❖ Qur’anic Evidence for Ḥijāb and Its Clarification for Muslim Women ❖
❖ Is the Command of Ḥijāb Clearly Mentioned in the Qur’an?
The following article is based on a conversation between a student from Kuwait and Dr. Jāsim al-Muṭawwa‘, a scholar and researcher. It sheds light on the question of whether the obligation of ḥijāb for women is clearly stated in the Qur’an.
✦ Beginning of the Conversation:
Student: Is there any verse in the Qur’an that clearly commands women to wear the ḥijāb?
Dr. Jāsim: First, please introduce yourself.
Student: I’m a final-year university student. To my knowledge, there is no clear ruling in the Qur’an that makes ḥijāb obligatory on women. That’s why I don’t observe it. But I am spiritually connected to my religion and thank Allah for that.
Dr. Jāsim: Alright, allow me to ask you a few questions.
Student: Certainly, go ahead.
❖ Dr. Jāsim’s Question and Explanation:
Dr. Jāsim: If I say the same thing to you in three different ways, what would you understand?
Student: I’m not quite sure what you mean.
Dr. Jāsim: Let me give you an example:
- Show me your graduation certificate,
- Or show me your result card,
- Or show me your final report.
What would you conclude from this?
Student: I would understand that you want to see my academic record, because all three statements point to the same idea.
Dr. Jāsim: Exactly. That’s the point I want to convey.
Student: But how does this relate to the ruling on ḥijāb?
Dr. Jāsim: Allah has addressed the command of ḥijāb in the Qur’an using three distinct terms: al-ḥijāb, al-jilbāb, and al-khimār.
✦ Explanation of the Three Terms:
➊ Al-Khimār (الخمار):
“…and let them draw their veils over their bosoms.”
(Sūrat al-Nūr: 31)
➤ “Khimār” refers to a head covering that also extends to the chest, ensuring both areas are covered.
➋ Al-Jilbāb (الجلباب):
“O Prophet! Tell your wives, your daughters, and the believing women to draw their cloaks over themselves.”
(Sūrat al-Aḥzāb: 59)
➤ “Jilbāb” is a large outer garment that covers the entire body, including a head covering, similar to the traditional Moroccan garment with a hood.
➌ Al-Ḥijāb (الحجاب):
“And when you ask [the wives of the Prophet] for anything, ask them from behind a partition.”
(Sūrat al-Aḥzāb: 53)
➤ “Ḥijāb” literally means a barrier, curtain, or screen, signifying separation and concealment.
❖ Dr. Jāsim’s Clarification:
Do these three expressions not collectively make the ruling of ḥijāb clear to you?
Student: I am shocked, but I still need more clarification.
✦ Linguistic Clarification:
- Khimār: A cloth that covers the head and extends to the chest.
- Jilbāb: A full-body covering including the head—common in traditional modest clothing.
- Ḥijāb: General term meaning screen or covering, indicating concealment from view.
✦ The Two Types of Ḥijāb:
According to Dr. Jāsim, there are two dimensions to ḥijāb:
➊ Outward Ḥijāb (Physical Covering):
✔ This refers to the external garments that cover the woman’s body, and it is obligatory by Sharī‘ah.
➋ Inward Ḥijāb (Spiritual Purity):
✔ This refers to the inner veil of taqwā (piety) that purifies the soul and heart.
As mentioned in the Qur’an:
“And the best clothing is the clothing of taqwā.”
(Sūrat al-A‘rāf: 26)
➤ A woman may cover herself physically, but if her heart is empty of taqwā, her ḥijāb is incomplete.
➤ The ideal ḥijāb includes both external modesty and internal righteousness.
❖ Final Words from the Student:
“Now I understand that ḥijāb is indeed obligatory for me.”
✦ Summary:
❖ The Qur’an addresses the obligation of ḥijāb through multiple terms and expressions, each reinforcing the concept of modesty and covering.
❖ Physical modesty must be complemented by spiritual sincerity, making both aspects essential parts of the Islamic concept of ḥijāb.
❖ This insightful dialogue illustrates how misunderstandings can be cleared with proper Qur’anic reference and scholarly explanation.
