Fatwa by: Sheikh Muhammad bin Salih Al-Uthaymeen (may Allah preserve him)
The wisdom behind Hijab is quite clear: when a woman reveals her beauty to non-mahram men, it leads to fitnah (temptation). When such temptation arises, it brings with it sin and immorality, and when these things become widespread, it results in the destruction and ruin of society.
Question:
I am a distressed young girl living in a family influenced by socialist ideas. I have faced severe attacks and ridicule for wearing the veil (Hijab) from my family, which has escalated to the point of physical violence. They have even prevented me from leaving the house. Eventually, I was forced to abandon the veil and expose my face. What should I do in such a situation? If I leave the house, I fear the human-like beasts out there. What should I do?Answer:
This question consists of two main points:- The behavior of the girl’s family:The treatment this girl is receiving from her family is the worst kind of behavior. Such actions are coming from people who are either ignorant of the truth or arrogant in its denial. Their attitude is oppressive and unjust, and they have no right to act in such a manner. Wearing the Hijab is neither a flaw nor bad manners. Every individual has the freedom to live within the bounds of Shariah. If the family is unaware that wearing Hijab is obligatory for women, they need to be informed. The obligation of Hijab is established by the Quran and Sunnah. However, if they are aware and yet refuse to accept the truth out of arrogance, then their situation is even worse. As the poet has said:
"If you do not know, that is one calamity. But if you know and still refuse, then the calamity is even greater." - The issue concerning the girl herself:We would advise this young girl to fear Allah as much as she is able to. If she wears the Hijab and her family responds with violence, forcing her to remove it, she will not be sinful for being compelled to comply. Allah says:
"Whoever disbelieves in Allah after having believed—except for those who were forced while their hearts remained firm in faith—will have Allah's anger upon them, and they will suffer a great punishment." [Surah An-Nahl: 106]
Furthermore, Allah says:
"There is no blame upon you for what you do by mistake, but only for what your hearts deliberately intend." [Surah Al-Ahzab: 5]
Therefore, as much as possible, continue to fear Allah and adhere to His commands. If the girl's family is unaware of the wisdom behind Hijab, we want to remind them that it is the responsibility of a believer to obey Allah and His Messenger, whether they fully understand the wisdom behind a command or not. Obedience to Allah and His Messenger itself is a wisdom. Allah says:
"It is not for a believing man or woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decreed a matter, to have any choice in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger has certainly strayed into clear error." [Surah Al-Ahzab: 36]
The wisdom behind Hijab is quite clear: when a woman reveals her beauty to non-mahram men, it leads to fitnah (temptation). When such temptation arises, it brings with it sin and immorality, and when these things become widespread, it results in the destruction and ruin of society.