Source: Sermons of Hafiz Muhammad Ishaq Zahid, compiled by: Tauheed.com
Brothers in Islam!
For some time, Western media and Westernized individuals and organizations have been continuously propagating that Islam has given nothing to women and has deprived them of their basic rights, whereas this is merely a lie with no truth. Because the status Islam has given to women is not found in any other religion. So let us examine their false claim and first compare the woman of the pre-Islamic era with the woman of Islam so that it becomes clear how lowly women were considered in earlier times and how high a status Islam has granted them.
01. In the age of ignorance, the existence of a girl was considered a disgrace and she was buried alive
Allah Almighty says:
﴿وَإِذَا بُشِّرَ أَحَدُہُمْ بِالْأُنْثٰی ظَلَّ وَجْہُہُ مُسْوَدًّا وَّہُوَ کَظِیْمٌ . یَتَوَارٰی مِنَ الْقَوْمِ مِنْ سُوْئِ مَا بُشِّرَ بِہٖ أَیُمْسِکُہُ عَلٰی ہُوْنٍ أَمْ یَدُسُّہُ فِیْ التُّرَابِ أَلاَ سَائَ مَا یَحْکُمُوْنَ﴾
Reference: (An-Nahl 16:58-59)
"And when one of them is given the good news of a girl, his face becomes dark, and he suppresses himself inwardly. Because of the bad news he has received, he hides his face from people. He thinks whether to keep her despite the disgrace and humiliation or to bury her in the soil. Ah! What terrible decisions they make."
In this verse, Allah Almighty describes the condition of the people of the Age of Ignorance, that when any person among them was given the news of a daughter being born in his house, his face would turn black and dark, and out of shame, he would hide from people and remain overwhelmed with grief, thinking whether to endure the existence of this girl with disgrace and humiliation or to bury her alive!
Imam Baghawee says: "It was a common custom in Arabia that when a daughter was born in someone's house and he wanted to keep her alive, he would dress her in a woolen cloak and send her far away to graze camels and goats. And if he wanted to kill her, when she turned six years old, he would first go to a forest and dig a pit, then return home and tell his wife to dress her well so that she could be taken to her maternal relatives (or her grandparents). Then, when she reached the pit, he would say: 'Look inside this pit.' When she bent down to look, he would push her from behind, causing her to fall into it, and then he would cover her with soil."
Reference: (Ma'alim al-Tanzeel:25/5)
This was the status of a woman in the era of ignorance that her very existence was considered a disgrace and she was buried alive. Whereas Islam declared the birth of a daughter in the house as a cause of blessing and prohibited burying her alive. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
(( إِنَّ اللّٰہَ حَرَّمَ عَلَیْکُمْ عُقُوْقَ الْأُمَّہَاتِ،وَوَأْدَ الْبَنَاتِ ))
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari, Al-Istiqrad, Chapter on what forbids wasting wealth: 2408, Sahih Muslim: Al-Aqdiyah, Chapter on forbidding excessive requests: 1715)
"Allah has forbidden you to disobey your mothers and to bury your daughters alive."
And the Prophet (peace be upon him) explained the virtue of educating and nurturing daughters by saying:
(( مَنِ ابْتُلِیَ مِنْ ہٰذِہِ الْبَنَاتِ بِشَیْئٍ فَأَحْسَنَ إِلَیْہِنَّ کُنَّ لَہُ سِتْرًا مِّنَ النَّارِ ))
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari, Zakat, Chapter: Fear the Fire even with half a date: 1418. The wording is his, Sahih Muslim, Al-Birr wal-Salat, Chapter on the virtue of kindness to daughters: 2629)
"Whoever is tested because of these daughters and still treats them well, they will be a shield for him from the Hellfire."
In this hadith, "goodness" refers to every kind of goodness. That is, to raise her well, to treat her kindly, and to take good care of her education and upbringing. Then, when she becomes an adult, to choose a good and practicing Muslim husband for her.
And it is narrated from Hazrat Anas (RA) that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
(( مَنْ عَالَ جَارِیَتَیْنِ حَتّٰی تَبْلُغَا جَائَ یَوْمَ الْقِیَامَۃِ أَنَا وَہُوَ )) وَضَمَّ أَصَابِعَہُ
Reference: (Sahih Muslim:2631)
"Whoever raises two daughters until they reach adulthood, he and I will be like these two fingers on the Day of Resurrection."
And in Sunan Tirmidhi and others, the words of this narration are as follows:
(( مَنْ عَالَ جَارِیَتَیْنِ دَخَلْتُ أَنَا وَہُوَ الْجَنَّۃَ کَہَاتَیْنِ )) وَأَشَارَ بِأُصْبَعَیْہِ
Reference: (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Al-Birr wa al-Salah, Chapter on what has been narrated about spending on daughters:1914, and it is in the Sahih:297, and in Sahih al-Tirmidhi by Albani:179/2)
"Whoever raises two daughters, he and I will enter Paradise like these two fingers."
Brothers in Islam! If a woman is a mother, Islam has also encouraged good treatment towards her. In the Holy Quran, after the right of Allah, the rights of parents are mentioned first, followed by the rights of others. Repeatedly, good treatment of parents is emphasized, and it is forbidden to scold them or even say "uff" (a mild expression of annoyance).
Once, a person asked the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, "Who among the people deserves my best treatment the most?" He, peace be upon him, replied: "Your mother." He asked, "Then who?" He replied: "Your mother." He asked again, "Then who?" He replied: "Your mother." He asked once more, "Then who?" He replied: "Your father."
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari, Al-Adab, Chapter: Who is Most Deserving of Good Company: 5971, Muslim: 2548)
Besides this, there are many other hadiths present in the books of hadith in which especially the rights of the mother have been prominently mentioned.
And if the woman is a wife, Islam has also upheld her rights. For example:
01. Permission should be sought from her for marriage
The Noble Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
(( لَا تُنْکَحُ الْأَیِّمُ حَتّٰی تُسْتَأْمَرَ ، وَلَا تُنْکَحُ الْبِکْرُ حَتّٰی تُسْتَأْذَنَ ))
"No widow should be married until her consent is sought, and no virgin girl should be married until her permission is taken."
The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) asked: O Messenger of Allah! How will the permission of a virgin girl be? He (peace be upon him) replied: Her silence will be considered as her permission."
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari, Al-Nikah, Chapter: A father should not marry off his daughter without her consent …5136)
02. She should be given her dowry
Allah Almighty says: ﴿وَآتُوْا النِّسَائَ صَدُقَاتِہِنَّ نِحْلَۃً ﴾
Reference: (An-Nisa 4:4)
"And give the women their dowries willingly."
03. She should be provided with food and maintenance
The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, addressing the large gathering of the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, at the Plain of Arafat during the Farewell Pilgrimage, said: (( فَاتَّقُوْا اللّٰہَ فِیْ النِّسَائِ فَإِنَّکُمْ أَخَذْتُمُوْہُنَّ بِأَمَانِ اللّٰہِ وَاسْتَحْلَلْتُمْ فُرُوْجَہُنَّ بِکَلِمَۃِ اللّٰہِ،وَلَکُمْ عَلَیْہِنَّ أَنْ لَّا یُوْطِئْنَ فُرُشَکُمْ أَحَدًا تَکْرَہُوْنَہُ ۔۔۔وَلَہُنَّ عَلَیْکُمْ رِزْقُہُنَّ وَکِسْوَتُہُنَّ بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ ))
Reference: (Sahih Muslim, Al-Hajj, Chapter: The Prophet's Farewell Pilgrimage:1218)
"Fear Allah concerning women, for you have taken them as a trust from Allah and made them lawful to you by the word of Allah. And your right over them is that they do not allow anyone you dislike to come to your beds... and their right over you is that you provide them with food and clothing in a good manner."
04. Along with this, maintain good conduct in a proper manner
Allah Almighty says: ﴿ وَعَاشِرُوْہُنَّ بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ فَإِنْ کَرِہْتُمُوْہُنَّ فَعَسٰی أَنْ تَکْرَہُوْا شَیْئًا وَّیَجْعَلَ اللّٰہُ فِیْہِ خَیْرًا کَثِیْرًا ﴾
Reference: (An-Nisa 4:19)
"And live with them in kindness. For if you dislike them, perhaps you dislike a thing and Allah makes therein much good."
And the noble saying of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, is:
(( خَیْرُکُمْ خَیْرُکُمْ لِأَہْلِہٖ ، وَأَنَا خَیْرُکُمْ لِأَہْلِیْ ))
Reference: (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Al-Manaqib, Chapter on the Virtue of the Wives of the Prophet ﷺ:3895, Sunan Ibn Majah:1977, Ibn Hibban:4177, found in Sahih al-Jami':3314 and Sahihah:285)
"The best among you is the one who is best to his family, and I am the best among you to my family."
05. The wife's right is like the husband's right
Allah Almighty says: ﴿ وَلَہُنَّ مِثْلُ الَّذِیْ عَلَیْہِنَّ بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ وَلِلرِّجَالِ عَلَیْہِنَّ دَرَجَۃٌ﴾
Reference: (Al-Baqarah 2:228)
"And women have rights similar to those against them, according to what is equitable. But men have a degree over them."
06. If there are more than one wife, justice and fairness must be maintained among them
Allah Almighty says:
﴿ فَإِنْ خِفْتُمْ أَلاَّ تَعْدِلُوْا فَوَاحِدَۃً أَوْ مَا مَلَکَتْ أَیْمَانُکُمْ ذٰلِکَ أَدْنٰی أَلاَّ تَعُوْلُوْا ﴾
Reference: (An-Nisa 4:3)
"But if you fear that you will not be just to the orphans, then marry only one or what your right hand possesses. That is more suitable that you may not incline to injustice."
And the noble saying of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ is:
(( مَنْ کاَنَتْ لَہُ امْرَأَتَانِ فَمَالَ إِلیٰ اِحْدَاہُمَا جَائَ یَوْمَ الْقِیَامَۃِ وَشِقُّہُ مَائِلٌ))
Reference: (Sunan Abi Dawood, An-Nikah, Chapter on division among women:2133, Sunan al-Tirmidhi, An-Nikah, Chapter on equalizing among co-wives:1141, authenticated by Al-Albani)
"The person who has two wives and is inclined towards only one of them (and neglects the other), on the Day of Judgment he will come in such a state that a part of his body will be missing."
07. Loyalty to the wife even after death
Hazrat Aisha رضي الله عنها stated that I never felt as much jealousy towards any of the wives of the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم as I did towards Hazrat Khadijah رضي الله عنها, even though I had never seen her. But the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم used to mention her very often. Sometimes when a goat was slaughtered, some pieces of its meat were also sent to the friends of Hazrat Khadijah رضي الله عنها. On this, I would sometimes say that perhaps there is no other woman in the world except Hazrat Khadijah رضي الله عنها! Then the Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم would mention her virtues and say: "My offspring also came from her."
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari, Manaqib al-Ansar, Chapter on the Marriage of the Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم to Khadijah and her Virtues: 3818, Sahih Muslim: 2437)
Brothers in Islam!
The rights of daughters, mothers, and wives mentioned in the Quran and Hadith should be considered alongside the condition of women during the Age of Ignorance. This will clearly show how greatly Islam has elevated the status of women in society and how it has honored and respected them!
02. Women were deprived of inheritance in the Age of Ignorance
In the Age of Ignorance, people considered only men entitled to inheritance, and women and children were deprived of it. Regarding this, Allah Almighty revealed this verse:
﴿ لِلرِّجَالِ نَصِیْبٌ مِّمَّا تَرَکَ الْوَالِدَانِ وَالْأَقْرَبُوْنَ وَلِلنِّسَائِ نَصِیْبٌ مِّمَّا تَرَکَ الْوَالِدَانِ وَالْأَقْرَبُوْنَ مِمَّا قَلَّ مِنْہُ أَوْ کَثُرَ نَصِیْبًا مَّفْرُوْضًا﴾
Reference: (An-Nisa 4:7)
"To men belongs a share of what the parents and close relatives leave, and to women a share of what the parents and close relatives leave, whether the property is small or large. And these shares are fixed by Allah."
Thus, Islam also granted women the right to inheritance and did not deprive them of it. The details of how much share a woman receives in inheritance are present in the second Ruku of Surah An-Nisa.
03. The father's wife was considered lawful after his death
In the era of ignorance, a son would marry his father's wife (his stepmother) after his father's death, whereas Islam prohibited this and declared it forbidden, a cause of immorality, anger, and the worst practice.
Allah Almighty says: ﴿وَلاَ تَنْکِحُوْا مَا نَکَحَ آبَاؤُکُمْ مِّنَ النِّسَائِ إِلاَّ مَا قَدْ سَلَفَ إِنَّہُ کَانَ فَاحِشَۃً وَّمَقْتًا وَّسَائَ سَبِیْلاً ﴾
Reference: (An-Nisa 4:22)
"And do not marry those women whom your fathers married, except what has already passed; indeed, it is an immorality, and hateful, and an evil way."
So this is also a clear proof of the respect Islam gives to women.
04. Marriage to two sisters simultaneously
In the era of ignorance, marrying two sisters at the same time was permissible, whereas Islam declared it forbidden.
Allah Almighty says:
﴿ حُرِّمَتْ عَلَیْکُمْ أُمَّہَاتُکُمْ ۔۔۔۔وَأَنْ تَجْمَعُوْا بَیْنَ الْأُخْتَیْنِ إِلاَّ مَا قَدْ سَلَفَ﴾
Reference: (An-Nisa 4:23)
’’Your mothers have been forbidden for you... and it is also forbidden to marry two sisters at the same time, except what has already passed (in the pre-Islamic era).‘‘
05. A woman is isolated during her menstrual days
In the era of ignorance, when a woman’s specific days began, she was completely isolated. Her husband neither ate with her nor allowed her to come to his bed, whereas Islam declared such harsh treatment of women impermissible. The Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would eat and drink with his pure wives during their specific days, attend to them, and rest with them. The only thing Islam prohibited during these days is physical intimacy with the wife. Apart from that, all other matters were permitted.
Hazrat Maimunah رضي الله عنها narrates that when the pure wives of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم were in a state of menstruation, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم would have intimacy with them above the waist.
Reference: (Sahih Muslim:294)
And Hazrat Aisha رضي الله عنها narrates that when I was in a state of menstruation, I would drink water from a vessel, then I would give the same (remaining) water to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم, and he would also place his mouth on the same spot of the vessel from where I had drunk. And while in a state of menstruation, during a meal, I would break some meat from a bone with my teeth, then I would offer the same bone to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم, and he would also place his mouth on the same spot where I had broken the meat.
Reference: (Sahih Muslim:300)
And Hazrat Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that among the Jews, when a woman was in her specific days, they neither ate with her nor had intercourse with her in their homes. The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) asked the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) about this, upon which Allah revealed this verse: ﴿ وَیَسْئَلُوْنَکَ عَنِ الْمَحِیْضِ قُلْ ہُوَ أَذیً فَاعْتَزِلُوْا النِّسَائَ فِیْ الْمَحِیْضِ وَلاَ تَقْرَبُوْہُنَّ حَتّٰی یَطْہُرْنَ ۔۔۔ الخ ﴾
Reference: (Al-Baqarah 2:222)
"And they ask you about menstruation. Say, 'It is harm, so keep away from wives during menstruation. And do not approach them until they are pure.'" Then the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: (( اِصْنَعُوْا کُلَّ شَیْئٍ إِلَّا النِّکَاحَ)) "You may do everything except intercourse."
Reference: (Sahih Muslim: 302)
In light of these five points, you must have a clear understanding of how high a status Islam has given to women. Therefore, one should never be influenced by the misleading propaganda of Western media to feel that Islam has deprived women and taken away their fundamental rights, because this is merely a slander and
a lie, and its truth has already been made clear in our previous discussions.
Men and women are equal in the reward and recompense of worship
Brothers in Islam! It has already been made clear that the status and rank Islam has given to women, and the laws and regulations Islam has established for the protection of their chastity, are unmatched by any other religion. However, for the further reassurance of our mothers and sisters, we state that where the rewards and recompense of worship and the blessings of Paradise have been promised to men, women have also been equally included in this.
Thus, Allah, the Lord of Glory, says: ﴿ فَاسْتَجَابَ لَہُمْ رَبُّہُمْ أَنِّیْ لاَ أُضِیْعُ عَمَلَ عَامِلٍ مِّنْکُمْ مِّنْ ذَکَرٍ أَوْ أُنْثیٰ بَعْضُکُمْ مِّنْ بَعْضٍ﴾
Reference: (Al Imran 3:195)
"So their Lord accepted their prayer: 'Never will I allow to be lost the work of [any] worker among you, whether male or female; you are of one another.'"
That is, in reward and recompense, you are equal, and there is no difference between men and women.
And He said: ﴿ مَنْ عَمِلَ صَالِحًا مِّنْ ذَکَرٍ أَوْ أُنْثیٰ وَہُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَلَنُحْیِیَنَّہُ حَیَاۃً طَیِّبَۃً وَلَنَجْزِیَنَّہُمْ أَجْرَہُمْ بِأَحْسَنِ مَا کاَنُوْا یَعْمَلُوْنَ﴾
Reference: (An-Nahl 16:97)
"Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer - We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do."
Similarly, in Surah Al-Ahzab, Allah Almighty says:
﴿إِنَّ الْمُسْلِمِیْنَ وَالْمُسْلِمَاتِ وَالْمُؤْمِنِیْنَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ وَالْقٰنِتِیْنَ وَالْقٰنِتَاتِ وَالصّٰدِقِیْنَ وَالصّٰدِقَاتِ وَالصّٰبِرِیْنَ وَالصّٰبِرَاتِ وَالْخٰشِعِیْنَ وَالْخٰشِعَاتِ وَالْمُتَصَدِّقِیْنَ وَالْمُتَصَدِّقَاتِ وَالصَّائِمِیْنَ وَالصَّائِمَاتِ وَالْحٰفِظِیْنَ فُرُوْجَہُمْ وَالْحٰفِظَاتِ وَالذَّاکِرِیْنَ اللّٰہَ کَثِیْرًا وَّالذَّاکِرَاتِ أَعَدَّ اللّٰہُ لَہُمْ مَّغْفِرَۃً وَّأَجْرًا عَظِیْمًا﴾
Reference: (Al-Ahzab 33:35)
"Indeed, Muslim men and Muslim women, believing men and believing women, obedient men and obedient women, truthful men and truthful women, patient men and patient women,
Women, humble men and humble women, men who give charity and women who give charity, men who fast and women who fast, men who guard their private parts and women who guard theirs, men who frequently remember Allah and women who remember Him frequently, for all of them Allah Almighty has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.
Some Concessions in the Natural Weaknesses of Women
Consider carefully! Islam, taking into account the natural weaknesses and certain compulsions of women, has granted them concessions in several rulings. For example:
❀ During the days of menstruation and postpartum bleeding, a Muslim woman is exempt from prayer and fasting.
❀ The prayers missed during the specific days of menstruation and postpartum bleeding do not have to be made up. Only the missed fasts must be made up.
❀ During pregnancy and breastfeeding (if there is weakness and compulsion), a woman is permitted to delay making up fasts.
❀ The farewell circumambulation (Tawaf al-Wida), which is among the obligatory acts of Hajj, is waived during menstruation.
So these permissions are also evidence that Islam has never neglected women nor oppressed them. Rather, their natural necessities have been taken into consideration, and they have not been burdened with anything beyond their capacity. Therefore, Muslim women should also accept these Islamic teachings with full awareness, as they themselves guarantee the protection of their chastity. May Allah Almighty grant everyone the ability to do so.
Some Specific Islamic Rules for the Protection of Women
Brothers in Islam! To protect the honor and dignity of women and to save them from the evil of sick-minded people, Islam has established certain laws for women. Before mentioning these laws, we remind our Muslim mothers, sisters, and daughters that their well-being in this world and the hereafter lies in following the teachings of Islam. Their success and prosperity depend on implementing these Islamic rules and principles which themselves
They have been appointed by Allah Almighty and His Messenger ﷺ for their protection.
Allah Almighty says: ﴿ وَمَا کاَنَ لِمُؤْمِنٍ وَّلاَ مُؤْمِنَۃٍ إِذَا قَضَی اللّٰہُ وَرَسُوْلُہُ أَمْرًا أَنْ یَّکُوْنَ لَہُمُ الْخِیَرَۃُ مِنْ أَمْرِہِمْ وَمَنْ یَّعْصِ اللّٰہَ وَرَسُوْلَہُ فَقَدْ ضَلَّ ضَلاَلاً مُّبِیْنًا﴾
Reference: (الأحزاب33 :36)
"And (know) that no believing man or woman has the liberty to choose any matter after Allah and His Messenger have decided it. (Remember) whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger will be in clear error."
Similarly, we remind our Muslim brothers that they are responsible for their families and will be questioned about their responsibilities on the Day of Judgment. As the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
(( کُلُّکُمْ رَاعٍ وَکُلُّکُمْ مَّسْئُوْلٌ عَنْ رَعِیَّتِہٖ ، فَالْإِمَامُ رَاعٍ وَہُوَ مَسْئُوْلٌ عَنْ رَعِیَّتِہٖ ، وَالرَّجُلُ رَاعٍ فِیْ أَہْلِہٖ وَہُوَ مَسْئُوْلٌ عَنْ رَعِیَّتِہٖ ، وَالْمَرْأَۃُ رَاعِیَۃٌ فِیْ بَیْتِ زَوْجِہَا وَہِیَ مَسْئُوْلَۃٌ عَنْ رَعِیَّتِہَا۔۔ فَکُلُّکُمْ رَاعٍ وَکُلُّکُمْ مَسْئُوْلٌ عَنْ رَعِیَّتِہٖ ))
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari, Al-Jumu'ah, Chapter: Jumu'ah in Villages and Cities: 893, Sahih Muslim: 1829)
"Each one of you is responsible, and every person will be questioned about their responsibility. Therefore, the ruler of the time is responsible, and he will be asked about his responsibility. A man is responsible for his family, and he will also be questioned about his responsibility. A woman is responsible in her husband's house, and she will also be asked about her responsibility... So, each one of you is responsible, and every person will be questioned about their responsibility."
Therefore, Muslims! Be aware of this responsibility and make your wives, sisters, and daughters adhere to those Islamic teachings which have been legislated for their protection. And these are:
01. Stability in the homes
One of the important rules that Allah Almighty has prescribed for the women of Islam is that they should stay in their homes and not go outside without a necessary need.
Allah Almighty says: ﴿ وَقَرْنَ فِیْ بُیُوْتِکُنَّ ۔۔۔۔﴾
Reference: (Al-Ahzab 33:33)
"…and stay in your houses."
From this verse, it is understood that the sphere of a woman's activity is within the four walls of her home. This is why she is exempted from important acts of worship such as congregational prayer in the mosque, Friday prayer, and jihad. She is also prohibited from traveling alone; even for performing the important divine duty of Hajj to the House of Allah, she is only permitted to travel if her husband or a mahram accompanies her. This proves that fundamentally, a woman's place of residence is her home, and leaving the home without a necessary need is not appropriate for her.
And the Noble Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said: (( اَلْمَرْأَۃُ عَوْرَۃٌ ، فَإِذَاخَرَجَتِ اسْتَشْرَفَہَا الشَّیْطَانُ ، وَأَقْرَبُ مَا تَکُوْنُ مِنْ رَحْمَۃِ رَبِّہَا وَہِیَ فِیْ قَعْرِ بَیْتِہَا ))
Reference: (Ibn Hibban: 413/12: 5599, authenticated by Al-Arna'oot, and the first part was narrated by Al-Tirmidhi: 1773, authenticated by Sheikh Al-Albani in Al-Mishkat: 3109)
"A woman is a private thing (to be concealed). Therefore, when she leaves the house, Satan waits for her. And she is closest to the mercy of her Lord when she is inside her home."
Since the home is the true abode of a woman, Allah Almighty has commanded to seek permission before entering anyone's house so that the honor and sanctity of homes remain protected and doubts and suspicions do not arise. In fact, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, permitted gouging out the eye of a person who looks into someone's house without permission. From this, one can understand how important the protection of the sanctity of the home and its privacy is in the sight of Allah Almighty!
And the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, has deemed the prayer performed by a woman inside her home as superior.
Accordingly, when Hazrat Umm Humayd, may Allah be pleased with her, expressed her desire to pray with the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, in the (Prophet's Mosque), he said: "I know that you like to pray with me, but it is better for you to pray at home."
After that, Hazrat Umm Humayd, may Allah be pleased with her, made a prayer place for herself in a very dark corner of the inner room of her house. Then she continued to pray there all her life.
Reference: (Ahmad:371/6, Ibn Hibban:596/5:2217, Al-Albani in Sahih al-Targhib: Hasan Lighayrih)
So this is clear evidence that the well-being of a woman lies in staying inside her home and not going out without any necessary need.
02. Mixing of men and women is forbidden
Nowadays, those claiming to protect "women's rights" are misleadingly propagating that women should walk alongside men and should not lag behind men in any field! However, this invitation is equivalent to pushing women towards destruction because the real purpose behind these claimants is not the progress of women, but rather to make it easier for men to prey on women, so that anyone can trap a woman in their snare of deception whenever, wherever, and whoever they want, and tear apart her honor, as is sadly happening these days.
Our sisters should remember that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, declared women to be the greatest trial for men. And the Prophet, peace be upon him, said that when a man is alone with a strange woman, there is a third presence with them, which is Satan. Therefore, the mixing of women and men is a cause of trial for both men and women. This endangers the faith and belief of both. This is why Allah Almighty and the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, have closed all doors that lead to the mixing of men and women. For example:
➊ Allah Almighty has forbidden a woman from speaking in a low and soft voice to a non-mahram man so that no person with a diseased heart may express suspicion or doubt about her. Therefore, if even speaking in a soft tone is not permitted, how can the mixing of men and women be considered correct!
Reference: (الأحزاب33 :32)
Reference:
➋ Allah Almighty has commanded believing men to lower their gaze from unrelated women, and similarly, believing women to lower their gaze from unrelated men.
➋ Allah Almighty has commanded believing men to lower their gaze from unrelated women, and similarly, believing women to lower their gaze from unrelated men.
Reference: (An-Nur 24:31-30)
And the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, has declared looking at non-mahram women as the zina of the eyes. His noble saying is:
"The zina of the eyes is looking, the zina of the ears is listening, the zina of the tongue is talking, the zina of the hands is touching, and the zina of the feet is walking (towards sin)."
Reference: (Muttafaqun Alayh)
Therefore, when it is forbidden for non-mahram men and women to look at each other, how can their mingling and roaming together be permissible!
➌ When the women who prayed behind the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, would start to return to their homes, he would command them:
(( اِسْتَأْخِرْنَ فَإِنَّہُ لَیْسَ لَکُنَّ أَنْ تَحْقُقْنَ الطَّرِیْقَ ( وَسَطَہَا ) عَلَیْکُنَّ بِحَافَاتِ الطَّرِیْقِ)) فَکَانَتِ الْمَرْأَۃُ تَلْصَقُ بِالْجِدَارِ حَتّٰی إِنَّ ثَوْبَہَا لَیَتَعَلَّقُ بِالْجِدَارِ مِنْ لُصُوْقِہَا
Reference: (Sunan Abi Dawood: 5272 and authenticated by Sheikh Al-Albani in As-Sahihah: 856)
"Step aside because it is not permissible for you to walk in the middle of the path. It is obligatory upon you to walk along the edges of the path." Upon this, the women would walk close to the wall so much so that their veils (with which they observed hijab) would touch the walls.
So you can imagine that when the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, advised women returning to their homes after prayer to keep away from the men's path, how can the mixing of men and women generally be considered proper!
➍ It is narrated from Hazrat Uqbah bin Amir Al-Juhani, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:
"Avoid going near (non-mahram) women." Then an Ansari said: O Messenger of Allah! What do you say about 'Al-Hamu,' meaning the husband's brother (brother-in-law)? The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "The brother-in-law is death."
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari, An-Nikah, Chapter: A man should not be alone with a woman: 5232, Muslim, Al-Adab: 2083)
Reflect on this hadith that when a brother-in-law (husband's brother) is considered death for his sister-in-law, then how dangerous can the mixing of ordinary men and women be!
➎ It is narrated from Hazrat Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
(( لَا یَخْلُوَنَّ رَجُلٌ بِامْرَأَۃٍ إِلَّا وَمَعَہَا ذُوْ مَحْرَمٍ،وَلَا تُسَافِرِ الْمَرْأَۃُ إِلَّا مَعَ ذِیْ مَحْرَمٍ ))
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hajj, Chapter: Women’s Hajj: 2862, Sahih Muslim, Hajj: 1341)
"No man should be alone with a woman except when there is a mahram (unmarriageable kin) with him. Likewise, no woman should travel without a mahram."
Upon hearing this, a man stood up and said: O Messenger of Allah! My wife has set out for Hajj and my name has been registered for such and such a battle. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Go and perform Hajj with your wife."
These arguments are sufficient proof that the mixing of men and women is absolutely not permissible. Therefore, Muslim women should not fall into the deception of Westernized people and should humble themselves before these clear evidences of the Quran and Hadith.
03. Unveiling is forbidden
It is forbidden for women to leave their homes adorned and unveiled. After commanding women to stay inside their homes, Allah Almighty said:
﴿ وَلاَ تَبَرَّجْنَ تَبَرُّجَ الْجَاہِلِیَّۃِ الْأُوْلیٰ ۔۔۔۔﴾
Reference: (Al-Ahzab 33:33
"Do not display your beauty as was displayed in the former times of ignorance."
Meaning, if you have to go out of your homes due to some necessity, do not go out in the manner in which the women of the age of ignorance used to display their adornment, but rather go out fully veiled and without applying perfume. This verse forbids tibr (display of adornment) and by this is meant that...
➊ A woman should not appear unveiled before non-mahram men.
➋ And she should not wear semi-naked clothing that reveals any part of her adornment or ornaments in front of them.
➌ And she should not walk in a swaying manner that arouses men's sexual desire.
➍ And she should not speak to non-mahram men in a soft and low voice that creates evil thoughts in their hearts.
➎ And she should not shake hands with non-mahram men and should avoid mixing with them.
All these situations are included in the display of beauty (tabarruj) which Allah Almighty has forbidden for believing women and has considered it an act of ignorance (jahiliyyah).
Similarly, Allah Almighty's command is:
﴿ وَالْقَوَاعِدُ مِنَ النِّسَائِ اللاَّتِیْ لَا یَرْجُوْنَ نِکَاحًا فَلَیْسَ عَلَیْہِنَّ جُنَاحٌ أَنْ یَّضَعْنَ ثِیَابَہُنَّ غَیْرَ مُتَبَرِّجَاتٍ بِزِیْنَۃٍ وَأَنْ یَسْتَعْفِفْنَ خَیْرٌ لَّہُنَّ﴾
Reference: (An-Nur 24:60)
"And it is no sin for elderly women who no longer expect marriage to remove their outer garments, provided they do not display their adornment. And it is better for them to be modest."
In this verse, Allah Almighty has permitted elderly women to remove their outer garments or veils in front of non-mahram men, but on the condition that their adornment is not apparent. This proves that if their adornment is visible, then they are not allowed to remove their outer garments or veils. That is why Allah Almighty immediately stated that if they refrain from even this, meaning if they do not remove their veils, it is better for them. Therefore, when elderly women are not allowed to display their adornment and it is better for them to wear a veil, how can young women be permitted to move about without covering, wearing perfume, and fully made up!
And the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, gave a stern warning to women who display their adornment in these words:
"I have not seen two types of sinners. One is those who will have whips like the tails of cows with which they will drive people. And the other is those women who will wear such clothing as if they were naked. They will attract people's hearts towards themselves and walk with arrogance swaying. Their heads will be bent to one side like the humps of camels. Such women will not enter Paradise nor will they smell its fragrance, although its fragrance will be perceived from a great distance."
Reference: (Sahih Muslim, The Paradise, Chapter: The Fire Entered by the Arrogant: 2128)
Similarly, the noble saying of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ is:
(( أَیُّمَا امْرَأَۃٍ اِسْتَعْطَرَتْ فَمَرَّتْ بِالْقَوْمِ لِیَجِدُوْا رِیْحَہَا فَہِیَ زَانِیَۃٌ ))
Reference: (Sunan Abi Dawood, Chapter on Women’s Fragrance: 4167, Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Chapter on Dislike of Women Going Out Perfumed: 2937, Sunan al-Nasa’i, Chapter on What is Disliked for Women Regarding Fragrance: 5126)
"Any woman who applies perfume and passes by people so that they may smell her fragrance is a sinful woman."
From these two hadiths, it is understood that displaying adornment and going out of the house without covering is a major sin.
04. Observing Hijab is obligatory
It is obligatory for Muslim women to cover their entire body, and the evidence for this obligation is present in the Quran and Hadith. However, Westernized people consider the veil to be a form of backwardness and claim that while the veil was appropriate in the early days of Islam, it is no longer feasible now! Whereas all the Imams of the religion, esteemed scholars, and Mujtahids of the Ummah agree that the commands of the Quran and Sunnah remain valid until the Day of Judgment after the passing of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Just as the prophethood of the Prophet ﷺ is for the people until the Day of Judgment, similarly, his Shariah is also for the people until the Day of Judgment, and there can be no alteration or change in it.
It is also noteworthy that after the command of the obligation of the veil was revealed, all Muslim women adhered to this command. Consequently, they did not leave their homes without necessity, and when they did go out due to some need, they went out fully veiled. This practice of Muslim women continued during the era of the Companions of the Prophet ﷺ and then during the era of the Tabi‘in (may Allah have mercy on them). These are the very times which the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself testified to as the best of times.
Even after that, this blessed practice was never discontinued until the 14th century Hijri when the Islamic Caliphate ended, and the Muslim Ummah, regrettably, became divided into small countries. The spread of Western thoughts began, and many Muslim women bid farewell to the veil. Gradually, in most Islamic countries, immodesty and nudity replaced modesty and honor.
Therefore, the veil is not an invention of contemporary scholars but was present in the best centuries of Islam and continued for many centuries thereafter. Hence, labeling it as backwardness or superstition is a great misunderstanding that must be rectified.
Brothers of Islam! Now listen to clear evidence regarding the obligation of hijab so that you understand that hijab is a proven command from the Quran and Hadith. Allah and His Messenger ﷺ have made the Muslim women bound to it, and this has been the way and practice of pure and chaste women.
➊ Allah Almighty says:
﴿وَإِذَا سَأَلْتُمُوْہُنَّ مَتَاعًا فَاسْئَلُوْہُنَّ مِنْ وَّرَائِ حِجَابٍ ذَلِکُمْ أَطْہَرُ لِقُلُوْبِکُمْ وَقُلُوْبِہِنَّ﴾
Reference: (الأحزاب33 :53)
"And when you ask them for something, ask them from behind a curtain. That is purer for your hearts and their hearts."
This verse is known as "Ayat al-Hijab," meaning "the verse of the veil," because it was the first verse regarding the obligation of the veil, and it was revealed in the month of Dhu al-Qi'dah in 5 AH. Regarding its occasion of revelation, Hazrat Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that Hazrat Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) requested the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him): O Messenger of Allah! People of all kinds, good and bad, come to you, so it would be better if you order the Mothers of the Believers (may Allah be pleased with them) to observe the veil. In response, Allah Almighty revealed this verse.
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari:4790)
Although this verse was revealed regarding the Mothers of the Believers, may Allah be pleased with them, the command of hijab (covering) is for all Muslim women and remains so. Similarly, it will continue to be so because after the revelation of this verse, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, commanded his purified wives, may Allah be pleased with them, to observe hijab, and all the noble companions, may Allah be pleased with them, also instructed their women to follow this practice. The wisdom mentioned in this verse for observing hijab, that it is complete purity for your hearts and theirs, is the proof that the command of hijab in the verse is general and includes all Muslim women. Because if the hearts of pure women like the Mothers of the Believers, may Allah be pleased with them, remain pure by observing hijab, then it is even more necessary for other women to follow it so that purity may also come to their hearts.
➋ Allah Almighty says:
﴿یَا أَیُّہَا النَّبِیُّ قُلْ لِأَزْوَاجِکَ وَبَنَاتِکَ وَنِسَائِ الْمُؤْمِنِیْنَ یُدْنِیْنَ عَلَیْہِنَّ مِنْ جَلاَبِیْبِہِنَّ ذٰلِکَ أَدْنیٰ أَنْ یُّعْرَفْنَ فَلاَ یُؤْذَیْنَ ﴾
Reference: (الأحزاب33 :59)
"O Prophet! Tell your wives, your daughters, and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks over themselves. This will make them easily identifiable, and they will not be harassed."
In this verse, Allah Almighty commands the purified wives of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, his daughters, and all Muslim women to cover themselves completely from head to foot with a large cloak. The wisdom behind this is explained as making their identity clear, showing that they are honorable and modest women from noble families. Therefore, no one will dare to harass them. From this verse, it is understood that covering is a sign of honor and modesty, while uncovering is a sign of immodesty.
Similarly, this verse also serves as evidence that covering the entire body, including the face, is obligatory because in the Arabic language, (Jilbab) refers to an open cloak that covers the entire body, and this is exactly the meaning that the Mothers of the Believers, may Allah be pleased with them, and the female Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, derived from this verse. Accordingly, Hazrat Umm Salamah, may Allah be pleased with her, said:
"When this verse was revealed, the women of Ansar used to come out of their homes with veils in such a way that it seemed as if crows were sitting on their heads, and they wore black cloaks."
Reference: (Musannaf Abdul Razzaq)
And Hazrat Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, used to say:
"May Allah have mercy on the women of Ansar. When this verse was revealed, they tore their cloaks and covered their faces with them, and they would pray behind the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, in such a dignified manner as if crows were sitting on their heads."
Reference: (Ibn Mardawayh)
Similarly, this verse also serves as evidence that the command of observing hijab is for all Muslim women, not just the Mothers of the Believers (may Allah be pleased with them), because in it Allah Almighty has commanded the Prophet (peace be upon him) that wherever he orders his wives and daughters to observe hijab, he should also order all other believing women to do so.
➌ Allah Almighty says: ﴿وَقُلْ لِّلْمُؤْمِنَاتِ یَغْضُضْنَ مِنْ أَبْصَارِہِنَّ وَیَحْفَظْنَ فُرُوْجَہُنَّ وَلَا یُبْدِیْنَ زِیْنَتَہُنَّ إِلَّا مَا ظَہَرَ مِنْہَا وَلْیَضْرِبْنَ بِخُمُرِہِنَّ عَلیٰ جُیُوْبِہِنَّ وَلَا یُبْدِیْنَ زِیْنَتَہُنَّ إِلَّا لِبُعُوْلَتِہِنَّ أَوْ آبَائِہِنَّ أَوْ آبَائِ بُعُوْلَتِہِنَّ أَوْ أَبْنَائِہِنَّ أَوْ أَبْنَائِ بُعُوْلَتِہِنَّ أَوْ إِخْوَانِہِنَّ أَوْ بَنِیْ إِخْوَانِہِنَّ أَوْ بَنِیْ أَخَوَاتِہِنَّ أَوْ نِسَائِہِنَّ أَوْ مَا مَلَکَتْ أَیْمَانُہُنَّ أَوِ التَّابِعِیْنَ غَیْرِ أُوْلِی الْإِرْبَۃِ مِنَ الرِّجَالِ أَوِ الطِّفْلِ الَّذِیْنَ لَمْ یَظْہَرُوْا عَلیٰ عَوْرَاتِ النِّسَائِ وَلَا یَضْرِبْنَ بِأَرْجُلِہِنَّ لِیُعْلَمَ مَا یُخْفِیْنَ مِنْ زِیْنَتِہِنَّ﴾
Reference: (An-Nur 24:31)
"Tell the believing women to lower their gaze, protect their chastity, and not to display their adornment except what is apparent, and to draw their veils over their bosoms, and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husbands' fathers, or their sons, or their husbands' sons, or their brothers, or their brothers' sons, or their sisters' sons, or their women, or their slaves, or male attendants who lack vigor, 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."
Several points in this verse are extremely noteworthy:
➊ Allah Almighty has commanded believing women to protect their honor. And this is not possible without hijab because when there is no hijab, men will be attracted to the unveiled woman, eyes will meet, and the result will be the dishonor of the woman. In this way, wearing hijab protects honor, and immodesty cannot achieve this.
➋ Allah Almighty has forbidden women from displaying their adornment (makeup and decoration) except for that which naturally or inevitably appears. This proves that wearing hijab is obligatory for women because it is not possible to hide adornment without hijab. Similarly, this verse also provides evidence that covering the face is necessary because the face is the greatest manifestation of beauty and adornment, so it must be concealed.
➌ In this verse, Allah Almighty has commanded women to draw their veils over their bosoms. That is, to properly cover their heads, faces, necks, and chests.
And Hazrat Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) used to say: (( یَرْحَمُ اللّٰہُ نِسَائَ الْمُہَاجِرَاتِ الْأُوَل، لَمَّا أَنْزَلَ اللّٰہُ﴿وَلْیَضْرِبْنَ بِخُمُرِہِنَّ عَلیٰ جُیُوْبِہِنَّ﴾شَقَّقْنَ مُرُوطَہُنَّ فَاخْتَمَرْنَ بِہَا))
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari, Tafsir al-Quran, chapter on the verse (وَلْیَضْرِبْنَ بِخُمُرِهِنَّ..) :4758)
"May Allah have mercy on the women of the early emigrants; when Allah Almighty revealed this verse, they tore their shawls and covered their faces."
And Ibn Abi Hatim narrated from Hazrat Safiya (may Allah be pleased with her), who said that we mentioned the virtue of Qurayshi women in front of Hazrat Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), and she said: Yes, it is true that Qurayshi women are virtuous, but I have not seen women more virtuous than the Ansari women. They are the ones who most confirmed the Book of Allah and had the strongest faith in it. Thus, when the command was revealed in Surah An-Nur (وَلْیَضْرِبْنَ بِخُمُرِہِنَّ عَلَی جُیُوبِہِنَّ ) meaning that they should draw their veils over their bosoms, their men recited this command to them. So, when they went to pray in the morning, they went with their veils arranged in such a way that it looked as if crows were sitting on their heads.
Reference: (Fath al-Bari:490/8)
From this, it is understood that these women of Islam immediately implemented the command of Allah and did not resort to any excuse or pretext in its compliance. If only the women of today would also demonstrate the same spirit of obedience and submission.
➍ Allah Almighty has also forbidden women from walking with a dragging gait so that their hidden adornments are not revealed. From this, it is understood that displaying one's beautiful clothing, wearing jewelry, applying heavy makeup, and showcasing one's beauty to non-mahram men is all prohibited for women.
Dear listeners! After hearing the arguments for the obligation of hijab from the Holy Quran, now let us also listen to the evidence from the Prophetic Hadith:
04. The Fourth Evidence for the Obligation of Hijab
It is narrated by Hazrat Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) who said:
(کَانَ الرُّکْبَانُ یَمُرُّوْنَ بِنَا وَنَحْنُ مَعَ رَسُوْلِ اللّٰہِ صلي الله عليه وسلم مُحْرِمَاتٌ،فَإِذَا حَاذَوْا بِنَا سَدَلَتْ إِحْدَانَا جِلْبَابَہَا مِنْ رَأْسِہَا عَلٰی وَجْہِہَا،فَإِذَا جَاوَزُوْنَا کَشَفْنَاہُ)
Reference: (Sunan Abi Dawood:1833, Sunan Ibn Majah:2935, declared weak by Al-Albani but supported by the hadith of Asma and Fatimah)
"We were with the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) in the state of Ihram, and when men would come in front of us, each woman among us would draw her open cloak over her face from her head, and when they passed by, we would remove our cloaks."
This hadith provides clear evidence of the obligation of hijab because if hijab was obligatory, then only would those chaste women cover their faces in the state of Ihram when appearing before non-mahram men. From this, it can also be inferred how strictly they must have observed hijab during other times!
Moreover, it also proves that covering the face is mandatory because when it is not permissible to keep the face uncovered before non-mahram men in the state of Ihram, how can it be considered permissible to keep the face uncovered in any other state!
No one can claim that only the Mothers of the Believers, may Allah be pleased with them, used to do this because they were commanded to observe hijab, as the other female Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, also used to do the same. As narrated from Hazrat Asma bint Abi Bakr, may Allah be pleased with her, "We used to cover our faces from non-mahram men."
Reference: (Ibn Khuzaymah, Al-Hakim: Sahih ala Shart al-Shaykhin)
05. Statement of Hazrat Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, in the Incident of Ifk
"Safwan used to see me before the command of hijab was revealed. When he recognized me, he started reciting إِنَّا لِلّٰہِ وَإِنَّا إِلَیْہِ رَاجِعُوْنَ. Upon this, I woke up and immediately covered my face with my veil."
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
06. Narration from Hazrat Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her
(کُنَّ نِسَائُ الْمُؤْمِنَاتِ یَشْہَدْنَ مَعَ رَسُولِ اللّٰہِ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم صَلَاۃَ الْفَجْرِ مُتَلَفِّعَاتٍ بِمُرُوطِہِنَّ ثُمَّ یَنْقَلِبْنَ إِلٰی بُیُوْتِہِنَّ حِیْنَ یَقْضِیْنَ الصَّلاۃَ ، لَا یَعْرِفُہُنَّ أَحَدٌ مِنَ الْغَلَسِ )
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari:578 and Sahih Muslim:645)
"Believing women used to perform the Fajr prayer wrapped in their cloaks behind the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. Then after the prayer was finished, when they returned to their homes, due to the darkness, no one could recognize them."
This hadith is also evidence that observing hijab is obligatory for all Muslim women, and this has been the practice of chaste women since the early days of Islam.
07. Narration from Hazrat Umm Atiyyah (RA)
When the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) ordered all women to come to the Eidgah, some women said: What if one of us does not have a chador (veil)? What should she do? The Prophet (PBUH) said:
(( لِتُلْبِسْہَا أُخْتُہَا مِنْ جِلْبَابِہَا ))
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari: 324, Sahih Muslim: 890)
"Her sister should give her her chador to wear."
From this hadith, it is proven that all women during the time of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to cover their entire bodies including their faces, and it is also established that it is not permissible for any woman to go outside without a veil because if it were permissible to go out without a veil, the Prophet ﷺ would have at least allowed those women who did not have sheets to cover themselves. Therefore, the command of the Prophet ﷺ that if a woman does not have a sheet, her sister should provide her with one is evidence that it is forbidden for a woman to go outside without a veil.
08. Narration from Hazrat Ibn Umar (RA)
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
(( مَنْ جَرَّ ثَوبَہُ خُیَلَائَ لَمْ یَنْظُرِ اللّٰہُ إِلَیْہِ یَوْمَ الْقِیَامَۃِ ))
"Whoever drags his garment out of pride, Allah will not look at him on the Day of Resurrection."
Upon hearing this, Hazrat Umm Salamah (RA) said: ( فَکَیْفَ یَصْنَعْنَ النِّسَائُ بِذُیُوْلِہِنَّ )
What should women do with the edges of their veils? You, peace be upon you, said: ( یُرْخِیْنَ شِبْرًا) "Let them hang down to a span." Then Umm Salamah, may Allah be pleased with her, said: (( إِذًا تَنْکَشِفُ أَقْدَامُہُنَّ)) "Then the feet will be exposed." So you, peace be upon you, said: ( فَیُرْخِیْنَہُ ذِرَاعًا لَا یَزِدْنَ عَلَیْہِ ) "Let them hang down to a hand's length, no more than that."
Reference: (Sunan al-Tirmidhi:1731: Hasan Sahih. Verified by Al-Albani)
Reflect a little on this hadith about how modest women of that time took care to cover their entire body so much that they did not tolerate exposing even their feet, whereas women of this era roam around with their legs bare not only up to the feet but even up to the calves and knees, without any awareness that they are disobeying Allah and His Messenger, peace be upon him.
May Allah guide all Muslim women and grant them the ability to follow Islamic teachings. Ameen.
Brothers in Islam! The arguments for the obligation of purdah that we have mentioned so far, if you have listened to these arguments carefully, now ask your conscience whether it is still permissible for any woman to go outside the house without purdah? To display her clothing, jewelry, and adornments in front of non-mahram men and invite their gaze? After knowing these arguments, can it be right for any guardian or parents to allow their wife, daughter, or sister to go outside the house without purdah? After knowing these clear teachings of the Quran and Hadith, does it not become necessary for the women of Islam to immediately submit and begin to observe purdah? And is it not necessary for parents to make their daughters observe purdah from the beginning so that they continue to observe it when they grow up?
We appeal to our zealous brothers and respectable mothers and sisters to fear Allah Almighty and collectively confront the misleading thoughts of the West, and to crown their wives, daughters, and sisters with chastity and purity, protecting them from immodesty, mixing, and nudity. May Allah Almighty protect us all and grant us the ability to follow His commands. Ameen Thumma Ameen
