Hijab in the Qur'an

The Hijab represents the full dress-code of a Muslim woman – from the outlook as well as from the inside. As Muslims, we embrace Islam as being the complete way of life, perfected by Allah Ta’ala and lead by Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him).

As Islam is perfectly reflected through the words of the Qur’an and the Prophetic Sunnah, let’s take a look at what both books say about Hijab.

In the Qur’an, Allah reminds us:

“Say to the believing men to lower their gazes and guard their chastity,” (An-Nur: 30)

“And say to the believing women to lower their gazes and guard their chastity, and let them not display of their charm - except what is apparent.” (An-Nur: 31) Commenting on the phrase, “what is apparent”, Ibn `Abbas, the famous Companion and the Qur’an exegete, said, “It means face and hands.”

Another verse in the Qur'an has Allah Ta'ala reminding us:

"O Prophet! Tell thy wives and thy daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks close round them (when they go abroad). That will be better, so that they may be recognized and not annoyed. Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful." (Al-Ahzab: 59).

A strong Prophetic Sunnah or Hadith relates Prophet Muhammad cautioning Asma', the daughter of Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with both of them) on the dress-code for women:

"O Asma'! Once a girl reaches puberty, nothing of her body may be seen (by non-mahrams) except this and these, (he pointed to his face and hands while saying so).""

The Qur’an therefore reminds us thoroughly of our responsibility as a Muslim woman with regards to her fashion sense when in the presence of non-Mahram men. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him) too demonstrates the importance of modesty that should be found in the etiquette of Muslim women.