Why do Muslim Women Cover Themselves or Wear Hijab?-A Detailed Answer.

[MuhammadHamza1]

Why does Islam command Muslim women to wear Hijab or cover themselves.
There are two to three verses which command the wearing of Hijab.
The Quran asks for critical thinking and consideration upon its commandments.
“And We have also sent down unto you (O Muhammad) the Dhikr [reminder and the advice (i.e. the Qur’aan)], that you may explain clearly to men what is sent down to them, and that they may give thought”[al-Nahl 16:44]
The first verse.
“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allaah is Ever Oft‑Forgiving, Most Merciful” Al Quran 33:59
Ponder over this verse.This verse was revealed to save women of madinah from annoyance.But it can be applied still today.The Quran says "So that they may be recognized..."
Hence the first purpose of Hijab is
The separate identity of a Muslim woman.Or Hijab shows that she is a Muslim woman and it is her separate identity.
Why separate identity is necessary?
“May be recognized”: may be recognized to be noble and chaste women from their simple and modest dress, and not women of ill repute from whom some wicked person could cherish evil hopes. “May not be harmed”: will not be teased but let alone.
I will,If Allah wills,touch this subject more later,
Verse no.2:
"And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest, and to display of their adornment only that which is apparent, and to draw their veils over their bosoms, and not to reveal their adornment save to their own husbands or fathers or husbands' fathers, or their sons or their husbands' sons, or their brothers or their brothers' sons or sisters' sons, or their women, or their slaves, or male attendants who lack vigour, or children who know naught of women's nakedness. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And turn unto Allah together, O believers, in order that ye may succeed."
This verse shows the second purpose,which is,Hijab covers their Awrah.Awrah are the parts of body which cannot be shown to people,except to one's spouse,and some parts can be shown to other mahrams,such as their Fathers,mothers,brothers,sisters,etc.They are different for men and women.It also highlights the Non Mahrams of a woman.To whom,she cannot show her beauty.Read the following fatwa for better explaination.I am posting the link so asto mantain the length of this post..Please note that the Fatwa is of a well renowed and accepted Scholar and this is the accepted view.
https://islamqa.info/en/82994The Second verse also shows the modesty in dress, that Islam commands people.For verily,The Prophet,May Allah bless him,said:
"Shyness is a branch of faith."
So the two purposes are
1-Separate Identity
2-Covering her Awrah which is a sign of modesty.Who can argue that it is better to show Awrah in Public rather than cover them.
But,my question is this
Do only women have to show their separate identity?Not men?
Do only women have to cover their body parts and not men?
If Islam is a religion which is just to Women,There must be ruling for men also. So the First purpose of Hijab is to show separate identity.We search the Quran for such same ruling for men.And we come upon this verse.
Chapter 59:7:
"... And whatever the Messenger has given you - take; and what he has forbidden you - refrain from. And fear Allah ; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty."
This verse clearly commands us to follow the Prophet,May Allah bless him.Because:
"By the star when it descends,
Your companion [Muhammad] has not strayed,nor has he erred,
Nor does he speak from [his own] inclination.
It is not but a revelation revealed,"
Al Quran 53:1-4
Hence,The Authentic Hadiths,in light of the above verses,are just like the Quran,Revelations from God."
Ahmad and Muslim reported from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Cut your moustaches and let your beards grow: be different from the Magians.”
In another narration,the words,"Be separate from the polythiests" appear.
In other words,"Be separate from the Polythiests" is another way of phrasing A Separate identity for Muslim males.
The Second Purpose of Hijab was to cover the Awrah.There are Awrah for men also.Please see the link as I want to conserve space.
https://islamqa.info/en/171584
But infront of women,more restrictions will apply.
https://islamqa.info/en/49836
I mentioned above about explaining more about "Separate identity"Why is it important to show separate identity?
Because,according to authentic narrations,
A Muslim does not lie,does not cheat or decieve,is not rude and miserly,has good character,is trustworthy,does not steal,fulfills promises,his/her duties,helps those in need,is kind,is gentle in speech and actions,does not abuse or use bad language in any way,does not mock people by speech nor discourages them,is loving and is loved,does not beat,does not wish for war,and can be trusted with possessions and secrets.For he does not break promises.And if they do these things,Allah is the acceptor of repentance.
So,by showing his/her identity,he shows you that he can be trusted and will not decieve you.And that he will be kind to you and will fulfill the promises he made to you.That does not mean that if he/she is a sinner,he/she shall shave the beard/remove Hijab.
But rather,they should strive in the path of Allah to attain goodness.
Hence,Hijab is a separate identity for women and beard is for men.
And both men and women have body parts that cannot be shown,implying modesty.For Modesty is without a doubt,a positive quality.
Please also note that under necessary conditions,impermissible becomes permissible.For example,If a woman will suffer from some disease from wearing Hijab like hot temperature,removing Hijab is allowed for her.

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Wait for a moment.
I messed up.

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hew

 

[MuhammadHamza1]

Islamicboard please move this article in the section
"Clarifications of Islam."

 

[MuhammadHamza1]

The rule that under necessary conditions,impermissible becomes permissible does not apply to all situations.
For example,
If some lets say foriegn army has invaded Muslim country and is coming towards a specefic town whose woman are but certain that the invaders will Rape them,
Even then,they cannot committ suicide.
Hence,regarding these matters,please consult a scholor.

 

[MuhammadHamza1]

Yeah , If you are naked , you would not wear Hijab not would you ?

I meant that wearing full body clothes(Head covering not included) are better than wearing those clothes which reveal part of your body are they not?
Just to imply.
But yes the head covering is a sign of modesty and proves that they are women upon whom evil men cannot fullfill their desires.

 

[theplains]

But yes the head covering is a sign of modesty and proves that they are women upon whom evil men cannot fullfill their desires.

What about a head covering for men where evil women cannot fulfill their desires?

Thanks,
Jim

 

[Supernova]

What about a head covering for men where evil women cannot fulfill their desires?

Thanks,
Jim

Ah Jim again (Trying to mislead Muslims)

Now Jim - remember how in your faith the first depiction of Jesus hung on a cross only came like 300 years later.....And so modest was your faith that you guys even depicted him practically naked hanging on a cross whilst at the same time Mary is wearing a hijab in nearly every depiction of her........

I think you got bigger problems to worry about here Jim

 

[theplains]

... snipped

I snipped out your remarks because my original post said nothing about Jesus. I found this website talking about
hijab for men. https://www.--------------/articles/islamic-hijab-men-shaykh-saleem-bhimji

"In a tradition mentioned in the book Mustadrak Al-Wasa'il, volume 2, page 558, there is a Hadith from the Prophet
of Islam (peace be upon him and his family), in which he stated that, "It is not allowed for women to look at men."
In the same way that a man looking at a non-Mahram women will lead to corruption and evil in the society, so too
a woman must not look at the body of a non-Mahram man."

When you look at an American woman, how does it lead to corruption and evil in yourself?

Would you comment briefly?

Thanks,
Jim

 

[Scimitar]

What about a head covering for men where evil women cannot fulfill their desires?

Thanks,
Jim

Howdy Jim, a seemingly good question. Let's see what your bible says about that, shall we?

A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man.- 1 Corinthians 11:7

Hmmm, I guess that's that then! People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones mate

 

[adyiqbal]

Hijab differentiates the Muslim ladies from the other communities. They cover their body parts and don't commit evils, this is the specialty of the Muslim ladies.