The Hijab: A Woman’s Crown
What is the hijab, and what is the wisdom behind it? Read the answers with an open mind, in a woman’s own words.
If you are exploring Islam, the hijab is probably one of the first things you have wondered about, and perhaps one of the things that worries you most. Chapter 17 of Mastering Tawhid is about that subject. I want to be upfront: this article is not a demand and not a judgment. It explains what Islam teaches, and then tells you why I chose it myself.
What the teaching says
The book explains that both men and women have areas of the body, called ^awrah, that Islam asks them to cover. For men, it is between the navel and the knees. For a woman in front of men she could marry, it is the whole body except the face and hands. Among women, and in front of close relatives such as her father or brother, the requirement is lighter. The husband is the only person who sees all of her.
The Qur’an’s words are in Surah An-Nur (24:30-31). Notice that the verse begins with men: “Tell the believing men to lower their gaze.” Only then does it speak to women, asking them to guard their modesty and to draw their khimar, the head covering, over their chests. A later verse (33:59) tells believing women to draw their outer garments over themselves, “so that they will be known and not be harmed.” The book teaches that this is a rule for all believing women, not just a custom of one era or culture.
The book is also clear about what is not required. According to the author’s reading, the face does not have to be covered. She points to a report in which a woman with a beautiful face asked the Prophet a question about Hajj. The Prophet noticed his cousin’s interest, so he pushed his cousin’s face to look away instead of asking her to cover.
A point I want to make for anyone just starting
The book states that a woman who accepts that hijab is an obligation, but is not ready to wear it yet, is still a Muslim. She has fallen short in one area, as most people do in some area. Nobody is asked to start with the hijab. Learning how to worship God comes first. The clothing follows as understanding and faith grows.
“Oppressed” or honored?
The chapter pushes back on the idea that modest dress equals oppression. It reminds readers that Lady Mary, the mother of Jesus, is pictured in nearly every church with a covered head, and no one calls her oppressed. It also describes rights that Islam gave to women in the seventh century: the right to inherit, to own property, and to be financially supported by her husband even when she is wealthy. The Prophet said, “The best of you are those who are best to their wives.” And the Prophet taught that a mother deserves the greatest honor from her children.
My own story
I did not grow up planning to cover. When I started learning Islam as a teenager, I was a fashion and hair model, and I was enrolled in a commercial modeling course. A year and half in, I was still going to my own engagement party in a backless lace gown.
Then, one summer evening, I was walking with my fiancé past a cemetery. Something I had been learning about death became real. I thought of everyone buried there, and I thought: one day I will be in the ground, alone, and nothing but my beliefs and deeds will matter. I cried harder than I ever had in my life.
When I asked myself what I was afraid of, the answer was uncomfortable. I was teaching others about God and not following all that I taught by convering. I reached for the scarf around my fiancé’s neck, covered my hair, and walked home in silence.
The questions that followed were practical ones: what will my parents say, who will hire me, how will I handle the heat? That night, one question settled it: “How can I expect God to bless me if I choose to disobey Him?” I decided to obey and rely on God for the rest. That was more than thirty years ago, and I have worn it ever since.
I am not telling you that your story will look like mine. I am telling you that, for me, it came from conviction and not from pressure.
Question for you: What questions or worries do you have about modesty in Islam? Ask me anything.
Mastering Tawhid: The Key to Paradise is a free download here:
https://bookhip.com/JTWQQCQ. If you enjoy it, I’d welcome your honest review.