An Analytical view on the Ruling of Face Covering (Part Four)
Degrees of Hijab and Covering
Hijab and covering have various degrees, as outlined in numerous verses and traditions. These degrees are as follows:
1. The Hijab of Staying at Home
The first degree of hijab (personal veil) for women is to remain at home. According to Sharia, women are obliged not to leave the house without a valid necessity. In this context, covering and movement should be concealed from the eyes of men, which can be achieved by using the four walls of homes, tents, and hanging curtains. The best form of hijab is considered to be that of individuals. In this regard, seven verses and seventy hadiths have been cited, all supporting the identification of “the hijab of individuals.”
Almighty Allah says in Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 53: «وَإِذَا سَأَلْتُمُوهُنَّ مَتَاعًا فَاسْأَلُوهُنَّ مِنْ وَرَاءِ حِجَابٍ» (This verse clearly refers to the hijab of individuals, indicating that women should primarily stay at home, and if someone asks them for something, it should be from behind a veil.) Another verse speaks even more explicitly to this concept: «وَقَرْنَ فِی بُیُوتِکُنَّ» (“And stay in your homes.”)
In Sahih al-Bukhari, there is a narration from Hazrat Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) regarding the “Battle of Mo,ta” When the news of the martyrdom of Hazrat Zaid bin Haritha, Ja’far, and Abdullah bin Rawaha reached the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), he was present in the mosque, and traces of sadness were evident on his blessed face. Hazrat Aisha observed this episode from inside her chamber through the gap in the door.
This narration clearly illustrates that a woman’s primary place is at home and that she should not leave without a valid religious necessity. Hazrat Aisha’s description shows that she witnessed the entire incident through the door and was not permitted to go outside. Additionally, she did not wear a veil and did not engage with the community.
Regarding the Battle of Taif, there is also a hadith in Sahih Bukhari where the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) poured water into a container and instructed Abu Musa and Bilal: “Drink this and rub it on your faces.” Hazrat Umm al-Mu’minin Umm Salama observed this incident from behind a curtain and called out to the two companions, saying: “Leave some of these blessed acts for your mother (Umm Salama).” This hadith further supports the idea that, following the revelation of hijab, the Prophet’s wives remained at home and did not venture out without a religious necessity.
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) also said: «لیس للنساء نصیب فی الخروج الا مضطرة» (“Women have no part in leaving the house except in cases of necessity.”) This hadith emphasizes that the primary place for women is at home, with exceptions for necessity.
It is narrated from Hazrat Ali (Karamullah Wajah) that he once asked the noble companions: “What is better for a woman?” The companions remained silent, and when he returned home, he asked Fatima. She replied: “Nothing is better for a woman than that she neither sees a man nor a man sees her.” He conveyed her answer to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), who affirmed: “She has spoken the truth; indeed, she is part of me.”
Women are often seen as a significant temptation for men; when they reveal themselves and spend more time outside the home, it becomes easier for the devil to lead men astray. A hadith in Jami al-Tirmidhi, narrated by Hazrat Abdullah bin Masoud, states: «إذا خرجت من بیتها استشرفها الشیطان» (“Whenever a woman leaves her house, Satan looks upon her”—making her a means of spreading corruption among Muslims.) Ibn Khuzimah and Ibn Hibban further state: «اقرب ما تکون من وجه ربها وهی قعر بیتها» (“A woman is closest to her Lord when she is in the innermost parts of her house.”)
With these points in mind, Islamic law emphasizes that women should stay at home and not leave without necessity. Therefore, “the hijab of individuals or staying at home” is regarded as the best form of hijab.
2. Use of Burqa and Niqab
The second level of hijab is the requirement for women to wear a burqa when going out for necessity. According to Sharia, they must veil their faces and cover their entire bodies so that no part is exposed. This degree of hijab is also emphasized in the Qur’an. Almighty Allah states: «يَا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ قُلْ لِأَزْوَاجِكَ وَبَنَاتِكَ وَنِسَاءِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ يُدْنِينَ عَلَيْهِنَّ مِنْ جَلَابِيبِهِنَّ» (“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (jilbab) all over them.”) The jilbab refers to a garment that covers a woman from head to toe.
Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) commented on this cloak (jilbab): « أَمَرَ اللَّهُ نِسَاءَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ إِذَا خَرَجْنَ مِنْ بُيُوتِهِنَّ فِي حَاجَةٍ أَنْ يُغَطِّينَ وُجُوهَهُنَّ مِنْ فَوْقِ رُؤُوسِهِنَّ بِالْجَلَابِيبِ وَيُبْدِينَ عَيْنًا وَاحِدَةً» (“Allah Almighty has ordered believing women that whenever they go out of their homes due to necessity, they should cover their faces with their cloaks, leaving only one eye visible to see the way.”)
3. Covering the Whole Body Except the Face and Palms
The third degree of hijab requires covering the entire body from head to toe, with the exception of the face and palms. Scholars and jurists have differing views on this matter; however, the predominant opinion (Rajih) is to cover the entire body, including the face and palms, as there are significant details regarding this issue that will be elaborated upon later.
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