Why do Muslim Women Wear a Hijab

Islam is a religion that protects the rights of human beings in every aspect of their lives. It establishes the rules to put one’s life in excellent order, from the social and economic norms to the family norms, for example, and orders Muslims to follow them.

Muslim women are advised to put on veils while moving into society. Allah says in Surah Ahzab: « O Prophet! Tell your wives, your daughters, and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e., screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That would be better that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful ».

The word « Hijab » is used as clothing that a Muslim woman puts on to cover her body, as the Holy Quran advises. It is considered a part of identity for many Muslim women and represents the act of obedience to Allah SWT.

The hijab shows modesty, freedom, and excellence. It is not a form of oppression; instead, a Muslim woman shows her obedience to Allah SWT by observing a hijab and shielding herself from strangers’ eyes.

Allah SWT says in the Qur’an:

« Say to the believing men that they should cast down their glances and guard their private parts (by being chaste). This is better for them. » [Al-Qur’an 24:30]

As much as covering their body parts is strictly advised for Muslim women, Muslim men should also keep their glances down and respect the honor of women. If the hijab of Muslim women is represented through their clothing, then men’s hijab is in their eyes.

Wearing a hijab provides protection, dignity, and modesty to Muslim women. They can comfortably move around in society and play different roles like working, playing, teaching, driving, etc. Hijab does not stop a woman from carrying out her societal roles. Instead, it makes a woman more progressive and protected. A Muslim woman can excel in any field while observing the hijab and play a pivotal role in society.

Hijab is compulsory for women to save their modesty and chastity during all periods and times in Islam. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said:

« You should keep your glance downward and protect your modesty and chastity. » [Ibn Kathir]

He (PBUH) also said:

« Whosoever determined to maintain chastity has glad-tidings of Paradise from Allah. » [Ibn Kathir]

In the modern world, where countries are putting Hijab bans and starting Hijab controversies, a Muslim woman is confident and determined to follow the guidelines of Islam. Her determination doesn’t affect her due to social restrictions or worldly bans. Muslim women are proving their excellence in all roles of society and making high achievements in the field of education, judiciary, medicine, politics, etc.