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.
Aaminah said,
27 April 2006 at 7:59 am
Asalaamu alaikum.
Beautiful.
Mardhiya said,
30 April 2006 at 9:03 am
Salaam Alykum,
I love your website & yahoo 360. Your poems have been truly inspirational … Alhamdolillah!
May God bless you.
Umm Zahra said,
8 August 2006 at 10:12 pm
Very well written and informative. I hope you don’t mind me passing this on to other sisters! mashaAllah
Aspiring Shia said,
9 August 2006 at 5:00 am
Alhumdulillah, thanks for the responses. Umm Zahra, I do not mind that you pass it along, only that you let people know it’s from me, insha Allah.
sister in isalm said,
13 September 2006 at 10:33 am
salaam jazkallahir sis for this website it is very interesting
Lorelei said,
4 January 2007 at 1:28 am
well put, sister.
Islamic Store said,
15 October 2007 at 6:28 pm
Hijab is truly the garb of modesty
Laura said,
15 April 2008 at 7:44 am
I would like to express my admiration for Muslim women who choose to wear the hijab. I am a Christian girl from Australia and honestly have some resentment towards the church of today that the covering of a woman is no longer endorsed as it was centuries ago. I wish I had been brought up believing that my body is more precious than to be shown and flaunted, and taught more about modesty. When I see a Muslim girl next to me who has her head covered I have so much respect for the respect that she has for herself, her modesty and her guarded purity.
aspiringshia said,
15 April 2008 at 11:29 am
Thank you for your response, Laura. I am glad you appreciate what it means for a Muslim woman to cover her body. But covering up is just not for us, it is for every woman. Modern societies has women believing that it is better to expose ourselves. This is because they do not want women to have respect and value for themselves. If a women values herself she will not allow herself to be exploited; she will demand respect and will not settle for just any type of person. It’s really sad, too, to see young girls who have so much potential just throw their lives away because society makes them feel as though there is nothing better for them.
Jordan said,
12 May 2008 at 6:54 pm
I am doing a project on Lebanon at school and your website has been very helpful. THANK YOU SO MUCH for writing this article.
Jordan said,
12 May 2008 at 6:56 pm
I am doing a project on Lebanon at school and your website has been very helpful. THANK YOU SO MUCH !!!!!!!!
This is a great article and I really do think that the Hijab is the most modest thing for women to wear!!
aspiringshia said,
5 June 2008 at 9:55 am
Sorry, for not responding sooner, Jordon. I’m very happy that I could be of help. Your project is probably done by now. I’m love to see it, if you would like to share. Best of wishes!
Asad said,
30 May 2009 at 11:46 am
In His name!
Salaam,
Beautiful article! May Allah bestow His blessings upon you and all Muslim women observing Hijaab!
Wassalaam,
Asad
Aliya said,
31 May 2009 at 4:02 am
salam,
a very nice article on hijab. its really good to have put such helpful information regarding a practice made wajib by Allah but highly discouraged by the people in the western world. obviously if they promote something like hijab… who will exploit women n how will they earn money through vanity in the name of mordernisation n women’s liberty?
may Allah bless u to put more such articles for us to learn from. Amin
Wassalam,
Rabab said,
31 May 2009 at 4:41 am
Salam,
An inspiring article for all the muslim women of the world.My gratitude to all the people throughout the world for propagating the words and teachings of Islam.May Allah keep our heart and soul illumined with His vision.
Amen