The dignity and pride of a society depend on the existence of honorable, dignified, and modest individuals within that society, and a significant part of this demand can be addressed through the observance of the laws of hijab and Islamic attire. One of the most troubling phenomena that has become widespread in the present era—often referred to as the 21st century—among young Muslim boys and girls is corruption and promiscuity. All of these issues can be controlled to some extent by adhering to Islamic hijab and chastity. There have been many discussions regarding hijab and its importance in Islam; its value and significance are certainly not hidden from anyone. In this part of the research, we will discuss hijab.
Definition of Hijab
Ibn Manzoor (may Allah have mercy on him) states: “Hijab comes from the root ‘hajab,’ meaning covering and preventing one from reaching something. Since a woman’s covering prevents others from seeing her, it is referred to as hijab.”
Hijab in Terms
Hijab is defined as “A covering specifically for Muslim women that protects their bodies from being exposed to the eyes of strangers.”
Philosophy of Hijab
One of the most fundamental gifts that protect and preserve a Muslim girl, keeping her away from all moral and social corruption and various troubles, is chastity and hijab. Hijab and chastity help eradicate all evils, ugliness, and corruption that young people, adolescents, and other groups suffer from on the global stage.
Therefore, Islamic law mandates hijab to protect human dignity and virtue and to safeguard women from harassment and abuse by indifferent and reckless individuals, ensuring that women can be safe from any potential harassment.
Hijab is immunity, not restriction. It signifies the modesty of a young woman coupled with chastity. A person possessing chastity holds great value and status. Hijab is the safest shelter for a woman; a woman in hijab is like a gem encased in a shell. Ultimately, hijab is a source of a woman’s perfection.
Qari Muhammad Tayeb (may Allah have mercy on him) writes: “Hijab is not an intention in itself, but a measure to protect against a deadly and very dangerous disease that is considered poison for every human being, whose adverse effects lead to the ruin and destruction of tribes and nations. This deadly disease is the one the Holy Quran interprets as prostitution, known in terminology as shamelessness, jealousy, and immodesty. Without a doubt, this disease is such that it causes the destruction and annihilation of tribes and nations.”
Professor Akkad writes in his book Women in the Quran: “The Islamic hijab is not considered a restriction but rather prevents the individual from going astray. There is no veil in Islam that signifies captivity. Certainly, the veil serves as a barrier against immorality and nudity. The veil is the protector of sanctity, chastity, and modesty.”