An Analytical View on the Ruling on Face Covering (Part Two)
Definition of Hijab
In its literal sense, the word “hijab” means to hinder, to cover, and to prevent. Thus, any phenomenon that acts as a barrier between two things, whether it be a wall, a tent, or similar structures, can be referred to as a hijab. In Persian dictionaries, various meanings are attributed to hijab, which include terms such as “veil,” “burqa,” and “chador,” all of which describe coverings that women wear from head to toe.
In a more specific or technical sense, hijab refers to the special covering for women that they do to protect themselves from the gaze of non-mahram individuals (those who are not closely related to them).
Definition of Jilbab
Jilbab in the Literal Sense: According to Ibn Manzoor, “Jilbab is a comprehensive and wider covering than khimar, which a woman uses to cover her head and chest.” Some have stated, “Jilbab is a wide garment distinct from the chador that women wear.”
Jilbab in the Technical Sense: Al-Nawawi, may Allah have mercy on him, remarked, “Some say: ‘Jilbab is a garment that a woman wears over her clothes,’ and this definition is correct.”
Ibn Hazm, may Allah have mercy on him, defined jilbab as follows: “In the Arabic language, as the Prophet, may Allah’s prayers and peace be upon him, addressed us, it is a garment that covers the whole body.”
According to Mukhtar, jilbab is a covering that a woman wears over her clothes, covering her whole body, clothes, and face except for her eyes.
Definition of Burqa (Headscarf)
Literally, “burqa” refers to a veil that women use to cover their faces. Ibn Manzoor states in his dictionary, “Burqa is a covering that has two holes for the eyes.”
In technical terms, burqa is a type of traditional covering used to conceal the face.
Investigating the root of the word “burqa,” we find it is originally derived from Turkish, specifically from “buruk” (būrk), which means hat. “Burk” and “duvaq” were used in ancient Turkish garments to cover the head or face. However, in Khorasan, the present-day women’s chador, particularly the half-chador or covering that goes from the head to the chest, is referred to as “pardah.”
Definition of Niqab
In literal terms, niqab refers to a woman’s veil that covers her face and also indicates a mask worn in the shape of an animal’s face. The term “niqab” is derived from its design, which includes two holes through which women can see.
In technical terms, niqab is a type of veil that a woman secures above her nose, covering her face while leaving only her eyes visible.
Definition of Khemar
In literal terms, “khemar” means to cover and hide. In a specific context, it refers to what Muslim women use to cover their heads. As the Lord of the worlds has stated: «وَلْيَضْرِبْنَ بِخُمُرِهِنَّ عَلَى جُيُوبِهِنّ»
By admin2
