Hijab is a very important element for both men and women. In the ancient civilization, there was no concept and awareness of “haya” and “hijab.” Males and females used to walk around without a sense of shame or clothing. As the people tend to become more civilized, they started to cover themselves.
As we look into any of the Holy Books, we can find that each one of them teaches the lessons of modesty and hijab. Hijab, not only includes the way a person dresses but also, the way a person walks, talks and acts.
In the Holy Quran, there are several verses that emphasize on the hijab of men and women and it’s importance for them. It is stated in Surah-Al-Nur:
“Tell the believing men to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do.” (Al-Quran: 24:30)
“And tell the believing women to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof and to wrap [a portion of] their headcovers over their chests and not expose their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands’ fathers, their sons, their husbands’ sons, their brothers, their brothers’ sons, their sisters’ sons, their women, that which their right hands possess, or those male attendants having no physical desire, or children who are not yet aware of the private aspects of women. And let them not stamp their feet to make known what they conceal of their adornment. And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you might succeed.” (Al-Quran, 24:31)
In Surah-Al-Ahzab, it is commanded to women:
“O wives of the Prophet, you are not like anyone among women. If you fear Allah, then do not be soft in speech [to men], lest he in whose heart is disease should covet, but speak with appropriate speech.” (Al-Quran, 33:32)
And who can ever be better than Mothers of the believers to follow? If such pious ladies were given a command to not be polite in speech to Non-Mehram men, then it definitely is a command to be followed by us too.
The reason why the religion emphasizes on hijab of men and women is to:
• Preserve their chastity
• Prevent them from immorality.
Hence, we can see that the teachings and commands of a religion are only for our personal safety and benefits. May Allah guide us all to follow the teachings of our religion (Aameen) .
– Stoori
