❖ Qur’anic Evidence for Ḥijāb and Its Clarification for Muslim Women ❖
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.
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: 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:
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.
“...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.
“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.
“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.
Do these three expressions not collectively make the ruling of ḥijāb clear to you?
Student: I am shocked, but I still need more clarification.
According to Dr. Jāsim, there are two dimensions to ḥijāb:
✔ This refers to the external garments that cover the woman’s body, and it is obligatory by Sharī‘ah.
✔ 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.
“Now I understand that ḥijāb is indeed obligatory for me.”
❖ 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.
❖ 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.
