Six criteria for Hijab.
According to Qur’an and Sunnah there are basically six criteria for observing Hijab:
1. Extent: The first criterion is the extent of the body that should be covered. This is different for men and women. .
All the remaining five criteria are the same for men and women.
2. The clothes worn should be loose and should not reveal the figure.
3. The clothes worn should not be transparent such that one can see through them.
4. The clothes worn should not be so glamorous as to attract the opposite sex.
5. The clothes worn should not resemble that of the opposite sex.
6. The clothes worn should not resemble that of the unbelievers i.e. they should not wear clothes
Hijab includes conduct and behavior among other things
Complete ‘Hijab’, besides the six criteria of clothing, also includes the moral conduct, behaviour, attitude and intention of the individual. A person only fulfilling the criteria of ‘Hijab’ of the clothes is observing ‘Hijab’ in a limited sense. ‘Hijab’ of the clothes should be accompanied by ‘Hijab’ of the eyes, ‘Hijab’ of the heart, ‘Hijab’ of thought and ‘Hijab’ of intention. It also includes the way a person walks, the way a person talks, the way he/she behaves, etc.
The hijab is an act of obedience to Allah and to his prophet (pbuh), Allah says in the Qur'an: `It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah and His messenger have decreed a matter that they should have an option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, has indeed strayed in a plain error.' (S33:36).
The hijab is Tahara (Purity)
The hijab makes for greater purity for the hearts of believing men and women because it screens against the desire of the heart. Without the hijab, the heart may or may not desire. That is why the heart is more pure when the sight is blocked (by hija and thus the prevention of fitna (evil actions is very much manifested. The hijab cuts off the ill thoughts and the greed of the sick hearts:
`Be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy or evil desire for adultery, etc) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honorable manner.' (S33:32)
Short Videos:
To the Women of Islam
http://www.youtube.com/v/-qjCuQVa8a8
6 criterias of the hijab
http://www.youtube.com/v/y-RTqMovNxo&rel=1&border=1