Excuse No.1 for not Wearing Hijab
Author: Dr. Huwayda Ismaeel
Excuse One: I’m not yet convinced (of the necessity) of hijaab
We then ask this sister two questions:
One: Is she truly convinced of the correctness of the religion of Islam?
The natural answer is: Yes, she is convinced for she responds “La ilaha illallah!” (There is no god but Allah), meaning she is convinced of the aqidah, and then she says: “Muhammadur rasulullah!” (Muhammad [sallallahu alayhi wa sallam is the Messenger of Allah), meaning by that that she is convinced of its legislation or law (shar?'ah). Therefore, she is convinced of Islam as a belief system and a law by which one governs and rules their life.
Two: Is the hijab then a part of Islamic Law (shari'ah) and an obligation?
If this sister is honest and sincere in her intention and has looked into the issue as one who truly wants to know the truth her answer could only be: Yes. For Allah ta'ala, Whose deity (Ulahiyyah) she believes in has commanded wearing hijab in His Book (Al-Qur'an) and the Noble Prophet ('alaihi salat wa salam) whose message she believes in has commanded wearing the hijab in his sunnah.
What do we call a person who says they believe in and are content with the correctness of Islam but who nonetheless does not do what Allah or His Messenger have ordered? Certainly they can in no way be described as those whom Allah speaks of in this ayah:
The only saying of the faithful believers when they are called to Allah and His Messenger to judge between them is that they say 'we hear and obey' and such are the successful.
[Soorah An-Noor 24:51]
In summary: If this sister is convinced of Islam, how then can she not be convinced of its orders?
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Dear admin,
first off, excellent site mashALLAH. Great design and pretty decent organization. Wondering if you are a designer or you got this designed???
secondly, the first comment on this post, this Karen person that you so innocently thanked, is a spam comment! there is no Karen, she was not looking for hijab as such; This is a comment generated by a spam bot that uses generic lines like the one used here and then uses this to linnk to stupid link sites that link to everywhere else so that they can have a ‘well-linked’ page so that Google can give their desired page a better rank so that they can spam some more so that, so that, so that… it goes on and on and on… welcome to the heinous and frustratin world of spamming, admin. :). Take this from a seasons ‘victim’ of spamming :)…
and thirdly, and most importantly, what you have said in this post on Hijab. I dont know, maybe you do know of this, maybe you don’t, but I am telling you this in good faith, and nothing but….
The Mighty Quran mentions Hijab is Surah Noor and Surah Ahzaab. And when I say hijab, I mean the broader sense of it, the hijab that is first percribed for men (gaze lowered, modest guarded etc etc) and then for women. What I have read in your post is an opinion, my friend, an opinion that you have formed on someone else’s opinion on Islam which she learned from someone else’s opinion! The thing about opinions is that they get tainted along the way and one needs to refresh oneself time and again to not lose sight of the REAL OBJECTIVE: To Please God/Allah, period. I hope you agree to this part of pleasing ALLAH alone and not one’s own inclinations, one’s own traditions and one’s own cirumstantial brought up. ARMED with such a wonderful attitude, I think it become very easy to firstly digest so many varying opinions and then wieght them in a better light; the light provided by the Quran and Sunnah.
Now, there are three scholars that I am going to mention here. I call them scholars because I have been following all three of them, although in a very ‘fractured’ way, but nonetheless, I understand and relate to what they say. And they are not scholars because I think they are, they are scholars not because they were sent to ‘madarassa’ when they were children, they are scholars because they OPTED to learn and teach religion instead of pursuing some ‘materialistic’ endeavor (nothing wrong with that at all of course) such as doctory, engineering or any other profession. These three scholars, well respected in almost any society and academic circles, are (1) Dr. Israr Ahmad, (2) Dr. Zakir Naik and (3) Javed Ghamidi.
Dr. Israr, after teaching the Quran for 40 years and devoting his entire life, youth and now old-age as well, in teaching and learning and teaching and learning the mighty religion, after gaining so much credibility says about hijab that it is ‘farz’ for a Muslim lady to cover every part of the body EXCEPT one eye. That is the level of ‘niqaab’ that he understands after referencing unbelievably strong material in the form of Quranic exegis and the study of the Sunnah/Ahadees.
Dr. Zakir Naik, again is undisputed in terms of knowledge and logical deductions. He has the best feathers to decorate his cap; he has converted, to the best of my limited knowledge, more than 90,000 non-believers to believers/Muslims. JazakAllah, SubhaanAllah and Alhumdulillah! What a great acheivement. He says that no, niqab is not obligatory at all, the view Dr. Israr suppots, but says that hijaab (covering of hair) is obligatory. And then there is Javed Ghamidi, once a member of the then academic-only Jamiat-e-Islami in Pakistan, a great hard-worker who has, like Dr. Zakir and Dr. Israr, established organizations that has been publishing great material on Islam since God-knows-when. He says that no, not even covering of the head/hair is compulsory, but that is only a Muslim tradition in majority areas. According to this greatly respected Scholar, the two separately occuring instances of hijaab (one in Surah Noor, the other in Surah Ahzaab) are for different people i.e. one order, the one that, in exegis, makes it compulsory for women to wear head-scarf, is only for the wives of the prophet (PBUH) and only them, not for any other female, just like some orders in the Quran are only for the Prophet (PBUH) and NOT for every other Muslim. The other order, the more ‘generic’ order is for the masses and that does not obligate, again in exegis, any head-scarf.
Admin, I understand that this is a ‘bloody long comment’, but I hope you understand what I am trying to get across… people hold ‘opinions’ based on what they consider to be ‘facts’, they are not necessarily wrong and not necessarily right. If one chooses to follow one ‘opinion’, one should be well aware that the other person reserves the full right to follow some other opinion and STILL not be called a wrong-doer by you or anyone else for that matter.
I hope, sincerely I do, that you get the ‘jist’ of what I am trying to say. There probably are ‘technical’ mistakes in the above heckofalong comment, but all in good faith mon ami, all in good faith :)
peace and God Bless
Again, excellentoo job at the blog… !
M.
Asalam-o-Alaikum,
Brother momekh i would just like to say a few things related to your comment. You also based your “opinion” on the (or because of the) “opinion” of javed ahmed ghamidi. I dont see any Quranic verse of Sahih hadith in your comment. The only reason you find “Hijab” to be a matter of “opinion” is because ghamidi said so. Now my next point is “what reference ghamidi quoted for HIS OPINION?”. The reply is simple brother ‘None’. Brother if some scholar is coming on media and gaining attention that doesnt mean he is a “respectable scholar” or “even a scholar”. Just knowing arabic and quoting from Quran + Hadith doesnt make you a scholar. About ghamidi sahab, he and his group is merely an extension to ahmedi’s and Qayadianis with a little improvement. He is just trying to westernize islam (Dr. israr said this sentence OPENLY in his recent lecture in india on behalf or IRF platform). I will quote a few examples here ..
1) West is against 4 marriages. Ghamidi said thats it “conditional in islam to have more then one wife”. For the life of me do tell me where that “condition is mentioned” because like usual ghamidi “forgot” to quote the reference.
2) He declared Music Halal which is directly against Hadith. But hey wait a minute. He dont believe in Hadith at all. I forgot to mention that he is “Munker-e-Hadees”.
3) Halal haram can only be based upon Quran. What the hell happened to Hadith now?. Mind you, ahmedis and Qadiyanis hold the same view.
4) Second coming of Prophet Jesus (pbuh) is a myth even if there are “70+ Hadith on this matter”. He simply DENIES Hadith. Again i would like to mentioned that Qadiyani and Ahmadis hold this opinion.
5) No concept of Hijab in Islam (why i smell western touch here?). All the scholars from the past 1500 were piece of crap who said that its “fard” in shariah. (which i will INSHAHALLAH write an article soon on the base of Quran + Hadith. INSHAHALLAH)
6) People can take loan on interest (See how compatible Islam is with the western banking?).
7) No problem with the intermingling of sexes (He is quoting islam here or president musharaf i have no idea).
8) A women can lead mix congregational prayer, no problem with that. Amina wadud did a great job in PROVING to the west the islam is not BACKWARD. (For the life of me do tell me whom are we trying to please. Lord of Muhammad (PBUH) that is ALLAH or Lord of secular scholars that is USA?)
Momekh brother i just gave you a few examples which “I will request you personally to do DETAIL research on all or some of the above mentioned issues and do inform us about your findings and conclusion”.
Brother in Islam and the difference of OPINION is based upon different Interpretation of Quran + Hadith but if someone denies Hadith then his/her opinion is “NOT AN OPINION” because its NOT ISLAM even. Ghamidi and people like him hold no weight in their opinion because they “Deny Hadees” (Munker-e-Hadees).
take care
ALLAH HAFIZ
It’s as sad as it could this brother of ours Sheraz is as ignorant about Mr. Ghamidi as one could be. He is criticising Mr.Ghamidi of not quoting refrences but can anyoe see if he has quoted any refrence from Mr.Ghamidi’s writtings where he has said all those things.
And this Mukaer e Hadees statement it’s even sad to know that how can you say such things when you nothing about a person.
Right now Mr.Ghamidi is the only scholar in Pakistan who delivers
DARS E HADEES live on T.V along with DARS E QUR’AN.
on AJJ T.V
at 12:30PM every Sunday.
And if you read bother to read his books you’ll find them full of refrences from Hadees.
And And The biggest project in his research Institute Al-Mawrid is on Hadees.
I can tell you exactly what Mr.Ghamidi’s opinion is about all these issues. But trust me the problem with whole muslim nation is they base their opinion about speculation and perception not on solid knowledge. I’m surprised these guys don’t even know the name of Ghamidi’s books, they’ve not even seen them once, and just on the basis of mere speculation and propaganda and never endeavor to search for truth.
So i’d ask you Brother Sheraz first quote refrences from Ghamidi’s books or other writtings and then you’ll know all his opinions.
For the time being I am posting a page from Ghamidi’s book. If you bother to read his book you’ll find refernces from Hadees as well. I’m so sorry as it’s a long post but to understand the matter clearly we’ll have to look into it detail
“Social Directive of Islam”
??????? ????? ???????????? ?????? ???????? ?????? ?????? ????? ?????? ????????? ??????????? ???? ??????? ?????? ????????? ????? ??????????? ??????? ?????? ?????????? ??????? ???? ?????????? ???????? ?????? ??????????? ?????? ??????? ?????? ????????? ???????? ??? ????????? ????? ??????????? ???? ??????????????? ????????? ???? ????????????? ???????????? ??????????? ?????? ??????? ?????? ????? ??????? ??????? ????? ??????????? ?????? ??????????????? ?????????? ???? ?????????????? ???????????? ???????????? ????? ????????? ???????????? ?????? ??? ?????? ??????? ?????????????? ????????????? ????? ???????????? ????? ????????? ???????????? ?????? ???????????????? ???? ??????????? ???? ?????? ?????????????? ???? ?????????????? ???? ????????? ?????????????? ???? ?????????????? ???? ????? ?????????????? ???? ????? ?????????????? ???? ????? ?????????????? ???? ???????????? ???? ??? ???????? ?????????????? ???? ????????????? ?????? ??????? ??????????? ???? ?????????? ???? ????????? ????????? ???? ?????????? ????? ????????? ?????????? ????? ?????????? ??????????????? ?????????? ??? ????????? ???? ???????????? ????????? ????? ??????? ???????? ???????? ?????????????? ??????????? ??????????? (24: 27-31)
Believers! Enter not the houses other than your own until you have introduced yourselves and wished peace to those in them. That is best for you that you may be heedful. If you find no one in the house, enter not until permission is given to you. If you are asked to go back, go back, for it is purer for you. Allah has knowledge of all which you do. It is no sin for you to enter non-residential places in which there is benefit for you. And Allah has knowledge of what you reveal and what you conceal. [O Prophet!] tell believing men to restrain their eyes and guard their private parts [if there are women present in these houses]. That is purer for them. And Allah is well aware of what you do. And tell the believing women to restrain their eyes and to guard their private parts and to display of their ornaments only those [which are worn on limbs] which are normally revealed and to draw their coverings over their bosoms. They should not reveal their ornaments to anyone save 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 other women of acquaintance or their slaves or the subservient male servants who are not attracted to women or children who have no awareness of the hidden aspects of women. They should [also] not stamp their feet in order to draw attention to their hidden ornaments. Believers turn to Allah in repentance that you may prosper. (24:27-31
In order to protect the society from moral misconduct and to safeguard the sanctity of personal relationships, the above quoted verses outline the norms and etiquette of gender interaction. They are stated in Su#rah Nu#r with the warning that these norms of social interaction and communal contact must be adhered to in order to maintain the purity of heart and are the most appropriate set of principles in this matter. If people follow these norms, they will obtain the great blessings and favours they entail. However, to obtain these, it is essential that they follow these norms while regarding the Almighty to be all embracing in knowledge and always remain aware of the fact that the Almighty is not only aware of their deeds but also the intentions and motives behind them.
These norms are:
1. If friends, relatives or acquaintances visit one another, they should follow a certain decorum. Suddenly barging into a house without introducing one’s self is improper. The visitor should first of all properly introduce himself by paying salutations to the residents of the house. This will make the residents aware of the visitor, provide them with the opportunity to determine the purpose of his visit and whether it is appropriate for them to let him in. If the visitor hears a reply to his salutations and is given permission, only then should he enter. If there is no one present in the house to give him permission or if someone is present and the visitor is told on his behalf that meeting him is not possible, he should retreat without any feelings of ill-will.
In this regard, while explaining this directive, the Prophet (sws) has directed the visitor to seek permission three times and if he hears no reply even after his third call, he should turn back.68
Similarly, the Prophet (sws) is reported to have said that the permission to enter must not be sought by standing right at the front door of the house and while peeping in because the very reason for seeking permission is that the visitor should not catch a glimpse of the residents.69
2. In case the visited place is non-residential, no formal permission is required. The Qur’a#n uses the words ‘???????? ?????? ???????????’ for such places. They include hotels, rest houses, guest houses, shops, offices and meeting places. A person can enter such places because of some need without seeking permission as per the dictates of this verse.
3. In both types of visited places, if women are present then the divine directive is that both the men and women present should restrain their gazes. The words used for this directive are ‘????????? ???? ?????????????’. If there is modesty in the gazes, and men and women refrain from feasting their eyes on the physical attributes of one another and ogling each other, then no doubt the purport of the directive stands fulfilled. The expression ‘????? ??????’ does not mean that men and women have to constantly stare at the floor while interacting with one another. It means to guard one’s gaze from taking undue liberty and to refrain from staring at one another. If this vigil on the eyes is not kept, then in the words of the Prophet (sws), this would be tantamount to adultery of the eyes. Once a person indulges in it, his sexual organ either fulfills the ultimate objective of what his eyes initiated or is unable to do so.70 It is regarding this first accidental gaze about which the Prophet (sws) has directed the believers to turn away.
Bari#dah (rta) reports that the Prophet (sws) told ‘Ali# (rta): ‘O ‘Ali! One must not follow up one’s first glance by a second one because the first glance shall be forgiven while the second not’.71
Jari#r Ibn ‘Abdulla#h reports that he asked from the Prophet (sws): ‘What if such a glance takes place suddenly?’. The Prophet (sws) replied: ‘Immediately turn it away or lower it’.72
Once during the Prophet’s farewell pilgrimage when a lady from the Khath‘am tribe stopped the Prophet (sws) on his way, Fad@l Ibn ‘Abba#s started to stare at her. When the Prophet (sws) saw him, he caught hold of his face and turned it to the other side.73
4. One must properly cover one’s sexual organs on such occasions of interaction. The expression employed by the Qur’a#n is ‘?????? ?????????’. At various instances in the Qur’a#n, this expression is used to connote ‘abstinence from indulgence in inappropriate sexual activity’. However, it is evident from both the context in which it is used and the way it is used that in the above quoted verses this expression implies that men and women must properly cover their sexual organs. The purpose of the directive is that on occasions of gender intermingling body parts which need to be covered must be covered even more carefully. The primary way to achieve this end is to wear decent clothes. Men and women should wear such clothes which not only hide the ornaments worn but also the sexual organs. Moreover, on such occasions, care should be taken that a person does not expose his sexual organs. This is the very objective of h@ifzu’l-furu#j. The Qur’a#n wants that believing men and women besides restraining their eyes also observe this norm of modesty.
5. It is necessary for women in particular not to display any of their ornaments except before their close relatives, attendants and people of acquaintance. However, exempted from this are ornaments adorned on limbs which are generally never covered: ie, the ornaments worn on the hand, the face and the feet. In the opinion of this writer, the correct meaning of the Qur’a#nic words ‘?????? ??? ?????? ???????’ used to indicate this meaning is the one pointed out by Zamakhshari# in the words:
?????? ??? ?????? ????????? ?? ??????????? ???? ????????? ?? ???????? ?????? ??????????
Except limbs which a person does not cover generally and instinctively and they are always left bare.74
Therefore, barring the ornaments worn on these places, women must hide the ones worn in all other places. So much so that they should not walk by striking their feet in a manner which draws attention to any hidden ornaments they may be wearing. On these very grounds, the Prophet (sws) bade women not to use strong perfumes when they go out.75
Relatives and people of acquaintance before which the above mentioned display of ornaments is not forbidden are:
i. Husband
ii. Father
iii. Father-in-law
For the latter two relations, the word used by the Qur’a#n is ‘????’ (a#ba). This word not only implies the father but also the paternal and maternal uncles and grandfathers. Therefore, a lady can display her ornaments before adults of both her maternal and paternal family and those of her husband’s just as she can before her father and father-in-law.
iv. Sons
v. Sons of the Husband
vi. Brothers
vii. Brothers’ Sons
viii. Sisters’ Sons
The word ‘son’ implies the grand and great grand sons, both maternal and paternal ones. The same implies for the sons of brothers and sisters. In these relations also, the sons of real, step and foster brothers and sisters are understood to be included.
ix. Women of acquaintance and Maids
It is evident from these words that unknown women should be treated the same way as men and a Muslim lady should be very careful in displaying her concealed ornaments before them. The reason is that this can result in both moral and financial afflictions, and in some cases a careless attitude in this regard may invite even graver dangers.x. Slaves
The institution of slavery existed in Arabia in the times of the Prophet Muhammad (sws). The words used in the above quoted verse while referring to this institution are’??? ???????? ??????????????‘ . Some jurists have understood this expression to only mean ‘slave-women’. However, there is no reason for this exception. Writes Ima#m Ami#n Ah@san Is@la#h@i#:
Had only slave-women been implied by this expression then the appropriate words would have been’???? ????????????‘ . A common expression that connotes both slave-men and slave-women would never have been used. Moreover, the verses already mention the category which as, has been explained, includes both women with whom one is generally acquainted as well slave-women and maidservants. After a mention of this category, an independent mention of slave-women is needless.76
xi. People who live in a house as dependents and because of their subservience or owing to any other reason are incapable of feeling any attraction towards women.
xii. Children who are as yet unaware of sexual matters.
6. Since the chest of women is a means of sexual attraction, and there also may be jewelry worn in the neck, they are directed to cover their chests with a cloak. In this way, the neckline shall also be covered as much as possible. If by some other means this purpose is achieved, then this cannot be objected to either. The real objective is that women must not reveal their chest and neckline before men; on the contrary, these should be concealed in a manner that they do not become prominent in any way.
The su#rah also mentions certain other clarifications regarding these norms.
Firstly, slave-men and women and sexually immature children who generally frequent a house are not required to take permission every time they enter private rooms. They are just required to seek permission in three particular times of the day: before the Fajr prayer when the residents are generally in bed, during the nap in the afternoon when they may not be wearing proper clothes and after the ‘Isha# prayer when they go off to bed for sleep. These three periods of time require privacy. If someone suddenly enters a private room in these times, he may see the residents in an inappropriate state. Barring these three times of the day, sexually immature children and slave-men and women can enter the private rooms and other areas of the house without taking any permission. This then cannot be objected to. However, in the above mentioned three times, they must seek permission when they want to enter a private room. Also, children of other houses, once they reach sexual maturity, must seek permission at all times. The fact that they have been frequenting the house ever since their childhood is not reason enough for them to continue with the exception granted to them. Consequently, once they reach this age, they must follow the regulations that pertain to all:
??????????? ????????? ??????? ?????????????????? ????????? ???????? ????????????? ??????????? ???? ?????????? ????????? ???????? ??????? ???????? ???? ?????? ??????? ????????? ??????? ????????? ??????????? ???? ???????????? ?????? ?????? ??????? ?????????? ??????? ????????? ?????? ?????? ?????????? ????? ?????????? ??????? ??????????? ??????????? ?????????? ?????????? ????? ?????? ???????? ????????? ??????? ?????? ????????? ????????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ?????? ???????????? ???????? ????????? ?????????????????? ????? ??????????? ????????? ???? ?????????? ???????? ????????? ??????? ?????? ???????? ????????? ??????? ??????? (24: 58-59)
Believers! let your slave men and women and those who are under age ask your permission on three occasions when they come in to see you: before the Fajr prayer, when you have put off your garments in the heat of noon and after the ‘Isha# prayer. These are the three occasions when none may intrude upon your privacy. At other times, it shall be no offence for you or them, [because you] go around visiting one another. Thus God explains to you His verses and God is all-knowing and wise. And when your children reach the age of puberty, let them still ask your permission as their elders do. Thus God explains to you His verses and God is all-knowing and wise. (24:58-59)
Secondly, the directive of covering the chest and the neckline does not pertain to old women who are no longer of marriageable age on the condition that they their intention is not to display their ornaments. It is not necessary for a woman to cover her chest and neckline in the age in which she generally loses her sexual urge and in which a man feels no attraction for her. So, old women can dispense with the cloth that covers the stipulated area. However, what is more pleasing in the sight of Allah is that even in this age they be careful and not dispense with this garment:
?????????????? ???? ?????????? ????????? ??? ????????? ???????? ???????? ??????????? ??????? ???? ???????? ???????????? ?????? ?????????????? ????????? ?????? ?????????????? ?????? ??????? ????????? ??????? ??????? (60:24)
And it shall be no sin for aged women who have no hope of marriage to discard their cloaks on the condition that they do not display their ornaments. Better if they do not discard them. God hears all and knows all. (24:60)
Thirdly, it is explained in these verses that there is absolutely no harm if people and their relatives who are disabled or impaired in any manner come and visit one another and whether men and women among them eat together or separately in their own houses, of their children’s, of their fathers’, mothers’, brothers’ and sisters’, of their paternal uncles’ and aunts’, maternal uncles’ and aunts’ and of people who are financially dependent on them. Indeed, when they enter such houses they must greet the residents in the prescribed way. The Muslim religious greeting (al-sala#mu alaykum) is in fact a beautiful invocation to the Almighty to strengthen personal relationships. The norms of social interaction that are outlined in these verses are not meant to deprive people of mutual support or to curtail their social freedom. If people show prudence, they can maintain all these relationships even after following these norms. They must not think that these directives are meant to put them through difficulties. The Almighty does not intend to prohibit social interaction in any way:
?????? ????? ?????????? ?????? ????? ????? ??????????? ?????? ????? ????? ?????????? ?????? ????? ????? ??????????? ???? ?????????? ???? ??????????? ???? ??????? ?????????? ???? ??????? ?????????????? ???? ??????? ????????????? ???? ??????? ????????????? ???? ??????? ????????????? ???? ??????? ????????????? ???? ??????? ???????????? ???? ??????? ????????????? ???? ??????? ???????????? ???? ??? ?????????? ??????????? ???? ??????????? ?????? ?????????? ??????? ???? ?????????? ???????? ???? ?????????? ??????? ?????????? ???????? ??????????? ????? ??????????? ????????? ???? ?????? ??????? ??????????? ????????? ???????? ????????? ??????? ?????? ????????? ??????????? ??????????? (61:24)
There is no harm if the blind, the lame, and the sick eat at your table nor if you eat in the houses of your own children, your fathers’, your mothers’, your brothers’ and your sisters’, your paternal uncles’, your paternal aunts’, your maternal uncles’, your maternal aunts’, or your friends’ or of those who are [financially] dependent on you. There is no harm if men and women eat together or apart. [However, this much you should do that] when you enter a house, say ‘peace to you’ – an invocation fixed by God, and let your greeting be devout and kindly. Thus God explains to you His revelations, so that you may grow in wisdom. (24:61)
These are the norms of social interaction in general circumstances. However, in the age of the Prophet (sws) in Madi#nah when some miscreants started teasing and besmearing the characters of Muslim women, the Almighty in Su#rah Ah@za#b bade the wives of the Prophet (sws), his daughters and other Muslim women to draw over them any of the shawls they have when they go out to places which were insecure. Such dressing-up would distinguish them from women of lewd character and they would not be teased on the pretext of being outwardly similar to such women. It is reported in various narratives that when Muslim women in the dark of night or in the dim light of dawn would go out to relieve themselves, these miscreants would get after them and when they would be called to account they would say that they actually thought that they were talking to slave-women77. The Qur’a#n says:
??????????? ????????? ?????????????? ???????????????? ???????? ??? ??????????? ?????? ??????????? ?????????? ????????? ???????? ??????????? ?????????? ???? ????????????? ??????????? ????????? ?????????????? ????????? ??????????? ???? ??????????????? ?????? ??????? ???? ?????????? ????? ?????????? ??????? ??????? ???????? ???????? ?????? ???? ???????? ??????????????? ??????????? ??? ??????????? ?????? ???????????????? ??? ???????????? ??????????????? ?????? ????? ??? ?????????????? ?????? ?????? ???????? ???????????? ????????? ???????? ???????? ??????????? ?????????? (33: 58-61)
And those who harass believing men and believing women unjustifiably shall bear the guilt of slander and a grievous sin. O Prophet! Enjoin your wives, your daughters, and the wives of true believers to draw over them a shawl [they may have when they go out]. That is more proper, so that they may be distinguished [from slave-women] and not be harassed. God is ever forgiving and merciful. If [after these measures also] these hypocrites and those who have the ailment [of jealousy] in their hearts and the scandal mongers of Madi#nah do not desist, We will rouse you against them, and their days in that city will be numbered. Cursed be they; wherever found, they would be seized and put to exemplary death. (33:58-61)
It is evident from the words ‘???? ?????????? ????? ??????????’ and the context in which they are used that the directive mentioned in the preceding verses was not of permanent nature. It was a temporary measure adopted to protect Muslim women from the evil of lecherous people. Owing to similar reasons, the Prophet (sws) also forbade Muslim women from traveling alone on long journeys and from walking on pathways within a crowd of men78. Consequently, if today Muslim women are faced with similar circumstances, they can adopt a similar measure to make themselves distinct from other women.
The su#rah also mentions certain directives that are specific to the Prophet Muhammad (sws) in his capacity of a Messenger of God. They bear no relation to other people; however, since certain scholars have extended their sphere of application to all Muslims, their explanation seems appropriate here.
A deliberation on the contents of the su#rah reveals the fact that when the hypocrites and miscreants mentioned above embarked upon a campaign to scandalize the private lives of the wives of the Prophet (sws) to make the common man averse to them and to damage the moral repute of both Islam and the Muslims, the Almighty took certain measures to curb this evil: First, He gave the noble wives the choice to leave the Prophet (sws) and live the life of common Muslim women enjoying its luxuries and comforts or to once again decide with full awareness to live forever as the wives of the Prophet (sws) in order to obtain the comforts and luxuries of the Hereafter. They were then informed that if they decided to stay with the Prophet (sws), then they must realize that their status as his wives entailed great responsibility. They are not like common women; they are like the mothers of the believers. Therefore, if they remain faithful to Allah and His Prophet (sws) and do righteous deeds with full sincerity, they will earn a two-fold reward. Likewise, they will be worthy of a two-fold punishment in relation to other women if they commit a sin. Their inner purification is beyond doubt; however, the Almighty also wants to morally cleanse them in the eyes of the people so that no one is given a chance to even cast slight aspersions on their characters. This is a requisite of their status and they must adopt certain things in their daily lives to achieve this purity.
Firstly, if they are fearful of the Almighty they should not be kind and affectionate in speech to every person who enters their house. Though in normal circumstances, one must be gentle and kind when he speaks to others, but, in the circumstances they are facing, such an attitude would only embolden the miscreants and the hypocrites around them to take undue advantage of them. Such an attitude of kindness would create in them the expectation of success in their mission – the mission of whispering evil in people’s hearts. So if ever they have to talk to such people they must speak in clear and simple tones so that those among their addressees who intend evil realize that they cannot achieve their objective. The Qur’a#n says:
?????????? ?????????? ????????? ???????? ???? ?????????? ???? ????????????? ????? ?????????? ??????????? ?????????? ??????? ??? ???????? ?????? ???????? ??????? ?????????? (32:33)
Wives of the Prophet, you are not like other women. So, if you fear God, do not be too complaisant in your speech, lest the lecherous-hearted should lust after you. Talk with such people in plain and simple words. (33:32)
Second, they should remain in their homes in order to protect their rank and status. All their attitudes and mannerism should be in accordance with the status that the Almighty has conferred upon them. So if they have to go out to meet some compelling need, they must not go out displaying their ornaments and finery – something which was the way of women of the age of ignorance. Both their status and responsibility entail that they remain in their houses and diligently pray and spend in the way of Allah as much as they can and with full sincerity spend their time in obedience to the Almighty and His Prophet (sws). However, if due to some unavoidable reason they must leave their place, then they should do so in the most befitting of manners exemplifying the culture and tradition of the Muslims and not let any hypocrite to even cast an aspersion on them:
???????? ??? ???????????? ????? ??????????? ????????? ??????????????? ????????? ?????????? ?????????? ???????? ?????????? ?????????? ??????? ??????????? ???????? ??????? ??????? ?????????? ???????? ????????? ?????? ????????? ??????????????? ?????????? (33:33)
And abide still in your homes and do not display your finery as women used to do in the days of ignorance. Attend to your prayers, pay Zaka#h and obey God and His Messenger. O women of this house, the Almighty wants to cleanse you from the filth [these hypocrites want to besmear you with] and to fully purify you. (33:33)
Thirdly, they should try to communicate the verses of the Qur’a#n as well as the beliefs and moral teachings of Islam to people who come and visit them and refrain from other general gossip. It is for this very objective that the Almighty has chosen them. Their purpose of life now is the dissemination of the message of Islam and not indulgence in the luxuries of life:
??????????? ??? ??????? ??? ???????????? ???? ?????? ??????? ????????????? ????? ??????? ????? ???????? ???????? (34:33)
And Communicate [to your visitors] what is taught to you of the verses of God and the wisdom revealed by Him. The Almighty is very discerning and all-knowing. (33:34)
It seems that even after all these measures, the miscreants did not mend their ways. Consequently, the Almighty gave some more directives to Muslims which were to be strictly followed.
Muslims were told that no one should enter the house of the Prophet (sws) unless he was called. If people are invited to have food at the house of the Prophet (sws), they shall come right at the time of food. They shall then disperse immediately afterwards and not keep talking to one another.
The wives of the Prophet (sws) shall be secluded from the Muslims and except for near relatives and women of their acquaintance no one shall come in front of them. Any who wants something from their private places must ask for it from behind a veil.
The wives of the Prophet (sws) shall be the mothers of the believers. Those Hypocrites who have the desire to marry them should know that even after the death of the Prophet (sws) they cannot marry them. They are eternally prohibited for marriage after him. Consequently, every believer should honor and respect them the way he honors and respects his own mother. The Prophet (sws) is greatly distressed by the wrong attitudes of these miscreants. They must know that bothering the Prophet (sws) is not something trivial. A person may fashion out an excuse for his misdemeanor in this world but he would not be successful in justifying it before the Lord of the worlds who is aware of what is in the hearts:
??????????? ????????? ??????? ??? ?????????? ??????? ?????????? ?????? ???? ???????? ?????? ????? ??????? ?????? ?????????? ??????? ???????? ????? ????????? ??????????? ??????? ?????????? ????????????? ????? ??????????????? ????????? ????? ???????? ????? ??????? ?????????? ???????????? ???????? ????????? ??? ?????????? ???? ???????? ??????? ???????????????? ???????? ??????????????? ???? ??????? ??????? ???????? ???????? ????????????? ?????????????? ????? ????? ?????? ???? ???????? ??????? ??????? ????? ???? ?????????? ??????????? ???? ???????? ??????? ????? ???????? ????? ?????? ??????? ???????? ???? ???????? ??????? ???? ????????? ??????? ??????? ????? ??????? ?????? ???????? ??? ??????? ??????????? ??? ??????????? ????? ?????????????? ????? ?????????????? ????? ????????? ?????????????? ????? ????????? ?????????????? ????? ???????????? ????? ??? ???????? ?????????????? ??????????? ??????? ????? ??????? ????? ????? ????? ?????? ???????? (33: 53-55)
Believers! do not enter the houses of the Prophet for a meal without waiting for the proper time, unless you are given leave. But if you are invited, enter and when you have eaten, disperse. Do not engage in familiar talk, for this would distress the Prophet and he would feel shy to bid you go; but of the truth God does not feel shy. If you ask his wives for anything, speak to them from behind a curtain. This is more pure for your hearts and their hearts. You must not speak ill of God’s Messenger, nor shall you ever wed his wives after him; this would surely be a grave offence in the sight of God. Whether you reveal or conceal them, God has knowledge of all things. It shall be no offence for the Prophet’s wives to come before their fathers, their sons, their brothers, their brothers’ sons, their sisters’ sons, their women of acquaintance, or their slave-girls. [O] women [of the household of the Prophet!], have fear of God; surely God observes all things. (33:53-55)
So not only I but Ghamidi sb would also welcome any criticism from anybody, as nobody can claim to be 100% right. But brothers and sisters that criticism should come from solid base of knowledge and not perception and it’s target should be to point mistakes and not to abuse with such religous abuses of Mukar e Hadees.
May Allah Give all of us knowledege to find truth and courage to accept it.
Regards,
Muaaz Ahsan
Dear Momekh,
I will not sit down and preach and try to convince you that what you think is wrong. but the one point that I will argue with you on is when you said “makes it compulsory for women to wear head-scarf, is only for the wives of the prophet (PBUH) and only them, not for any other female,” this is wrong and I have no idea where you got such a thing. the ayah clearly states
“And say to that believing women that they should lower their gaze and gaurd their modesty that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what ordinarily appear draw their veil over their bosom and not display their beauty except to their husbands, fathers…”
So it says say to the believing woman , not say to your wrives. So if one truly is a believing woman then one should gaurd her modesty. The reason hijab helps gaurd modesty is becauyse everyone knows that when a girl walks in the streets wearing butt tight jeans, three fourth sleeve, high heels that draw everyones attenion then wears a scarf on top is not gaurding her modesty. while a girl who’s covered from head to toe is. So if one decides to wear hijab she wears loose fitting clothes and therefore does not shape her body and attract attention.
In conclusion, hijab is obligatory for all beliveing woman, if you truly are a believer you will wear hijab and not think twice about what people think and you will not try to find excuses. They ayah is straight forward and says it was prescribed upon you, and that means when a girl becomes a woman she should start weaing hijab, not when she is ready and when she feels like it.
Dear Momekh,
When you saide and i quote”He says that no, niqab is not obligatory at all” what are saying that Dr zakir naik saide that covering of the hair is not obligatory? If this is so then you must be mistaken.
OK.
one by one now.
@ Sheraz: Your other comments are not even worth of much, but this line of yours “The only reason you find “Hijab” to be a matter of “opinion” is because ghamidi said so.” has totally and completely dissappointed every ounce of my existence. First of all, you hold an opinion as well on hijaab. Perhaps you are naiive enough not to see that, but you do. You have completely lost all senses and I imagine you are very very angry, for these kind of sensory loss is perhaps due to extreme anger…— and it is only because I know you personally and I owe you big time that I have taken back the most of my comment and saved it onto a notepad file to show you maybe sometime later. heh.
@Muaaz Ahsan: I commend you for at least handling Sheraz’s comments much better than I have. I am getting calmer now *breathe in, breathe out* *breathe in, breathe out* :-)
@A Person: the ayat you quoted has nowhere in it that you have to wear ‘headscarf’ /hijaab. The rest of your paragraph is TRUE, i think, and makes sense, yes. But I am trying very hard to stick to references, Quran and Sunnah being the only two. BUT PLEASE, NOTE THIS THAT that I never EVEN said what I believed? Where did ‘A Person’ and “Sheraz’ and even Ayesha Hodrat getting that I believe that hijaab is not compulsaory? It is not about me. It doesnt and wont matter what I opinionate, because my comment is about having an open head and NOT have holes in one head. . I told you THREE views of DIFFERENT scholars in an ATTEMPT to make sister Hodrat perhaps deal with her friends more amicably and with a deeper understanding. Will you guys please stop assuming as if that is what you were born to do…
@MUSTAFA: Oh thank you friend, thankyou. hehehe. You actually asked me a question on what you thought I said before saying anything else. Thankyou. Tauba, these guys!
Anyways, bro Mustafa, you are right. Dr Zakir Naik maintains that covering of head IS obligatory. He also says that Niqaab is NOT obligatory. Niqaab is translated in English as ‘veil’ whereas hijaab is the ‘headscarf’. So, according to Dr. Zakir, Headscarf is a MUST, Veil is not.
And unfortunately, given the three ’scholarly’ views, I seem to be the only one signing off with WAllahuAlam. Those three dont know, I for sure dont, God knows. We can only opinionate. Carefully now.
WAllahuAlam.
GodBless & peace,
M.
ok thank you for making me understand i thought nikaab was covering of the hair
Assalaamu Alaykum
Wow this is really interesting. I was looking to read something like this. What a debate. Allah guides the ones he wants ONLY. We can only try from our side.
May Allah guide us all Insha’allah.
Wa’al Ilmu Indallah
Assalaamu Alaykum