بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
الحمد لله وحده، والصلاة والسلام على من لا نبي بعده، وعلى آله وصحبه أما بعد:
It is not hidden from any knowledgeable person that nowadays in many countries, the trend of women being unveiled, without hijab, and not observing modesty with non-mahram men has become common. Moreover, they display many of their adornments which Allah Almighty has declared forbidden to show. All these are undoubtedly among the major sins and open disobediences, and due to these actions, divine punishment and torment descend. As a result of unveiling and lack of hijab, shamelessness, crimes, lack of modesty, and social corruption become widespread.
Therefore, O Muslims! Fear Allah, guide your ignorant ones to the right path, and prevent your women from those things which Allah has forbidden upon them. Make them adhere to modesty and hijab, and save yourselves from Allah’s wrath and severe punishment. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
إن الناس إذا رأوا المنكر فلم يغيروه أوشك أن يعمهم الله بعقابه
“When people see a sinful act and do not try to change it, soon Allah’s punishment will encompass them all.”
Allah Almighty said in His Holy Book about the Children of Israel:
﴿لُعِنَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا مِن بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ عَلَىٰ لِسَانِ دَاوُودَ وَعِيسَى ابْنِ مَرْيَمَ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ بِمَا عَصَوا وَّكَانُوا يَعْتَدُونَ . كَانُوا لَا يَتَنَاهَوْنَ عَن مُّنكَرٍ فَعَلُوهُ ۚ لَبِئْسَ مَا كَانُوا يَفْعَلُونَ.﴾
“The curse of Allah was upon the disbelievers among the Children of Israel by the tongue of David and Jesus, son of Mary, because they disobeyed and exceeded the limits. They did not forbid one another from wrongdoing which they used to do, and that was a great sin for them.”
In Musnad Ahmad and other books, it is narrated from Hazrat Ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) recited this verse and said:
والذي نفسي بيده لتأمرن بالمعروف، ولتنهون عن المنكر، ولتأخذن على يدي المسيء، ولتأطرنه على الحق أطرا، أو ليضربن الله بقلوب بعضكم على بعض وليلعننكم كما لعنهم
“By the One in Whose hand is my soul! You will surely command good and forbid evil, and you will restrain the sinner by your hand and bring him to the truth, and make him submit to the truth, otherwise Allah will set your hearts against one another and then curse you as He cursed the Children of Israel.”
And it is also authentically proven from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that he said:
من رأى منكم منكرا فليغيره بيده، فإن لم يستطع فبلسانه، فإن لم يستطع فبقلبه، وذلك أضعف الإيمان
Whoever among you sees an evil, let him stop it with his hand; if he cannot, then with his tongue; and if he cannot, then with his heart—and that is the weakest level of faith.
Current Conditions and the Dangers of Immodesty
Allah Almighty has commanded women to observe hijab in the Holy Quran, emphasized that they stay in their homes, and prohibited them from being unveiled and speaking softly to men so that they may be protected and safeguarded from temptation.
Allah Almighty said: ﴿يَا نِسَاءَ النَّبِيِّ لَسْتُنَّ كَأَحَدٍ مِّنَ النِّسَاءِ ۚ إِنِ اتَّقَيْتُنَّ فَلَا تَخْضَعْنَ بِالْقَوْلِ فَيَطْمَعَ الَّذِي فِي قَلْبِهِ مَرَضٌ وَقُلْنَ قَوْلًا مَّعْرُوفًا . وَقَرْنَ فِي بُيُوتِكُنَّ وَلَا تَبَرَّجْنَ تَبَرُّجَ الْجَاهِلِيَّةِ الْأُولَىٰ ۖ وَأَقِمْنَ الصَّلَاةَ وَآتِينَ الزَّكَاةَ وَأَطِعْنَ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ.﴾
“O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women. If you fear Allah, then do not be soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is disease should be moved with desire, but speak with appropriate words. And stay in your houses and do not display your adornment as was the display of the former times of ignorance. And establish prayer, give zakah, and obey Allah and His Messenger.”
In this blessed verse, Allah Almighty forbids the pure wives of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who were the best and purest among all women, from speaking softly to men, because speaking in a soft and charming tone may create wrong expectations in those whose hearts are afflicted with immorality, and they might think that the pure wives share in their illicit thoughts. Similarly, they were commanded to stay in their homes and were prohibited from being unveiled in the manner of the pre-Islamic ignorance period, meaning they were forbidden from displaying their adornments and physical beauty such as the head, face, neck, chest, arms, legs, etc., because these acts cause great corruption, severe temptation, and incline men’s hearts towards reasons for immorality.
If Allah Almighty emphasizes avoiding these evils for the pure, righteous, and faithful wives of the Prophet, then exhorting and warning other women to avoid these things is even more necessary, because they are more likely to fall into temptation. May Allah protect us and all Muslims from trials.
The commands given in this verse, such as establishing prayer, giving zakah, and obeying Allah and His Messenger, are general commands for the wives of the Prophet and all other women.
Allah the Exalted said: ﴿وَإِذَا سَأَلْتُمُوهُنَّ مَتَاعًا فَاسْأَلُوهُنَّ مِن وَرَاءِ حِجَابٍ ۚ ذَٰلِكُمْ أَطْهَرُ لِقُلُوبِكُمْ وَقُلُوبِهِنَّ ۚ وَمَا كَانَ لَكُمْ أَن تُؤْذُوا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ وَلَا أَن تَنكِحُوا أَزْوَاجَهُ مِن بَعْدِهِ أَبَدًا ۚ إِنَّ ذَٰلِكُمْ كَانَ عِندَ اللَّهِ عَظِيمًا﴾
“And when you ask [his wives] for something, ask them from behind a partition. That is purer for your hearts and their hearts. And it is not [conceivable or lawful] for you to harm the Messenger of Allah or to marry his wives after him, ever. Indeed, that is ever an enormity.”
This blessed verse is clear evidence that it is obligatory for women to observe hijab and cover themselves from men. Allah Almighty states in this verse that observing hijab is purer for the hearts of both men and women and is a means of distancing from immorality and its causes. Conversely, being unveiled and not covering is a cause of impurity and wickedness of the heart, while hijab is a means of purity, safety, and cleanliness.
So, O Muslims! Adopt the etiquette given by Allah, obey His command, and make your women adhere to hijab, because hijab is a means of purity and salvation.
Allah Almighty further said: ﴿يَا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ قُل لِّأَزْوَاجِكَ وَبَنَاتِكَ وَنِسَاءِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ يُدْنِينَ عَلَيْهِنَّ مِن جَلَابِيبِهِنَّ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ أَدْنَىٰ أَن يُعْرَفْنَ فَلَا يُؤْذَيْنَ ۗ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ غَفُورًا رَّحِيمًا﴾
“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.”
The word “jilbab” is the plural of “jilbab,” which is the large cloak that a woman covers herself with over her head and body to observe hijab. In this verse, Allah Almighty commands all believing women to cover their hair, face, and other physical adornments with their cloaks so that they may be recognized by their modesty and chastity and not cause any temptation or be harmed.
Hazrat Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated from Ali bin Abi Talhah that Allah Almighty commanded believing women that when they go out of their homes due to necessity, they should cover their heads with their cloaks and cover their faces, showing only one eye. Muhammad bin Sirin said that when he asked Ubaidah Salmani about this verse, he covered his face and head with a cloak and showed only his left eye.
Then Allah Almighty stated that He is the Forgiving and Merciful who pardons past shortcomings, as long as this command was not revealed and clarified before.
Allah Almighty further said: ﴿وَالْقَوَاعِدُ مِنَ النِّسَاءِ اللَّاتِي لَا يَرْجُونَ نِكَاحًا فَلَيْسَ عَلَيْهِنَّ جُنَاحٌ أَن يَضَعْنَ ثِيَابَهُنَّ غَيْرَ مُتَبَرِّجَاتٍ بِزِينَةٍ ۖ وَأَن يَسْتَعْفِفْنَ خَيْرٌ لَّهُنَّ ۗ وَاللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ﴾
“And women past childbearing who have no desire for marriage – there is no blame upon them for putting aside their outer garments, but not displaying adornment. But to modestly refrain is better for them. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.”
In this verse, Allah Almighty states that elderly women who do not desire marriage have no sin in removing their face and hand coverings, provided they do not display adornment. From this, it is understood that a woman who displays adornment, whether elderly or not, is not permitted to remove the veil from her face and hands, and doing so would be sinful because displaying adornment can cause temptation, even if the woman is elderly. If a young and beautiful woman is unveiled, the risk of temptation and sin increases further.
Allah Almighty specifically conditions elderly women by stating that they should not desire marriage. Because a woman who desires marriage might try to beautify herself and display adornment to attract a suitor, such a woman is prohibited from displaying her beauty and adornment so that she and others may be protected from temptation.
Then Allah Almighty encourages elderly women to observe hijab and chastity and clearly states that covering and hiding adornment is better for them, even if they do not display adornment. This shows that it is better and safer for elderly women to observe hijab and cover themselves.
Therefore, for young women, observing hijab and covering adornment is obligatory with greater priority because their being unveiled can be a much greater cause of temptation.
Verses of Hijab and Fundamental Guidelines for Women
Then Allah Almighty said: ﴿قُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَغُضُّوا مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِمْ وَيَحْفَظُوا فُرُوجَهُمْ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ أَزْكَىٰ لَهُمْ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ خَبِيرٌ بِمَا يَصْنَعُونَ . وَقُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنَاتِ يَغْضُضْنَ مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِنَّ وَيَحْفَظْنَ فُرُوجَهُنَّ وَلَا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا ۖ وَلْيَضْرِبْنَ بِخُمُرِهِنَّ عَلَىٰ جُيُوبِهِنَّ ۖ وَلَا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا لِبُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ آبَائِهِنَّ أَوْ آبَاءِ بُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ أَبْنَائِهِنَّ أَوْ أَبْنَاءِ بُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ إِخْوَانِهِنَّ أَوْ بَنِي إِخْوَانِهِنَّ أَوْ بَنِي أَخَوَاتِهِنَّ أَوْ نِسَائِهِنَّ أَوْ مَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَانُهُنَّ أَوِ التَّابِعِينَ غَيْرِ أُولِي الْإِرْبَةِ مِنَ الرِّجَالِ أَوِ الطِّفْلِ الَّذِينَ لَمْ يَظْهَرُوا عَلَىٰ عَوْرَاتِ النِّسَاءِ ۖ وَلَا يَضْرِبْنَ بِأَرْجُلِهِنَّ لِيُعْلَمَ مَا يُخْفِينَ مِن زِينَتِهِنَّ ۚ وَتُوبُوا إِلَى اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا أَيُّهَ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ﴾ .
Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts; that is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof and to wrap 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, those whom 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.
In these two blessed verses, Allah Almighty commands the believing men and believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts. This command was given because adultery is a major sin that causes great corruption among Muslims. Looking unnecessarily at others is a major cause of the disease of the heart and falling into immorality, while lowering the gaze helps to avoid this temptation. Therefore, Allah Almighty said: ﴿قُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَغُضُّوا مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِمْ وَيَحْفَظُوا فُرُوجَهُمْ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ أَزْكَىٰ لَهُمْ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ خَبِيرٌ بِمَا يَصْنَعُونَ﴾
“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts; that is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do.”
Hence, lowering the gaze and guarding the private parts is a means of purity and goodness for the believer in this world and the Hereafter, while leaving the gaze uncontrolled and falling into shamelessness are among the major causes of loss and punishment in this world and the Hereafter. نسأل الله العافية من ذلك
Allah the Exalted has informed that He is aware of all the deeds of humans, and nothing can be hidden from Him. This is a warning for the believer to avoid those things which Allah has declared forbidden and not to turn away from the commands which Allah has made obligatory for him. It is also a reminder that Allah Almighty is always watching and is aware of the servant’s good and bad deeds, as Allah Almighty said: ﴿يَعْلَمُ خَائِنَةَ الْأَعْيُنِ وَمَا تُخْفِي الصُّدُورُ﴾
“He knows the treachery of the eyes and what the hearts conceal.”
And Allah Almighty said: ﴿وَمَا تَكُونُ فِي شَأْنٍ وَمَا تَتْلُو مِنْهُ مِن قُرْآنٍ وَلَا تَعْمَلُونَ مِنْ عَمَلٍ إِلَّا كُنَّا عَلَيْكُمْ شُهُودًا إِذْ تُفِيضُونَ فِيهِ﴾
“And you are not (engaged) in any matter or recite any portion of the Qur’an or do any deed except that We are witness over you when you are involved in it.”
Therefore, it is obligatory upon the servant to fear his Lord and be modest before Him so that He does not see him in any sin or find him absent from any obedience that is incumbent upon him.
Then Allah said: ﴿وَقُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنَاتِ يَغْضُضْنَ مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِنَّ وَيَحْفَظْنَ فُرُوجَهُنَّ﴾
“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts.”
In this, the believing women are also commanded to lower their gaze and guard their private parts, just as the believing men were commanded, so that they may be protected from temptations and maintain chastity and modesty. Then Allah Almighty said: ﴿وَلَا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا﴾ “and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof.”
Hazrat Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) explained its meaning that ﴿إِلَّا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا﴾ refers to clothing that is free from temptation and display, and it is excused. The narration from Hazrat Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) states that it means the face and hands, and this was for those women who lived before the revelation of the verse of Hijab. But after the revelation of the verse of Hijab, Allah made it obligatory for women to cover the entire body including the face, as explained in Surah Al-Ahzab and other verses.
This is supported by the statement of Hazrat Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both), narrated by Ali ibn Abi Talhah, that Allah Almighty commanded the believing women that when they go out for their needs, they should draw their cloaks over their heads and cover their faces, leaving only one eye open. This has been clarified by Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah and other scholars and researchers, and this is the truth without any doubt.
It is known that the exposure of the face and hands causes temptation and corruption. As Allah Almighty’s command was previously mentioned: ﴿وَإِذَا سَأَلْتُمُوهُنَّ مَتَاعًا فَاسْأَلُوهُنَّ مِن وَرَاءِ حِجَابٍ﴾ “And when you ask [his wives] for something, ask them from behind a partition.”
This verse does not exclude anything, and it is definitive and decisive, so it is obligatory to act upon it and understand other evidences under its scope. The scope of this command is not limited to the wives of the Prophet (peace be upon him) but is general for all believing women.
Similarly, the rulings in Surah An-Nur clarify those given by Allah Almighty regarding elderly women. These women are permitted to remove their cloaks but with two conditions: first, that they do not desire marriage, and second, that they do not display adornment with pride. These rulings have been discussed earlier, and this verse is clear evidence and decisive proof that being unveiled and displaying adornment is forbidden for women.
This is also evident from the incident narrated from Hazrat Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) during the story of the slander (Qissa Afk), when she heard the voice of Safwan ibn Mu’attal Salmi (may Allah be pleased with him), she immediately covered her face. Hazrat Aisha said that Safwan knew her before the revelation of the verse of Hijab, which shows that after the revelation of the verse of Hijab, women covered their faces, which made them unrecognizable.
It is no secret that nowadays women have greatly expanded in displaying adornment and beauty. Therefore, to prevent corruption and immorality from spreading, it has become necessary to close the means and eliminate those causes that lead to temptation and corruption.
Protection of the Gaze and Teachings of Modesty
One of the major causes of corruption is men isolating themselves with women and women traveling without a mahram. It is proven from authentic hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that he said:
لا يخلون رجل بامرأة إلا ومعها ذو محرم، ولا تسافر المرأة إلا مع ذي محرم
No man should be alone with a woman except in the presence of a mahram, and no woman should travel without a mahram except when accompanied by one.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said: ولا يخلون رجل بامرأة؛ فإن الشيطان ثالثهما
No man should be alone with a woman, because Satan is present between them.
And he said: ألا لا يبيتن رجل عند امرأة ثيب إلا أن يكون ناكحا أو ذا محرم
Beware! No one should spend the night with a widow except if he is her husband or her mahram.
So fear Allah, O Muslim! And restrain your wives, and protect them from those things which Allah has forbidden upon them, such as immodesty, artificial beautification, displaying adornments, and resembling the enemies of Allah, i.e., Christians. Whoever resembles them will also be included in the same sin. And remember that if you remain silent, you will also be partners in their sins, and this will be a cause of Allah’s wrath and punishment. May Allah protect us and you from this.
One of the most important duties is to prevent men from being alone with women, going to them in seclusion, and traveling with them without a mahram, because these are among the major causes of temptation and corruption. It is authentically reported from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that he said: ما تركت بعدي فتنة أضر على الرجال من النساء
I have not left behind any fitnah (trial) more harmful to men than women.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said: إن الدنيا حلوة خضرة، وإن الله مستخلفكم فيها فينظر كيف تعملون، فاتقوا الدنيا، واتقوا النساء فإن أول فتنة بني إسرائيل كانت فى النساء
Indeed, the world is very sweet and green, and Allah has appointed you as successors in it after those before you. He will then see how you act. So keep yourself away from being lost in the world and protect yourself from the temptation of women, because the first trial among the Children of Israel was regarding women.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said: رب كاسية فى الدنيا عارية فى الآخرة
Many women will be dressed in this world but will be naked on the Day of Resurrection. He further said: صنفان من أهل النار لم أرهما: قوم معهم سياط كأذناب البقر يضربون بها الناس، ونساء كاسيات عاريات مميلات مائلات رؤوسهن كأسمة البخت المائلة، لا يدخلن الجنة ولا يجدن ريحها، وإن ريحها ليوجد من مسيرة كذا وكذا
There are two types of people in Hell whom I have not seen: one is a people who will have whips like the tails of cows, with which they will beat people; and the other is women who appear clothed but are actually naked, who lead others astray and are led astray themselves, with their heads like the humps of camels. They will neither enter Paradise nor smell its fragrance, although its fragrance is perceived from such and such a distance.
Explanation:
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) warns about two types of people in Hell whom he has not seen and who were not present in his time. Such people will appear after him:
The first type: People who will have long whips like cow tails, with which they will beat others unjustly. This refers to police or oppressors who unjustly beat people.
The second type: Women who will cast off the garment of modesty and chastity, which is a natural adornment for a woman. The Prophet explained that these women will appear to be wearing clothes but will be metaphorically naked, wearing thin garments through which their bodies will be visible. They will cover some parts of their bodies and leave others exposed to display their beauty. They will attract men’s hearts by their attire and mannerisms, walking with swaying necks and shoulders, and will try to lead others into the same deviation and misguidance in which they themselves are. One characteristic is that their heads will resemble the bent humps of camels. They will wear turbans or similar head coverings to enlarge the volume of their heads. The comparison to camel humps is because their hair and braids will be raised upwards and bent to one side like camel humps. Such women are warned that they will neither enter Paradise nor even smell its fragrance, nor come near it, although the fragrance of Paradise can be perceived from a great distance.
This is a severe warning against immodesty, shamelessness, wearing thin and tight clothing, deviation from truth and chastity, leading others towards immorality and falsehood, and oppressing others. Those who commit these acts are threatened with deprivation from entering Paradise. We pray to Allah for safety and protection.
Severe Warnings Regarding Indecency and Clothing
And the greatest corruption is that many women imitate non-Muslim women, especially Christians and the like, such as wearing revealing clothes, displaying adornments of hair and body, styling hair in the manner of disbelievers and sinners, as well as braiding hair and wearing artificial head coverings (baroque). And the Prophet of Allah, peace be upon him, said: من تشبه بقوم فهو منهم
Whoever imitates a people is one of them.
As a result of this imitation, corruption and temptation arise, and such small and tight clothing that almost exposes a woman causes the weakening of religion and the destruction of modesty.
Therefore, extreme caution is necessary to avoid this, and women should be prevented from it. Strictness is necessary because its outcome is very dangerous and its corruption is great. No leniency should be shown, especially with young girls, because if they are trained in this, they will become accustomed to it and when they grow up, they will like nothing else, which will cause the same corruption, temptations, and difficulties and evils that occur in grown women to also arise in girls.
So fear Allah, O servants of Allah! And avoid those things which Allah has forbidden you, and cooperate in righteousness, and advise each other to be patient in the truth. And know that Allah will hold you accountable for this and will reward your deeds, and He is with the patient, the pious, and the doers of good. So be patient, encourage each other to be patient, fear Allah, and do good deeds. Indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.
Avoidance of Resemblance to Disbelievers
And there is no doubt that the officials, nobles, judges, scholars, leaders, and members of committees have a greater obligation and responsibility than ordinary people; they are also at greater risk, and those among them who remain silent will cause a great fitnah. It is not only obligatory upon them to prevent evil, but it is obligatory upon all Muslims, especially those who hold prominent positions such as elders, saints, women, and their husbands. It is incumbent upon them to prevent this evil, to be strict about it, and to adopt a harsh stance against those who are negligent in it. So that Allah Almighty may save us from the calamity that has befallen us, and guide us and our women to the straight path.
It is authentically reported from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ that he said: ما من نبي بعثه الله فى أمة قبلي إلا كان له من أمته حواريون وأصحاب يأخذون بسنته ويقتدون بأمره، ثم إنها تخلف من بعدهم خلوف، يقولون ما لا يفعلون، ويفعلون ما لا يؤمرون، فمن جاهدهم بيده فهو مؤمن، ومن جاهدهم بلسانه فهو مؤمن، ومن جاهدهم بقلبه فهو مؤمن، وليس وراء ذلك من الإيمان حبة خردل
Allah sent prophets to every nation before me, and among their nations were some disciples and companions who followed their Sunnah and obeyed their commands. Then, after them, incompetent people would become their successors. They would say things with their tongues that they themselves did not practice, and they would do deeds for which they were not commanded. So whoever struggles against them with his hand is a believer, and whoever struggles against them with his tongue is a believer, and whoever struggles against them with his heart is also a believer (but) behind that, there is not even the weight of a grain of barley of faith.
I pray to Allah that He supports His religion, elevates His word, reforms our rulers, and removes corruption through them, supports the truth, reforms their advisors, and grants us, you, them, and all Muslims the ability to do deeds that are beneficial for worship in this world and the Hereafter and for the betterment of the nation and the country. And to respond to this is befitting for Him, and Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best disposer of affairs, and there is no power and no strength except with Allah, the Most High, the Most Great.
وصلى الله وسلم وبارك على عبده ورسوله نبينا محمد، وآله وصحبه ومن تبعهم بإحسان إلى يوم الدين.
Questions and Answers (Fiqh Guidance)
Question: During our travels when we are outside Saudi Arabia, am I allowed to uncover my face and remove my hijab because we are away from our country and no one here knows us? My mother strictly says and forces my father to compel me to uncover my face because, according to her, when I cover my face, she thinks I am seeking people’s attention.
Answer: You and other women are not permitted to uncover your faces even in non-Muslim countries, just as it is not allowed in Muslim countries. Hijab is obligatory for women in front of non-mahram men, whether they are Muslim or non-Muslim. The obligation of hijab is even more important in front of non-Muslims because they do not have faith that restrains them from forbidden acts of Allah. You or anyone else should not disobey Allah and His Messenger by following the commands of your parents or anyone else in matters that Allah has forbidden. Allah Almighty said in His Book in Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 53: ﴿وَإِذَا سَأَلْتُمُوهُنَّ مَتَاعًا فَاسْأَلُوهُنَّ مِن وَرَاءِ حِجَابٍ ۚ ذَٰلِكُمْ أَطْهَرُ لِقُلُوبِكُمْ وَقُلُوبِهِنَّ ۚ وَمَا كَانَ لَكُمْ أَن تُؤْذُوا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ وَلَا أَن تَنكِحُوا أَزْوَاجَهُ مِن بَعْدِهِ أَبَدًا ۚ إِنَّ ذَٰلِكُمْ كَانَ عِندَ اللَّهِ عَظِيمًا﴾
And when you ask [his wives] for something, ask them from behind a partition. That is purer for your hearts and their hearts. And it is not [conceivable or lawful] for you to harm the Messenger of Allah or to marry his wives after him, ever. Indeed, that is ever an enormity before Allah.
In this verse, Allah Almighty clearly states that it is purer for women to remain behind a veil in front of non-mahram men.
Similarly, in Surah An-Nur, Allah Almighty said: ﴿قُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَغُضُّوا مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِمْ وَيَحْفَظُوا فُرُوجَهُمْ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ أَزْكَىٰ لَهُمْ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ خَبِيرٌ بِمَا يَصْنَعُونَ . وَقُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنَاتِ يَغْضُضْنَ مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِنَّ وَيَحْفَظْنَ فُرُوجَهُنَّ وَلَا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا ۖ وَلْيَضْرِبْنَ بِخُمُرِهِنَّ عَلَىٰ جُيُوبِهِنَّ ۖ وَلَا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا لِبُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ آبَائِهِنَّ أَوْ آبَاءِ بُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ أَبْنَائِهِنَّ أَوْ أَبْنَاءِ بُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ إِخْوَانِهِنَّ أَوْ بَنِي إِخْوَانِهِنَّ أَوْ بَنِي أَخَوَاتِهِنَّ أَوْ نِسَائِهِنَّ أَوْ مَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَانُهُنَّ أَوِ التَّابِعِينَ غَيْرِ أُولِي الْإِرْبَةِ مِنَ الرِّجَالِ أَوِ الطِّفْلِ الَّذِينَ لَمْ يَظْهَرُوا عَلَىٰ عَوْرَاتِ النِّسَاءِ ۖ وَلَا يَضْرِبْنَ بِأَرْجُلِهِنَّ لِيُعْلَمَ مَا يُخْفِينَ مِن زِينَتِهِنَّ ۚ وَتُوبُوا إِلَى اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا أَيُّهَ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ .﴾
Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts; that is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze 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.
Question: What is the ruling regarding meeting with a maid and a driver? Do they fall under the category of non-mahram men? Keep in mind that my mother tells me to go outside in front of the maid and driver wearing only a (headscarf). Is this permissible in our religion, which forbids disobedience to Allah’s commands?
Answer: The ruling for the driver and maid is the same as for other men. If they are not mahram, it is obligatory to observe hijab in front of them. Being unveiled in front of them and sitting alone with them is not permissible. As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: ولا يخلون رجل بامرأة؛ فإن الشيطان ثالثهما
No man should be alone with a woman except when there is a mahram with her, for the devil is the third among them.
There are many Islamic evidences regarding the obligation of hijab, prohibition of unveiling, and showing adornment in front of non-mahrams. You should not disobey Allah by following your mother or anyone else in these matters.
Question: What is the ruling on a person who mocks a Muslim woman who wears the Islamic hijab and covers her face and hands?
Answer: A person who mocks any Muslim woman or man solely because they follow Islamic Sharia is a disbeliever, whether the woman wears the Islamic hijab or not. As narrated from Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with them), he said: قال رجل فى غزوة تبوك فى مجلس ما رأيت مثل قرائنا هؤلاء، أرغب بطونا، ولا أكذب ألسنة، ولا أجبن عند اللقاء. فقال رجل فى المجلس: كذبت، ولكنك منافق. لأخبرن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم، فبلغ ذلك رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ونزل القرآن. قال عبد الله بن عمر: وأنا رأيته متعلقا بحقب ناقة رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم تنكبه الحجارة وهو يقول: يا رسول الله، إنما كنا نخوض ونلعب. ورسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول: أبالله وآياته ورسوله كنتم تستهزئون لا تعتذروا قد كفرتم بعد إيمانكم
During the Battle of Tabuk, in a gathering, a man said: “I have not seen people like these Quraysh; they have the largest bellies, the most lying tongues, and are the most cowardly in the battlefield.” Someone in the gathering said: “You are lying; rather, you are a hypocrite. I will surely inform the Messenger of Allah about this.” This reached the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), and then the Quran was revealed. Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) said: “I saw him clinging to the turban of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), striking the ground with stones, saying: ‘O Messenger of Allah! We were only joking and playing.'” The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: ﴿قُلْ أَبِاللَّهِ وَآيَاتِهِ وَرَسُولِهِ كُنتُمْ تَسْتَهْزِئُونَ . لَا تَعْتَذِرُوا قَدْ كَفَرْتُم بَعْدَ إِيمَانِكُمْ ۚ إِن نَّعْفُ عَن طَائِفَةٍ مِّنكُمْ نُعَذِّبْ طَائِفَةً بِأَنَّهُمْ كَانُوا مُجْرِمِينَ.﴾
Say, “Shall I inform you of [something] worse than that as penalty from Allah? It is that of those whom Allah has cursed and with whom He became angry and made of them apes and pigs and slaves of Taghut. Those are worse in position and further astray from the sound way.” Indeed, those who ridicule the believers will have a painful punishment.
So mocking the believers is equivalent to mocking Allah, His verses, and His Messenger.
وصلى الله على نبينا محمد وآله وصحبه وسلم
