Hijab is modesty
Hijab is not only to cover nudity, to protect, and to decorate (to a certain extent), but more importantly hijab is the spiritual clothing of “piety” (taqwa), which is the best clothing. (Refer to the Quran 7:26).
“O children of Adam, We have bestowed upon you clothing to conceal your private parts and as adornment. But the clothing of righteousness – that is best. That is from the signs of Allah that perhaps they will remember.”
[Al-A’raf, 7:26][Saheeh International translation]
Hijab is the way one walks, talks and carries oneself. This is how one’s inner and outer self will resonate in harmony.
In the Quran both man and woman are told ‘to lower their gaze and to guard their modesty’. (Refer to the Quran 24:30-31).
“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.”
[An-Nur, 24:30][Saheeh International translation]
“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”.
[An-Nur, 24:31][Saheeh International translation]
Hijab is an identity
Muslim men and women who dress as Allah commands them, present an image of dignity, modesty and morality. This Muslim identity is recognized anywhere in the world.
A woman in hijab is not seen as weak, rather it is displaying her strength, commitment and confidence, to and in her faith. Her faith is built out of love for the Creator. Muslims are not embarrassed to show and practice Islam; they are proud of it.
Dress code for both genders
Allah gave both women and men a dress code. The reason it is different is because of physical and psychological differences.
Prescribed clothing for men and women in public is modest and humble. Loose, not transparent, not showy in order to avoid pride and not provocative, without any recommended colour.
The hijab is meant for the public as women do not have to observe the hijab when they are at home with their family.
Double Standards
A lot of people are confused by what Muslims wear and find it to be something strange. Interestingly, looking at the righteous women throughout history, we see that they were always covered in a similar way.
Modesty is a part of all Abrahamic religious traditions and moral lifestyles.
Even today, Catholic nuns and Orthodox Jews cover their hair.
Have you ever seen a picture of Mary, the mother of Prophet Jesus? What is she wearing in the picture? Yes, a hijab.
There is a double standard present. Can you see it?
What about the Oppression of women in Muslim societies?
If oppression of men and women is taking place, it is because Islam is not being implemented, rather by the injustice and wrong acts committed by the hands of man themselves, some may driven by personal agenda, moral corruption, etc.
Free yourself from the servitude of men.
Instead, serve the Creator of men.
Experience true freedom.
Earn the pleasure of Allah.
And Allah knows best.
Source/original author: Khadijah Dingjan
[For more information/enquiry: international@perkim.net.my / http://www.perkim.net.my]
In-hope-and-faith 