In the Name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the All-Compassionate
Can a Muslim woman be pious without observing hijab? The answer is a resounding ‘No!’ But how can one judge? People are unable to perceive what is in the heart. The Holy Qur’an states:
“…And Allah knows what is in your hearts…” (Surah al-Ahzab 33: 51)
Only Allah Subhaana wa ta ‘ala knows who has faith and who does not, and only He knows the extent of one’s belief. However, this argument is often used by Muslim women who do not wear hijab. Some even go as far as saying that they have seen non-hijab wearing women more pious than those who do wear hijab. So which is it?
This issue will not cease to plague the Muslim community so long as there are Muslims who half step their religion and expect their counterparts to not say anything. Yet, it is not that those who wear hijab are better than those who do not. We are each on our separate journeys to one final goal, God-willing, that of seeking nearness to and the satisfaction of our Lord, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the heavens and earth, Allah Subhaana wa ta ‘ala. Everyone has his or her time in which they realize the ultimate truth and submit to their lord. This being a fact of life, however, does not take away from the truth that those women who observe hijab properly are far ahead on the road to taqwa (piety) than those women who do not. What is meant by the word ‘observe’ is not only wearing modest clothing that does not accent the shape but also becoming modest in one’s manners and behavior. Only such an endeavor is undertaken because of one’s devotion to Allah SWT.
In order to understand this we must first understand what it means to be pious, what it means to have taqwa. Prophet Muhammad (s.) said: “The best definition of piety is given in Allah’s words:
“Verily Allah enjoins justice and benevolence (to others) and giving unto the kindred, and forbidden lewdness and evil and rebellion; He exhorts you that ye may take heed.” (Surah Nahl 16: 90)
In this verse Allah SWT explains the characteristics of taqwa as justice, benevolence, having shame, and following His ordinances. So how is it not concluded that disobedience to Allah’s laws is outside the scope of piety? How can a Muslim woman, no matter how nice she might seem, be considered pious if she refuses to obey an obligation placed on her by Allah SWT? Imam as-Sadiq (a.s.) was asked who the most pious people were. And in his (a.s.) reply he said: “The most pious people are those who abstain from what Allah had forbidden.”
It is all too clear then when in the Qur’an we read:
“And say unto the believing women that they cast down their gaze and guard their private parts and they display not their adornment save what is apparent of it; and draw their veils over their bosoms…” (24:30)
It is quite clear. Taqwa comes from submission to Allah’s Will. But it is not only that. It is a life long process. Once a person accepts the ultimate truth that there is no deity worthy of worship but Allah SWT and that Muhammad is His last Messenger, they have to then submit: pray their salaats, fast during the month of Ramadhan, pay khums, wear hijab, engage in jihad al-akbar (striving against the self’s lower inclinations), etc.
All these acts of worship are so consuming that a person almost becomes internalized. He or she is so consumed with the obligations that it is all that is on the mind: making sure salaat is performed on time and properly, that one is truly worshiping Allah SWT in this way. While fasting, a person takes care not to commit sins, goes out of his or her way to give generously and help others. While striving against the self, a person criticizes his or her actions, specifically those against others.
As this self-reformation blossoms, he or she does as much good as can be while trying to keep away from sins for fear of Allah’s wrath. Such a process takes years just to get to that point and it is yet not near the taqwa of the righteous – a fear of Allah SWT that guards one from sinning. Even Muslims who were born into the religion have to struggle hard against their selves. And it is worse for them to break old habits of just going through the motions, and realizing because they know more they have no excuse to be lackadaisical.
After considering all this, how can one even think that anyone not willing to observe hijab – male or female – is pious? If a person is unwilling to do so, to simply cover and be modest, what makes any of us think she doesn’t have any qualms about certain other obligations?
Hijab is telling, whether observed properly or not. It tells us who is trying to obey Allah SWT and who is not. We see it by the clothes worn and the manners exhibited, if the gaze is averted from the opposite sex, if words are spoken softly or flirtatiously, if laughter is coaxed, or gait is skilled.
In the Qur’an Allah commands:
“O (Our) Prophet (Muhammad)! Say thou unto thy wives and thy daughters, and the women of believers that they let down upon them their cover garments; that they may be known, so that they will not be troubled, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.” (Surah Ahzab 33: 59)
This hijab is an honor and a duty. If we, the Muslim women, observe it as it is supposed to be observed then we are envoys for Islam. We are its symbol, a recognition of an induction to taqwa, as a non-compromising way of life. We are symbols to a life that moves in only one direction…to become near to our Lord and seek His good pleasure.
And lastly, Allah SWT tells us in His Glorious Qur’an:
“Never doth reach Allah their flesh nor their blood, but reaches Allah the piety on your part; thus hath He subjugated them unto you that ye might pronounce the greatness of Allah for what He hath guided you aright; and thou (O’ Our Apostle Muhammad!) Give glad tidings unto the doers of good.” (22:37)
