar'roj), the Mutakhayelat (who strut/swagger), and they are the hypocrite ones. Those who enter Aj-Jannah are like the Cough Crow."(28) The Cough Crow has a red beak and red legs. This is an expression of metonymy indicating that few women enter Heaven because this kind of crow is rare.
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(28) Reported by Al-Baihaqi in "As-Sunan" V.7 p.82. Also reported by Abu Na'eem in "Al-Hiliyah" V. 8, p. 376 with a reference to Abdullah bin Masoud (RAA) as the narrator. See also Al-Albani's "Chain of Authentic Hadeeths - Arabic" # 1849 and 632.
(7) TABAR'ROJ IS DISGRACEFUL
The Prophet (SAAW) said:
"Any woman who takes off her clothes in other than her husbands home (to show off for an unlawful purpose), has broken the shield between her and Allah."(29)
Imam Al- Man'nawi, may Allah have Mercy upon him, said: "the saying of the Prophet (SAAW) ' any woman who takes off her clothes in other than her husbands home' means showing off her beauty to strangers by taking off her shield of clothes. She "has broken the shield between her and Allah" because Allah
had said:
"O children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon 'you to cover yourselves (screen your private parts etc.) and as an adornment. But the raiment of righteousness, that is better."(Qur'an 7:26)
So if a woman does not fear Allah and uncover her private parts then she is breaking the shield between her and Allah, Most High. And because she uncovered and dishonored herself and committed a treason with her husband, Allah will uncover her shield, she will be in a scandal... "
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(29) Related by Imam Ahmed and Al-Hakim in his "Mustadrek" (Arabic) V.4, p.288 who said it is Saheeh (authentic) according to the conditions of Muslim and Al-Bukhari, and Ad-Dahabi agreed as well as Ibin Majah.
(8) TABAR'ROJ IS AN UNCHASTE AND DISGRACEFUL SIN
The woman is A'wrah, All of her body is not to be shown(30) To wear the clothes that show off and shapes her body features is disgraceful and Allah (SWT) orders His slaves to stay away from disgraceful sins:
"When they commit a Fahisha (evil deed, going round the Ka'ba in naked state as in the times of Jahilyeeyah, every kind of unlawful sexual intercourse etc.), they say: 'We found our fathers doing it and Allah has commanded us of it.' Say: "Nay, Allah never commands of Fahisha. Do you say of Allah what you know not?" (Qur'an 7:28)
It is Shaytan (Satan) who orders such disgraceful sins. Allah (SWT) says:
"Shaytan threatens you with poverty and orders you to commit sins. "(Qur'an 2: 268)
The Mutabar'rigah is a sinful virus that spreads disgraceful sins amongst the Muslim society. Allah, the Most High, says:
"Verily, those who like, that (the crime of) illegal sexual intercourse should be propagated among those who believe, they will have a painful torment in this world and in the Hereafter. And Allah knows and you know not." (Qur'an 24:19)
Tabar'roj is a leading cause for the spread of Zina (illegal sexual intercourse).
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(30) See footnote # 7.
(9) TABAR'ROJ IS A SATANIC WAY
The story of Adam and his wife demonstrates how the enemy of Allah, Satan, was so covetous to incite them to show their private parts in order to spread evil and disgraceful sins. It also shows that the Tabar'roj of women is a primary goal for Shaytan to achieve. Allah (SWT) says:
"O children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover yourselves (screen your private parts etc.) and as an adornment. But the raiment of righteousness, that is better." (Qur'an 7:26)
It is clear that Satan is the one who established the call for Tabar'roj and show off and that he is the leader of those "leaders " who call for the "liberation of women". Satan is the "Imam" of everyone who obeys and follows him in disobedience to Allah (The Most Merciful), especially those Mutabar'rijat who harm the Muslims and deceive their youth.
The Prophet ( SAAW) said:
"I have not left after me any (chance) of turmoil more harmful to men than the harm done to the men because of women.(31)
Adam forgot, made a mistake, repented and asked forgiveness from Allah and Allah the Oft-Forgiving accepted Adam's repentance. The struggle between Adam's off-springs and Shaytan continues. The devil still whispers to drive us , men and women, to disobey Allah and follow sin. There is no safeguard except in the return to Allah in good faith and repentance, remembering Allah, asking His help to overcome lust and desire.
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(31) Saheeh Muslim (English translation; published by Dar Al-Arabia) V. 4, hadeeth # 6603, p. 1431
(10) TABAR'ROJ IS THE WAY OF JEWS
Jews have an important role in the destruction of nations through the Fitna. (seduction/temptation) of women. The spread of Tabar'roj is an effective weapon of their widespread establishments. They have an extensive experience in this field. One should look around only to see who runs Hollywood and famous Houses of "Fashions" and "Magazines" as well as the world of advertisement!. R-rated, X-rated movies and clothes are widespread. In fact the Prophet ( SAAW) said:
"Watch out for this worldly life (safeguard yourselves from its temptations); avoid the allurement of women: verily, the first trial for the people of Israel was caused by women.(32)
Their Books also testify to this fact. In the Third Chapter of Isaiah ( 16, 17): "The Lord said: "Because the daughters of Zion are haughty and walk with necks outstretched ogling and mincing as they go, their anklets tinkling with every step. The Lord shall cover the scalps of Zion's daughters with scabs, and the Lord shall bare their heads." Furthermore, "On that day the Lord will do away with the finery of the anklets, sunbursts, and crescents; the pendants, bracelets, and veils; the headdresses, bangles, cinctures, perfume boxes, and amulets; the signet rings, and the rose rings; the court dresses, wraps, cloaks, and purses; the mirrors,.." (Isaiah, 3, 18-23; The New American Bible).
Although the Prophet (SAAW) warned against mimicking the Kuffar (non-believers) and their ways, especially the ways of women. Many Muslims do not abide by this warning(33). This is a testimony for the prophecy of the Prophet (SAAW) who said:
"You would tread the same path as was trodden by those before you inch by inch and step by step so that if they had entered into the hole of a Dhab (a desert lizard), you would follow them in this also. We said: Allah's Messenger, do you mean Jews and Christians (by your words)" those before you"? he said: Who else (than those two religious groups).(34)
The similarity of those women who disobey Allah and his Messenger to the Jews is very evident because their response to Allah's commands was similar to that of the Jews:
"We have heard and disobeyed" (Qur'an 2: 93)
This is unlike the response of the believing women:
"We hear and we obey." (Qur'an 2: 285)
They remember the saying of Allah:
"And whoever contradicts and opposes the Messenger (Muhammad-SAAW) after the right path has been shown clearly to him, and follows other than the believers' way, We shall keep him in the path he has chosen and burn him in Hell; what an evil destination!" (Qur'an 4: 115)
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(32) Ibid, footnote # 31; Hadeeth # 6606, p.1432
(33) It is sad to see many who dislike the Kuffar in certain ways imitate them in their ways of living thinking that their materialistic progress could not be achieved except in acting, dressing, eating, jogging, sleeping ..like them. The true Muslim, however, remembers that any progress must meet the purpose for our presence on earth: all action must be related to the worship of Allah. The Kuffar have taken some of the means which Allah had created and used it for worldly gains. We are ordered to make the means adhere to the purpose of our creation: the worship of Allah Alone and thus uses the means to defend Islam and Muslims and secure the needs of life as well. Why should some of us dress the way Allah ordered and some does not? Should we choose Allah's way or the Kuffar way? All the success is measured by one criterion: does it meet the pleasure of Allah or not?
(34) A famous and Saheeh hadeeth reported by Al-Bukhari, Muslim and others. The text here is as reported in Saheeh Muslim V. 4, hadeeth # 6448, p.1403
(11)TABAR'ROJ IS A FILTHY JAHILYEEYAH (IGNORANCE) Allah (SWT) says:
"And stay in your houses and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance" (Qur'an 33:33)
The Prophet (SAAW) described the times of ignorance as filthy and wicked and ordered us to reject it. Allah (SWT) described the Prophet (SAAW) as :
"He allows them as lawful At-Tayyibat (all i.e. good and lawful as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons, foods, etc.), and prohibits them as unlawful Al-Khaba'ith (all i.e. evil and unlawful as regard things, deeds, beliefs, persons, foods, etc.)" (Qur'an 7: 157)
The call to bring about the times of Jahilyeeyah is similar to the call for Tabar'roj, both of which are wicked ways that the Messenger (SAAW) made unlawful. He (SAAW) said:
"Verily! every matter of Jahilyeeyah is under my feet!"(35)
Tabar'roj and all forms of Jahilyeeyah such as false pride and haughtiness, ill thoughts about Allah, call for falsehood, setting up rivals with Allah, ruling by other than the laws of Islam, usury, etc., are all included.
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(35) Related by Abu Dawoud, At-Tirmidhi, Ibin Majah, and Ad-Darime'I and Imam Ahmed.
(12)TABAR'ROJ IS AN ANIMAL ACT, RETARDATION (DECADENCE) AND DECLINE
To reveal and expose are natural behaviors of animals. Whenever man inclines towards such behaviors he starts his decline to a level lower than the level of manhood which Allah had bestowed upon him. Allah bestowed a natural inclination (Fitrah) towards covering, preservation, and safeguarding modesty. To consider the acts of display, exposition, and uncovering as acts of beauty reflects a corruption to the Fitrah and a degeneration in taste and a sign of decadence and decline. The progress of man's civility is linked to his/her covering of the body. The Hijab cover is fitting to the instinct of Gheerah which draws its strength from the soul. The so called "liberation from the chains of covering" is an instinct that draws its strength from lust which incites Tabar'roj and mixing of the sexes. The one who is satisfied with this latter instinct must sacrifice the first one in order to silence the voice of the innate Gheerah in his heart in return for the "enjoyment" of Tabar'roj and mixing. From this we understand that the Tabar'roj is a sign of corruption of Fitrah, lack of bashfulness, Gheerah, and insensitivity.
(13) TABAR'ROG IS A DOOR TO WIDESPREAD EVIL
Anyone who carefully examines the Islamic Texts (Qur'an and Sunnah) and the lessons of history, becomes convinced about the evils of Tabar'roj and its harm, both on religious and
worldly matters especially when it is associated with themixing of sexes. Some of its underlying consequences are:
· The Competition Amongst the Displaying Women in Showing Off Their Beauty{tc \l 3 "A \:) The Competition Amongst the Displaying Women in Showing Off Their Beauty"}. This is seduction, and it leads to the spoiling of morality and leaves women as merchandise articles exhibited for anyone to look at.
· The Corruption of the Morality of Men, Especially the Youth and Those in Adolescence. It pushes them to commit various kinds of sins(36).
· The Destruction of Family Ties and Causing a Lack of Trust Between Family Members and the Spread of Divorce.
· The Commercial Abuse of Women In The World of Advertisement, Entertainment And Other Areas As Well.
· Doing Harm to Women by Declaring Their Ill Intentions and Evil Conscience Thus Rendering Her Venerable To Harm By The Wicked And The Insolent.
· The Spread of Diseases.
The Prophet (SAAW) said:
"Sins didn't spread in any particular nation until they openly conduct it and as a result, plague and other illnesses that were not present among their predecessors became widespread amongst them."(37)
· Facilitates The Sin of Zina (Fornication) By The Eye.
The Prophet (SAAW) said:
"The adultery of the eyes is the lustful look."(38)
· Tabar'roj Makes it Difficult to Lower The Gaze.
· Justifiably Brings Down Allah's Punishment
The punishment of Allah is more severe than atomic bombs and earthquakes. Allah (SWT) says:
"And when We(39) decide to destroy a town (population), We (first) send a definite order (to obey Allah and be righteous) to those among them [or We (first) increase in number those of its Population] who are given the good things in this life. Then, they transgress therein, and thus the word (of torment) is justified against it (them). Then We destroy it with complete destruction." (Qur'an 17: 16)
The Prophet (SAAW) said:
"When people see wrong (or evil) and they don't change it, then it is imminent that the punishment of Allah will fall upon them.”(40)
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(36) You may have seen teen-age kids on the corners of many streets in Europe and in North America rooming around, smoking to get high, half naked, and on drugs looking to engage in sex. Why? What happened? Many try to hide from the hard facts! The drive for lust and materialistic life became the "god" of the new generations: the Pepsi-Michael-MTVJackson generations. The result: AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.
(37) Part of a lengthy hadeeth related by Ibin Majah, Abu Na'eem, and Al- Hakim who said: "it has a good chain of narrators". Ad-Dahabi agreed to Al-Hakim's report.
(38) Saheeh Muslim V.4, hadeeth # 6421 p. 1397
(39) Plural Pronoun: Is used to stress the Greatness and Power of Allah Who is One. It is common with Semitic languages for any Monarch to use Plural Pronoun. It is also used by members of the Royal Family in England. To Allah, however, belong the Highest and most Perfect Example.
(40) Related by Abu Dawoud, At-Tirmidhi, Ibin Majah and lmam Ahmed.
The Obligatory Conditions for an Islamic Hijab
(1) COVERING ALL OF THE BODY
This respected author is in agreement with the position that the face and hands of the woman must be covered as he has detailed this in discussions of the Hijab issues in his book: "The Return of the Hijab, Part 3". Some scholars say it is permissible to uncover the face and the hands of the woman as long as there is no fitna (infatuation) caused by her or inflicted upon her.
They see that if:
a) She is beautiful and beautifies her face and hands with external substances, and
b) The society around her is corrupt where men do not lower their gaze, then it is prohibited for her to uncover her face and hands.
(2) THE HIJAB MUST NOT BE A DISPLAY
The Hijab itself must not be a display. Allah ordained it so as to cover the beauty of women and not for show off. He (SWT) says:
"And not to show of their adornment except only that which is apparent." (Qur'an 24: 31)
"And stay in your houses and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance." (Qur'an 33:33)
It is not logical that the Hijab itself be a source of display.(41)
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41) Some women put on attractive covers on their heads. This is against the purity of the Hijab and its essence.
(3) THE HIJAB MUST NOT BE TRANSPARENT
The purpose must be achieved. In order for the Hijab to be a cover, it must not be made of transparent material making the woman covered only by name(!)while in reality she is naked.
The Prophet (SAAW) said:
"In the latest part of my Omaha (nation of Muslims) there shall be women who would be naked in spite of being dressed, they have hair high like the humps of the Bukht camel, curse them, for they are cursed"(42).
He (SAAW ) added in another hadeeth:
"They will not enter Aj-Jannah and would not perceive its odor, although its fragrance can be perceived from such and such distance.”(43)
This indicates that a woman could cause herself a grave and destructive sin if she puts on a garment that is thin and transparent and which clearly shapes her body's features.
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(42) At-Tabarani reported it and Al-Albani in his book "Al-Hijab" said it is authentic.
(42) see footnote # 25
(4)HIJAB MUST BE ROOMY, FLOWING AND NOT TIGHT
The Hijab is a safeguard against Fitna. If tight, it will be descriptive of the woman's body and this violates the purpose of Hijab. Usamma Bin Zaid (RAA) said:
"The Messenger of Allah (SAAW) dressed me with a thick Qubtyeeyah (cotton dress from Egypt) which was a gift that he received from Duhia Al-Kalbi. So I gave it to my wife to wear. He (SAAW) said : "What made you not to wear the Qubtyeeyah?" I said: "I dressed my wife with it. " He (SAAW) said: " Order her to put an undergarment (or gown) under it, because I am afraid it may describe the size of her bones.(44)
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(44) Reported by Ad'Diya' Al-Maqdissi, Imam Ahmed, At-Tabarani, Al- Baihaqi, and Ibin Sa'd. It is also reported that Al-Haithami said: "amongst the chain of narrators is Abdullah Ibin Aqeel whose narrations are good; yet according to some scholars there is Da'ff (weakness) associated with him, and that the rest of narrators are Thuqat (men of confidence regarding reporting). Ad-Dahabi said: " the level of Abdullah Ibin Aqeel's narration is not below the rating of "good" (In Meezan Al- I'tidal: Measure of Balanced (verifications); Arabic).
(5)THE HIJAB MUST NOT BE PERFUMED WITH INCENSE
The Messenger of Allah (SAAW) said:
"Any woman who perfumes herself and passes by some people that they smell her scent, then she is a Zaniyah (prostitute).(45)
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(45) Related by Imam Ahmed, An-Nissa'ee, and Al-Hakim who said: "it has an authentic chain of narration" and Ad-Dahabi agreed.
(6)THE HIJAB SHOULD NOT RESEMBLE MEN'S DRESS
The Messenger of Allah (SAAW) said:
"Women who assume the manners of men are not from us and also those of men who assume the manners of women.(46)
Abu-Huraira (RAA) narrated that:
"The prophet (SAAW) cursed the man who wears the dress of a woman and the woman who wears the dress of a man."(47) knowingly condones and facilitates the Zina for his wife."(48)
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(46) Reported by Imam Ahmed and Abu Na'eem. Al-Albani authenticated it in his book "Al-Hijab" (PP 66-67).
(47) Related by Abu Dawoud, Ibin Majah, Al-Hakim, and Imam Ahmed. Al-Hakim said:" it is an authentic hadeeth in accordance with the conditions of (Imam) Muslim," and Ad-Dahabi agreed. It was also authenticated by Imam Al-Nawawee.
(48) Related by An-Nissa'ee, Imam Ahmed, Ibin Khuzayemah, Ibin Hab'ban and authenticated by the scholar Ahmed Shakir.
(7) THE HIJAB MUST NOT RESEMBLE THE GARMENTS OF THE KUFFAR
The Messenger of Allah (SAAW) said:
"The one who takes the similitude (manner) of a certain people becomes one of them.(49)
Abdullah bin Ummar (RAA) said:
"The Prophet (SAAW) saw me wearing two clothes dyed in saffron, whereupon he said: these are the clothes (usually worn) by the Kuffar, so do not wear them."(50)
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(49) Related by Abu Dawoud, Ahmed (as part of a another hadeeth), Ibin Taymeeyah said that the hadeeth has a good chain of narration (i.e. that reported by Abu Dawoud) and that it is a "good hadeeth"; As-Siyouti said :"it is "Hassan: Good" and Ibin Hag'er reported it in "Fath Al-Bari" and supported it with another evidence (a Murssal) with a good chain of
narration.
(50) Saheeh Muslim, V. 3, hadeeth # 5173
(8) THE HIJAB IS NOT FOR FAME!
The Messenger (SAAW) said:
"The one who wears a garment designed for a worldly fame, Allah will make him wear a garment of humility on the Day of Resurrection then he will be set ablaze."(51)
The garment of fame is any garment a person wears to make him/her look famous. This applies whether the garment is highly precious and shows admiration to the life of this world or if it is chosen of a low quality to show lack of interest to this worldly life. The person may put on clothes with distinct colors so as to draw attention, act proudly and/or arrogantly.
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(51) Related by Abu Dawoud, Ibin Majah, and Al-Munthari said that it is hassan (good) as well as Ibin Muflih. Imam As-Shawkani said: "The narrators of the chain are Thuqat" and Al-Alabni reported in his book "Al-Hijab" p. 110 that it is hassan .__
(9) WATCH FOR "CONCEALED" WAYS OF DISPLAY
Examining the various conditions about the Hijab one can clearly recognize that many of the young Muslim women are not fulfilling these conditions. They consider what they put on now. wrongly as "Hijab" The enemies of the Islamic revival wanted to destroy it in its infancy by oppression and cruelty. Allah (SWT) defeated their plots and held the believing men and women steadfast in their obedience of Him (SWT). The enemies of Islam realized that they should deal with the Islamic revival in a wicked way in order to sway this revival away from its course towards Allah. They started to spread innovated forms of "Hijab" as a "midway" solution by which the Muslim woman can "please" Allah (they claim so!) and at the same time "accommodate" her society and preserve her "beauty" and "glamour". The modern "boutique" stores were declining in their trade due to the widespread use of the true Islamic Hijab. Suddenly,
the markets were flooded with altered forms of Tabar'roj under the name 'modern/contemporary Hijab'. In the beginning this was protested and women were cautious. A group of "displaying women" who were embarrassed with the Islamic Hijab rushed towards the "contemporary Hijab" to "relief' themselves from the pressing social realities caused by the spread of Hijab. With time the phenomenon of "concealed display" became widespread and known as "contemporary Hijab". Women friendly to this course think they are the best of girls and best of wives while in fact they are as one poet said:
If they relate to the Hijab-
It is the relation of an intruder
So! O women of this kind be mindful to Allah (SWT) and His Messenger (SAAW) and do not be deceived by those who may "bless" this action of yours and conceal their true intentions. Do not be deceived and let your response be: " I am better than those who are in a complete state of display!" There is no excuse to follow the evil. Know that the fire of Hell has different lower levels while Paradise has different higher levels. So it is proper to follow your sisters who truly adhere to the Islamic Hijab and its conditions. Aim high towards the highest levels of Aj-Jannah. It has been related that the Prophet (SAAW) said:
"Look at those who stand at lower levels than you (regarding worldly wealth) and those who stand at higher levels than you in religion (adherence to faith). for this would not make the favors (conferred upon you by Allah) insignificant (in your eyes)."(52)
Az-Zohri reported(53) that Ummar Ibin Al-Khatab (RAA) recited the saying of Allah (SWT):
"Verily those who say: "Our Lord is Allah (Alone), and then they stood straight (i.e. they believed in the Oneness of Allah and worshipped none but Him (Alone) and obeyed Him for all that He ordered them) on them the angels will descend (at the time of their death) (saying ); "Fear you not, nor grieve! But receive the glad tidings of Aj-Jannah which you have been Promised!) (Qur'an 41:30).
He then said:
"They, by Allah. followed the straight path of Allah by obeying Him and did not dodge like wolves."
Al-Hassan Al Basri, may Allah's Mercy be upon him, said: " If Shaytan (Devil) looks and finds you continuously adhering to the obedience of Allah he will seek you (i.e. check you) one time after the other. If he finds that you are still holding, he becomes weary of you and rejects you. But if you adhere one time and you do not another, then he becomes covetous: he wants to have you for himself."(54)
So come on to a straight path that has no crookedness and a guidance that has no misleading ways in it, and to an honest repentance that has no disobedience in it:
"And turn you all together to Allah (and beg Him) to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful." (Qur'an 24:31)
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(52) The origin of this hadeeth was reported in Saheeh Al-Bukhari in the Book of Riqaq and Muslim in the Book of Az-Zuhd V.4, hadeeth # 7070, P 1530, and At-Tirmidhi in the Book of Qiyamah.
(53) Reported by Imam Ahmed and Ibin Al-Mubarak. Imam Ahmed reported it in the Book of Az-Zuhd p. 115 and 110, respectively.
(54) Reported by Ibin Al-Mubarak in his book "Az-Zuhd" p. 7 # 20
O! We Hear and We Obey
THE HONEST MUSLIM receives the order of Allah (SWT) and hastens to manifest his love to Islam into action and listens to and obeys the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAAW). He does not give attention to the lost and misleading ways of the masses of human beings who do not realize their awaiting destiny. Allah (SWT) negated the existence of belief in those who turn away from Him and from His Messenger (SAAW) saying:
"They (hypocrites) say: "We have believed in Allah and in the Messenger (Muhammad-SAAW), and we obey", then a party of them turn away thereafter, such are not believers. And when they are called to Allah (i.e. His Words-the Qur'an) and His Messenger to judge between them, lo! a party of them refuse to come and turn away." (Qur'an 24: 47-48 )
On the other hand:
"The saying of the faithful believers when they are called to Allah (His Words-the Qur'an) and His Messenger (SAAW) to judge between them is only that they say: 'We hear and we obey.' And such are the successful (who will live for ever in Aj-Jannah)." (Qur'an 24: 51-52)
Safyeeyah, the daughter of Shayebah, said:
"While we were at A'isha's (RAA) we mentioned the women of Qureish and their good favors, then A'isha said: "indeed the women of Qureish have a good favor and by Allah I have not seen better than the women of Al-Ansar in their strength of acceptance of the Book of Allah and in the belief in the Revelation: At the time when Surat An-Nur was sent down (and in it Allah says):
"Let them (believing women) draw their veils over Juyubihinna."
soon their husbands turned to them reciting what Allah had sent down to them (i.e. the above Ayah), the man recites to his wife, his daughter, his sister and to every female relative. Not a single woman of them except that she took up her engraved Mirt(55) (wrapper) and covered her head and face in acceptance and belief in what Allah had sent down from His Book. The next morning they were behind the Prophet (SAAW), covered as if black crows were on top of their heads.(56)
Therefore, there is no choice but to submit the order of Allah and no hesitation should exist in following the ruling of Allah. So come for repentance, O My Muslim Sister, and watch for words like "I will repent, I will pray, I will cover with Hijab", because delaying the repentance is a sin that you must repent from! Say as Allah (SWT) said on the tongue of Mussa (May All's peace be upon him) :
"I HASTENED TO YOU, O MY LORD, TO PLEASE YOU" (Qur'an 20:84)
And say as the believing men and women said:
"WE HEAR AND WE OBEY. (WE SEEK) YOUR FORGIVENESS, OUR LORD, AND TO YOU IS THE RETURN" (Qur'an 2: 285)
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(55) With pictures of houses and dwellings.
(56) Reported in The Tafseer of Al-Qur'an Al-Ath'eem by Ibin Katheer 5:90 (Arabic)
A View through Hijab
By Sister Khaula(57) From Japan
10/25/1993
My Story to Islam
As most of the Japanese, I'd followed no religion before I embraced Islam in France. I was majoring in French Literature at the university. My favorite thinkers were Sartre, Nietchze and Camas, whose thinking is atheistic. At the same time, however, I was very interested in religion, not because of my inner necessity but of my love for the truth. What was waiting for me after death did not interest me at all; how to live was my concern(58). For a long time I had a sort of impression that I was not doing what I should do and I was wasting my time. Whether God existed or not was the same to me; I just wanted to know the truth and choose my way of life-to live with God or without God.
I started to read books on different religions except Islam. I had never thought that Islam was a religion worth studying. It was for me, at that time, a sort of primitive idolatry of the simple mind (how ignorant I was!). I made friends with Christians, with whom I studied the Bible, to come to realize a few years later the existence of God. But then I had to face a dilemma because I could not "feel" God at all, in spite of my conviction that he should exist. I tried to pray in church, but in vain. I felt nothing but the absence of God.
I then studied Buddhism, hoping I would be able to feel God through Zen or Yoga. I found as many things in Buddhism that seemed to be true as I had in Christianity, yet there were many things I could not understand or accept. In my opinion, If God exists, He should be for everyone(59) and the truth should simple and clear to everyone. I could not understand why people should abandon ordinary life to devote themselves to God.
I was really at a loss for what to do to reach the end of my desperate quest for God. It was then that I met an Algerian Muslim. Born and raised in France, he didn't even know how to pray and his life was quite far from the ideal of a Muslim; nevertheless, he had very strong faith in God. However, his belief without knowledge irritated me and made me decide to study Islam. To start with, I bought a French translation of the Qur'an, but I could not read more than two pages. It seemed so strange and boring. I gave up my effort to understand it alone and went to the mosque in Paris to ask someone to help me. It was a Sunday and there was a lecture for women. The sisters welcomed me warmly. It was my first encounter with practicing Muslim women. To my surprise, I felt myself very much at ease with them, although I'd always felt myself a stranger in the company of Christians. I started to attend the lecture every weekend and to read a book given to me by one of the Muslim women. Every minute of the lecture and every page of the book were, for me, a revelation, giving me great spiritual satisfaction I've never known before. I had an excited feeling that I was being initiated into the truth. What was wonderful, Subhaanallah (Praise be to Allaah), was my feeling the presence of God very close to me while in the posture of Sajdah (prostration).
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(57) Sister Khaula visited the Women's Office of The Islamic Guidance Center in Buraidah, Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia on 10/25/1993. She shared this information with other Muslim Sisters in the Office. 1 found it important to share with our Muslim brothers and sisters the Story of Khaula's coming to Islam followed by her experience and advice concerning the Hijab.
(58) This is the concern of so many people in the World and especially in the West or in countries dominated by Western culture. People become "workaholic" to keep up with more and more of what they want to have. The secondary things of today are the necessities of tomorrow! The Medium way described by the Creator, Allah, is ignored except by the few.(Dr.S. As-Saleh)
(59) Allah is the God of everyone. This thought translates that God must be one. There is no nationalistic belonging to God! Being the God of everyone, He does not command some people to worship Him alone while at the same time makes it permissible for others to set up rivals with Him in worship. This means that His worship must be one and that it is not up to us to define this type of worship. The way of worship belongs to the One and Only One True God, Allah. This constitutes His religion and He had named this way: Islam.
Khula's Story with the Hijab
Two years ago when I embraced Islam in France, the polemic around the wearing of the hijab at school was very hot. The majority of people thought it was against the principle of the public school which should keep its neutrality towards the religion. I, who was not yet Muslim then, could hardly understand why they were worried over such a tiny thing as a small scarf put on the head of Muslim students...but, apparently, French people who had faced the serious problem of the increasing non-employment rate and the insecurity in big cities became nervous over the immigration of workers from Arab countries. They felt aggrieved by the sight of the hijab in their town and in their school.
In Arab countries, on the other hand, a great wave of coming back of the hijab was being observed especially among the young generation, against the expectation, shared by some Arab people and the most of Western people, of its passing away from the scene as Westenerization took root.
The Islamic revival symbolized by the current resurgence of the hijab is often considered as an attempt of Arab Muslims to restore their pride and identity which have been repeatedly undermined by colonization and economic retardation. For Japanese people, the actual adherence of Arab people to Islam may seem a kind of conservative traditionalism or antiwesternism, which (the) Japanese knew themselves in the Meiji era at the first contact with the Western culture, and because of which they reacted against the Western life-style and the Western way of dressing. Man has always had a conservative tendency and reacts against which is new and unfamiliar without realizing whether it is good or bad for him. Some people still think the Muslim women insist on wearing hijab which is the "very symbol of the oppressed situation because they are enslaved by the tradition and are not sufficiently aware of their lamentable situation. If only, they probably think, the movement of the women's liberation and independence awakes those women's mind, they will take away the hijab.
Such a naive point of view is shared by the people who have little knowledge of Islam. They, who are so accustomed to the secularism and the religious eclecticism, are simply unable to understand that the teaching of Islam is universal and eternal. Anyway, there are more and more women, beyond the Arab Nationality, all over the world embracing Islam as the true religion and covering the hair. I am but an example of these women. The hijab is surely a strange object for non-Muslim people. For them, the Hijab does not cover the woman's hair but also hides something to which they have no access, and it's why they feel uneasy. From the outside, effectively, they can never see what is behind the Hijab. I have kept the hijab since I became Muslim in Paris two years ago...In France, soon after my conversion, I put a scarf, matched in color to the dress, lightly on the head, which people might think a sort of fashion60. Now in Saudi Arabia, I cover in black all my body from the top of my head till the tip of my toes including my eyes...At the time I decided to embrace Islam, I did not think seriously about whether I would be able to make the five prayers a day or put the hijab. May be I was afraid that I might find the negative answer, and that would affect my decisions to be Muslim. I had lived in a world which had nothing to do with Islam until I visited, for the first time, the Mosque of Paris. Neither the prayer nor the hijab were yet very familiar to me. I could hardly imagine myself making the prayer and wearing the hijab. But my desire to be a Muslim was too strong to worry about what was waiting for me after my conversion. Indeed, it was a miracle that I embraced Islam, Allah Akbar.
In hijab I felt myself different. I felt myself purified and protected. I felt the company of Allah. As a foreigner, I felt sometimes uneasy in a public place, stared by men. With hijab, I was not seen. I found that the hijab sheltered me from such impolite stares. I was also very happy and proud in hijab which is not only the sign of my obedience to Allah but also the manifestation of my faith...besides, the hijab helps us to recognize each other and to share the feeling of sisterhoods. The hijab has also the advantage of reminding the people around me that God exists and reminding me of being with God61. It tells me: "be careful. You should conduct yourself as a Muslim" As a policeman becomes more conscious of his profession in his uniform, I had a stronger feeling of being Muslim with hijab.
Soon, I started to put the hijab before my going out from the house whenever I went to the Mosque. It was a spontaneous and voluntary act and no body forced me to do so.
Two weeks after my conversion, I went back to Japan to attend the wedding ceremony of one of my sisters, and decided not to go back to France, Now that I became a Muslim and found that I'd been looking for, the French literature did not interest me any more. I had rather an increasing passion for learning the Arabic62.
For me...it was a trial to live in a small town in Japan, isolated completely from Muslims, But such isolation helped me to intensify my consciousness of being a Muslim. As Islam prohibits the women to disclose the body and to wear clothes which accentuate the body line, I had to abandon many of my clothes such as mini-skirts and half-sleeve blouses. Besides, the Western style fashion does not match with the hijab. I decided, therefore, to make a dress by myself. I asked a friend of mine who knew dress-making to help me, and in two weeks I made a dress with a "pantaloon" after the model of a "Pakistani dress". I did not mind people looking at my strange
"fashion".
Six months had past since I went back to Japan, when my desire to study the Arabic and Islam in a Muslim country grew so intense that I decided to realize it. I went to Cairo where I knew only one person.
I was at a loss to find none of my host family spoke English. To my great surprise, furthermore, the lady who took my hand to lead me into the house covered herself all in black from top to toe including the face. Such a "fashion" is now familiar to me and I adopt it for myself in Riyadh, but at that time, I was quite surprised at the sight.
I attended once in France a big conference for Muslims, and in that occasion I saw for the first time a woman in black dress with a face-cover. Her presence among the women in colorful dress and scarf was very strange and I said myself: " there she is, a woman enslaved by the Arabic tradition without knowing the real teaching of Islam", because I knew few things of Islam at that time and thought the covering of the face was but an ethnical tradition not founded in Islam.
The thought which came to me at the sight of a face-covered woman in Cairo was not very far from that. She's exaggerating. Its un-natura1...Her attempts to try to avoid any contact with men seemed also abnormal.
The sister in black dress told me that my self-made dress was not suitable to go out with. I was not content with her because I thought my dress satisfied the conditions of a Muslima's dress...I bought a black cloth and made a long dress and a long veil called "Khimar" which covers the loins and the whole of the arms. I was even ready to cover the face because it seemed good "to avoid the dust", but the sister said there was no need. I should not put the cover-face for such a reason while these sisters put it because they believed it a religious duty.
Although most of sisters whom I got acquainted with covered the face, they constituted but a small minority in the whole city of Cairo, and some people apparently got shocked and embarrassed at the sight of black Khimar. Indeed the ordinary more or less westernized young Egyptians tried to keep a distance from those women in Khimar, calling them "the sisters". The men also treated them with a certain respect and a special politeness on the street or in a bus. Those women shared a sisterhood and exchanged the salaam (the Islamic greeting) on the street even without knowing each other…
Before my conversion I preferred an active pants-style to a feminine skirt, but the long dress I started to wear in Cairo got to please me very soon. It makes me feel very elegant as if I had become a princess. I feel more relaxed in long dress than in a pantaloon …
My sisters were really beautiful and bright in their Khimar, and a kind of saintliness appeared on their faces...Every Muslim devotes his life to God. I wonder why people who say nothing about the "veil" of the "Catholic Sisters" criticize the veil of the Muslima, considering it as a symbol of "terrorism" or "oppression".
I gave a negative answer when the Egyptian sister told me to wear like this even after my return to Japan….If I show myself in such a long black dress on the street in Japan, people might think me crazy63. Shocked by my dress, they would not like to listen to me, whatever I say. they would reject Islam because of my appearance, without trying to know its teaching64. Thus I argued with her.
Sixth months later, however, I got accustomed to my long dress and started to think I may wear it even in Japan. So, just before my return to Japan, I made some dresses with light colors and white Khimars, thinking they would be less shocking than the black one.
The reaction of the Japanese to my white Khimar was rather good and I met no rejection or mockery at all. They seemed to be able to guess my belonging to a religion without knowing which it is. I heard a young girl behind me whispering to her friend that I was a "Buddhist nun"...
Once on a train I sat beside an elderly man who asked me why I was in such a "strange fashion". I explained him that I was a Muslim and in Islam women are commanded to cover the body and their charm so as not to trouble men who are weak to resist this kind of temptation. He seemed very impressed by my explanation, may be because he did not welcome today's young girls' provocative fashion. He left the train thanking me and saying he would have liked to have more time to talk with me on Islam.
My father was sorry that I went out even on the hottest day in summer with a long sleeve and a head-cover, but I found the hijab convenient for avoiding the direct sunlight on the head and the neck... I felt rather uneasy in looking at the white thigh of my younger sister who wore short pants. I've often been embarrassed even before my conversion by the sight of a woman's busts and hips traced by the shape of her tight thin clothes. I felt as if I had seen something not to be seen. If such a sight embraces me who is of the same sex, it is not difficult to imagine what effect it would give to men.
Why hide the body in its natural state?, you may ask. But think it was considered vulgar fifty years ago in Japan to swim in a swimming suit. Now we swim in a bikini without shame. If you swim, however, with a topless, people would say you are shameless, but go to a South-France's beach, where many women, young and old, take a sun-bath in a topless. If you go to a certain beach on the west coast in America, the nudists take a sun-bath as naked as when they are born. On the other side, at the medieval times, a knight trembled at a brief sight of a shoe of his adoring lady. It shows the definition of women's "secret part" can be changed. How you can answer to a nudist if she asks you why you hide yours busts and hips although they are as natural as your hands and face? It is the same for the hijab of a Muslima. We consider all our body except hands and face as private parts because Allah defined it like this65. Its why we hide them from male strangers. If you keep something secret, it increases in value. Keeping woman's body secret increases its charm. Even for the eye of the same sex, the nape of a sister's neck is surprisingly beautiful because it is normally covered. If a man loses the feeling of shame and starts to walk naked and excrete and "make love" in the presence of other people, he would then become no different than an animal. I think the culture of men started when men knew the sense of shame.
Some Japanese wives (put their) make up only when they go out, never minding at home how they look. But in Islam a wife tries to be beautiful especially for her husband and a husband also tries to have a nice look to please his wife. They have shame even between themselves and towards each other. You may say why we are "over-sensitive" to hide the body except the face and the hands so as not to excite men's desire, as if a man looks always at a woman with a sexual appetite.
But the problem of sexual harassment so much talked about recently shows how men are weak to resist to this kind of attraction. We could not expect prevention of sex harassment only by appealing men's high morality and self-control...As a short skirt might be interpreted by men to say: “if you want me, you may take me", a hijab means clearly, "I am forbidden for you.”
Three months after coming back from Cairo, I left Japan to Saudi Arabia, and this time with my husband. I had prepared a small black cloth to cover the face with...Arriving at Riyadh, I found out that not all the women covered the face. The non- Muslim foreigners of course put only a black gown nonchalantly without covering the head, but the Muslim foreigners also uncovered the face66. As for the Saudi women, all of them seemed to cover perfectly from top to toe.
On my first going out, I put the niqab and found out (that) it (was) quite nice. Once accustomed to it, there is no inconvenience. Rather, I felt quite fine as if I became a noble and special person. I felt like the owner of a stolen masterpiece who enjoyed the secret pleasure: I have a treasure that you don't know and which you are not allowed to see. A foreigner might see a couple of a fat man and a woman all covered in black who follows him in the street in Riyadh as a caricature of the oppressing-oppressed relationship or the possessing-possessed relationship, but the fact is that the women feel as if they were queens guarded and lead by servants.
During the first several months in Riyadh, I covered only the part beneath the eyes. But when I made a winter cloth, I made on the same occasion a thin eye-cover. My armament then became perfect and my comfort also. Even in a crowd of men, I felt no more uneasiness. I felt as if I had become transparent before the eyes of men. When I displayed the eyes, I felt sometines uneasy when my eyes met a man's eye accidentally, especially because the Arab people have very keen eyes. The eye-cover prevents, like black sun-glasses, the visual intrusion of strangers.
Khaula further says that the Muslim woman "covers herself for her own dignity. She refuses to be possessed by the eyes of a stranger and to be his object. She feels pity for western women who display their private parts as objects f or male strangers. If one observes the hijab from outside, one will never see what is hidden in it. Observing the hijab from the outside and living it from inside are two completely different things. We see different things. This gap explains the gap of understanding Islam. From the outside, Islam looks like a 'prison' without any liberty. But living inside of it, we feel at peace and freedom and joy that we've never known before...We chose Islam against the so-called freedom and pleasure. If it is true that Islam is a religion that oppresses the women, why are there so many young women in Europe, in America, and in Japan who abandon their liberty and independence to embrace Islam? I want people to reflect on it.
A person blinded because of his prejudice may not see it, but a woman with the hijab is so brightly beautiful as an angel or a saint with self-confidence, calmness, and dignity. Not a slight touch of shade nor trace of oppression is on her face. 'They are blind and cannot see', says the Qur'an about those who deny the sign of Allah, but by what else can we explain this gap on the understanding of Islam between us and those people. (3/1993)
Note: Khula's article was sent (late 1993) to the Women's Office of the Islamic Guidance Center, Buraidah, Al- Qassim, KSA.
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(60) She is giving a reflection of her early degree of religious awareness and consciousness.
(61) i.e. God conscious.
(62) It is strongly urged that all non-Arabic speaking Muslims to learn Arabic. It helps them to know better about Islam.
(63) Many women feel this kind of feeling. These are temptations of the Shyatan trying to sway the Muslima from obedience to Allah.
(64) Shaytan wants the Muslim to feel "inferior". The believer, however, remembers that Islam is from Allah and the person he is dealing with is only a created being, who will die and will return to answer for his rejection of Allah's religion. The hijab for women and the beard for men are to be respected, first, by the Muslim in order to feel strong about their appearence. This can be achieved by remembering that these outwardly appearances are the command of Allah and His Messenger.
(65) This matter had been discussed in the text. Khaula further says in her article that: "No need to say that the woman's face is one of the biggest charm points. It is possible that a man "falls in love" with a woman at a glance of her face. It is better for a woman to hide the face"
(66) Not all. In fact in Saudi Arabia, many Muslimat from many countries cover their faces.__
