In the Name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the All-Compassionate
The hijab has many aspects, each of which tells a little more about it, explains its purpose, and shows us without which a society is bound for ruin. One aspect I would like to explore is that of modesty which can only be preserved by hijab. But what is modesty and how does hijab preserve it?
In any dictionary modesty is defined in generic terms that really give no indication as to its true significance. Some meanings express modesty in the cloths worn or lack of vanity. Such statements aren’t specific yet mold well to the times as they change throughout the centuries. Modesty in the eyes of Islam however is inclusive and profound and does not change as time goes by. It is not only a specific way of dress but also a specific code of conduct.
Hijab in its quest to preserve modesty sets itself up boldly. Clothes for women cannot show the shape, it cannot be see-through, or short. In essence, the beauty that women naturally have by the grace of Allah – Subhana wa Ta‘ala – cannot be exposed, nor is it given latitude for exploitation. Men likewise cannot wear certain clothing that will cause too much attention, but because Allah did not create men to be as alluring as women and women naturally do not react to men as men do to women, they do not have to cover as much.
Hijab, the barrier that separates the sexes, commands that both act in accordance to modesty, dignity, and respect. Flirtation, frolicking, and philandering are strongly forbidden. What is the worse way to show disrespect towards women than to flirt with her as though the objective of such flirtation is the only benefit women provide? Is not respect towards women the way in which a man acts towards her: not staring, not trying to win her favor for seedy purposes, and keeping one’s distance so that she feels comfortable to do business with him, so that she does not feel threatened by the male sex?
This modesty which people of reason and good sense seek to acquire can only be done through hijab.
Vanity, the vice that fashion industries and the mass media foster, cannot prosper under the system of hijab. Hijab encourages us to look at the internal qualities of individuals rather than the exterior. People’s thoughts and feelings, convictions and aspirations come to the forefront. Being alamode or out modish suddenly looses its vain fragile foundation since women in hijab aren’t allowed to wear clothes that capture attention. In fact trying to capture attention is contrary to what hijab proposes. It is not to say that while observing hijab everyone looks drab. This is obviously not the case. But a conscious endeavor to be modest, to be dignified and not showy is what hijab seeks to accomplish. This consciousness therefore propels society toward a greater purpose, rejecting the frivolous, shallow dalliances, and encouraging constructive endeavors that not only benefit society but the human race as a whole. And what better endeavors are there in this life than the pursuit of knowledge and closeness to our Lord, who cherishes and sustains us effortlessly with every breath we take.
By the Grace of Allah, as we begin to understand the finer points and purposes of our Lord’s commands, we will begin to move forward as a people who desire only the good in this world and of the world to come.
