Author: Sheikh Muhammad bin Saleh Al-Uthaymeen, may Allah protect him
Question:
What is the meaning of Shari'ah hijab?
Answer:
Shari'ah hijab refers to the covering of all obligatory parts of a woman’s body. Among these parts, the face is of utmost priority and importance because it is a center of temptation and attraction. Therefore, it is obligatory for women to cover their faces in front of non-mahram men.
As for the claim that Shari'ah hijab only requires covering the head, neck, chest, feet, calves, and arms while excluding the face and hands, this is an unusual statement. It is well known that the face is the primary site of attraction and temptation. How can it be said that Islamic law commands a woman to cover her feet while allowing her face to remain uncovered? It is impossible for the wisdom of the pure Shari'ah to contain such contradictions. Every person knows that the face poses a greater temptation than the feet, and the face is the primary focus of attraction for men when it comes to women.
If someone were to say about a fiancée that her arms are beautiful but her face is unattractive, he would never agree to marry such a woman. Conversely, if he hears that her face is beautiful, even if her hands, feet, and calves are not very attractive, he would certainly be inclined to marry her. This demonstrates that covering the face is, therefore, even more obligatory.
There are numerous proofs in the Qur'an and Sunnah, as well as statements from the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them), Islamic scholars, and imams that establish the obligation for a woman to cover her entire body and face in front of non-mahram men.
Question:
What is the meaning of Shari'ah hijab?
Answer:
Shari'ah hijab refers to the covering of all obligatory parts of a woman’s body. Among these parts, the face is of utmost priority and importance because it is a center of temptation and attraction. Therefore, it is obligatory for women to cover their faces in front of non-mahram men.
As for the claim that Shari'ah hijab only requires covering the head, neck, chest, feet, calves, and arms while excluding the face and hands, this is an unusual statement. It is well known that the face is the primary site of attraction and temptation. How can it be said that Islamic law commands a woman to cover her feet while allowing her face to remain uncovered? It is impossible for the wisdom of the pure Shari'ah to contain such contradictions. Every person knows that the face poses a greater temptation than the feet, and the face is the primary focus of attraction for men when it comes to women.
If someone were to say about a fiancée that her arms are beautiful but her face is unattractive, he would never agree to marry such a woman. Conversely, if he hears that her face is beautiful, even if her hands, feet, and calves are not very attractive, he would certainly be inclined to marry her. This demonstrates that covering the face is, therefore, even more obligatory.
There are numerous proofs in the Qur'an and Sunnah, as well as statements from the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them), Islamic scholars, and imams that establish the obligation for a woman to cover her entire body and face in front of non-mahram men.