Taking Hijaab (Cloak & Veil) In The Light of Sunnah - [Part 2]

Narrated Aisha, Ummul Mu'minin: The Prophet said: Allah does not accept the prayer of a woman who has reached puberty unless she wears a veil. [Sunnan Abu Dawud 2:641]

Narrated Aisha, Ummul Mu'minin: Asma bint Abu Bakr, entered upon the Apostle of Allah wearing thin clothes. The Apostle of Allah turned his attention from her. He said: O Asma', When a woman reaches the age of mensuration, it does not suit her that she displays her parts of body except this and this, and he pointed to her face and hands. [Sunnan Abu Dawud 32:4092]

Narrated Umm Salama Hind bint Abi Umayya, Ummul Mu'minin: When the verse: "That they should cast their outer garments over their persons" was revealed, the women of Ansar came out as if they had crows over their heads by wearing outer garments. [Narrated by Abu Dawood, 4101; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood, 3456]

Narrated Safiya bint Shaiba: 'Aisha used to say: "When the verse: "They should draw their veils over their necks & bosoms," was revealed, (the ladies) cut their waist sheets at the edges and covered their faces with the cut pieces." [Sahih Bukhari 6:60:282, Sunnan Abu Dawud 32:4091]

Narrated Anas ibn Malik: I know (about) the Hijab (the order of veiling of women) more than anybody else. Ubay ibn Ka'b used to ask me about it. Allah's Apostle became the bridegroom of Zaynab bint Jahsh whom he married at Medina. After the sun had risen high in the sky, the Prophet invited the people to a meal. Allah's Apostle remained sitting and some people remained sitting with him after the other guests had left. Then Allah's Apostle got up and went away, and I too, followed him till he reached the door of 'Aisha's room. Then he thought that the people must have left the place by then, so he returned & I also returned with him. Behold, the people were still sitting at their places. So he went back again for the second time, And I went along with him too. When we reached the door of 'Aisha's room, he returned & I also returned with him to see that the people had left. Thereupon the Prophet hung a curtain between me & him & the Verse regarding the order for (veiling of women) Hijab was revealed.[Bukhari 7:65:375, Sahih Muslim 8:3334]

The Prophet (saw) said: “I disown every Muslim who settles among the mushrikeen.” [Narrated by Abu Dawood, 2645; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood.] 

According to a tradition related by Hazrat Buraidah, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) instructed Hazrat Ali (RA): “O Ali, do not cast a second look after the first look. The first look is pardonable but not the second one.” (Trimizi, Ahmad, Abu Da’ud)

Hazrat Jarir bin Abdullah Bajali says that he asked the Holy Prophet (saw) replied, “What should I do if I happen to case a chance look? “ The Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) replied, “Turn your eyes away or lower your gaze.” (Muslim, Ahmad, Trimizi, Abu Da’ud, Nasai)

Hazrat Abdullah bin Masud quotes the Holy Prophet (saw) as having said: “Allah (swt) says that the gaze is one of the poisonous arrows of Satan. Whoever forsakes it, out of His fear, he will be rewarded with a faith whose sweetness he will relish in his own heart.” (Tabarani)

According to a traidion related by Abu Umamah, The Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: “If a Muslim happens to glance at the charms of a woman and then turns his eyes away, Allah (swt) will bless his worship and devotion and will make it all the more sweet.” (Musnand Ahmad).

Imam Ja’far Sadiq (RA) has quoted from his father, Imam Muhammad Baqir (RA), who has quoted Hazrat Jabir bin Abdullah Ansari  as saying: “On the occasion of the farewell Pilgrimage, Fadal binAbbas, who was a young cousin of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw), was riding with him on the camelback during the return journey from Mash’ar al Harim. When they came to a few women passing on the way, Fadal started looking at them. Thereupon the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) put his hand on his face and turned it to the other side.” (Abu Daud)

On Another occasion during the same Pilgrimage, a woman of the clan of Khath’am stopped the Holy Prophet (saw) on the way and sought clarification about a certain matter pertaining to Hajj. Fadal bin ‘Abbas fixed his gaze at her, but the Prophet (saw) turned his face to the other side. (Bukhari, Abu Daud, Trimizi)

Son of Umm Khallad was killed in a battle; she came to the Holy Prophet (saw) to enquire about him and was wearing the veil as usual. It was natural to presume that on such a sad occasion one is liable to lose one’s balance and ignore the restriction of Purdah. But when questioned she said, “I have certainly lost my son but not my modesty” (Abu Daud)

Hazrat Aisha (RA) has stated that during the farewell pilgrimage when they were moving towards Makkah in the state of ihram, the women would lower down their head sheets over their faces whenever the travellers passed by them, and would uncover their faces as soon as they had passed by. (Abu Daud)

The Holy Prophet (saw) has said: “No man should look at the satar of another man nor a woman at the satar of another woman.” (Ahmad, Muslim, Abu Daud, Trimizi).

Hazrat Ali (RA) has quoted the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) as saying: “Do not look at the thigh of another person, living or dead.” (Abu Daud, Ibn Majah)

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) has warned: “Beware, never remain naked, for with you are those (i.e angels of mercy and goodness), who never leave you alone except when you ease yourself or go you go to your wives. So feel shy of them and give them due respect.” (Trimizi)

According to another tradition, The Holy Prophet (saw) said: “Guard your satar from everybody except from your wife and your slave-girl.” The questioner asked, “Even when we are alone?” The Prophet (saw) replied, “Yes, even when alone, for Allah (swt) has a greater right that you should feel shy of Him.” (Abu Daud, Trimizi, Ibn Majah)

Hazrat Umm Salamah (RA) and Hazrat Umm Maimunah (RA), wives of Prophet Muhammad (saw) were stting with him when Ibn Umm Maktum, a blind companion, made his appearance. The Holy Prophet (saw) said to his wives: “Conceal your faces from him.” The wives said, “O Messenger of Allah: Is he not a blind man? Neither will he see us nor recognize us.” Thereupon the Prophet (saw) remarked: “Are you two also blind? Do you not see him?: Hazrat Umm Salamah (RA) has clarified that this incident occurred at a time when the commandments about the observance of Purdah had already been sent down. (Ahmad, Abu Daud, Trimizi)

The above Hadith is also supported by a tradition in Mu’atta saying that a blind man came to see Hazrat Aisha (RA) and she observed Pardah from him. When asked as to why she observed purdah when the man could not see her, she replied: “But I do see him.”

“The woman who perfumes herself and passes through a gathering is an adulteress.” [Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi].

Beware of entering where women are. A man from the Ansar asked: "O Messenger of Allah, what about the in-laws?". He (saw) replied, The in-laws is death." [Bukhari, Muslim].

“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day must never be in privacy with woman without there being a mahrem (of hers) with her, for otherwise Satan will be the third person (with them).” [Musnand Ahmad]. 

Note:In addition to the above proofs, the majority of Imams - including those of the four schools - hold the opinion that a woman is obliged to cover her entire body with the exception of her face and hands in the presence of non-maharem men.

Taking Hijaab (Cloak & Veil) In The Light of Qur'an - [Part 1]

The importance and necessity of taking ‘Jalabeeb’ has clearly been mentioned in Qur’an and Sahih Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (saw). Interpreters have mentioned the Arabic word ‘Jalabeeb’ as similar to Cloak/Hijaab (which is why the word Hijaab is very common today).

There are only two sources of evidence which are acceptable in Islam:
1.) The Holy Quran which if the actual words of Allah revealed in the Arabic language.
2.) The Hadeeths and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad Muhammad (s.a.w).

First let's analyze the importance of Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (saw), as to why we have to follow Sunnah and Hadith along with Qur'an.

 Evidence from Qur’an

Importance of teachings of Prophet Muhammad (saw)

[Surah An-Nisa Ch:4 V:41]

“How (will it be) then, when We bring from each nation a witness and We bring you (O Muhammad SAW) as a witness against these people?”

Explanation:

In this ayat Allah (swt) gives us a clear proof that every nation was appointed with a Messenger by Allah (swt)’s grace, and the last Prophet, Who is not a Prophet for just one nation but for every creation of Allah (swt), Who is a Prophet of all the Prophets even, Subhan’Allah, He is Muhammad (saw), and Allah (swt) says Himself that He bring Muhammad (saw) as a witness and a mercy to mankind. Which makes his Sunnah a clear proof for us to follow. There is no reason for us to deny any of His sayings, We must follow every word of our Prophet (saw) if we want to earn our way to Jannah, Insha’Allah. Allah (swt) will judge every man from the Sunnah of His Beloved Messenger (saw). And in several Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (saw) he mentions the importance of Veil and instructs the believing Women to take Jalabeeb. So why we argue over it? May Allah (swt) forgive us all.

[Surah An-Nisa Ch:4 V:59]

“O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger (Muhammad SAW), and those of you (Muslims) who are in authority. (And) if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger (SAW), if you believe in Allah and in the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination.”

Explanation:

A Muslim can’t deny the Hadith (or Sunnah) of The Prophet (s.a.w). He has been instructed to do so by Allah (s.w.t) Himself. If we don’t agree with Hadith then we are not Muslims since a Muslim testifies that ‘There is no god but Allah And Muhammad (s.a.w) is His Messenger’ by believing in Qur’an but not the Hadith of the Prophet (s.a.w) we only ‘Testify that there is no god but Allah’ whereas we don’t testify that Muhammed (s.a.w) is His messenger. A Muslim needs to follow the teachings of Allah’s Messenger as commanded. Otherwise he is not amongst the believer.

[Surah Nisa Ch: 4 V:65]

“But no, by your Lord, they can have no Faith, until they make you (O Muhammad SAW) judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission.”

Explanation:

In comparison to the Ayat No.59 of Surah Nisa this ayat is similar to some extent but As per the understanding of many well-known scholars it is said that this is by far the most beautiful Ayat in which Allah (swt) is swearing Himself. According to scholars this ayat shows the love Allah (swt) has for Prophet Muhammad (saw), as Allah (swt) commanded us to follow the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (saw) and to make him our role model. If any two Muslims are arguing over a matter they should consult Qur’an and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (saw), as if they want Allah (swt) to be their ‘Rabb’ then they have to follow His Prophet (saw) first, if they don’t do that then Allah (swt) labels them as the one’s with no faith. This brings our attention to the importance of Sunnah and Saying of Prophet Muhammad (saw) known as Ahadith. We must not deny any hadith and must not deprive ourselves from the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (saw).

Commandment of Jilbab (cloak)

[Surah an-Nur ayah 31]

“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc.) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like palms of hands or one eye or both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer dress like veil, gloves, head-cover, apron, etc.), and to draw their veils all over Juyubihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms, etc.) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband's fathers, their sons, their husband's sons, their brothers or their brother's sons, or their sister's sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islam), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be  successful.”

Explanation:

In the verse mentioned above it is very clear that Allah (swt) has commanded a believing woman to guard her private parts and not to display her adornments. Allah (swt) has even mentioned the list of people who are exception to this ruling, Subhan’Allah. Now why would Allah (swt) specifically mention the relationship which is an exception to this ruling? The answer seems to be very simple as per my understanding, Allah (swt) is Our Creator, Our Rab, Our Protector, Subhan’Allah, He knows what we don’t, And since Allah (swt) created men and women, So He knows us better then we know ourselves. Which is why Allah (swt) commanded women to cover herself from men in order to eliminate any sort of Fitnah and temptation that could arise if women do not cover themselves. Other than that Allah (swt) even instructs the believing women not to bring into anyone’s attention of what they are. He is ‘Al-Muhaymin’ (The Guardian and Protector) and by this commandment He is protecting the believing women. Subhan’Allah. And if we must consider the environment we live in today, we must agree to the fact that today is not better than yesterday. We are opting more and more western culture and thoughts to our mind and Qur’an and Sunnah both instructs us not to follow the way of non-believers, and not to even indulge ourselves in their acts. So keeping in mind how men tease women today veil is mandatory.

[Surah Al-Ahzab Verse: 58]

“And those who annoy believing men and women undeservedly bear on themselves the crime of slander and plain sin.”

[Surah Al-Ahzab Verse: 59]

“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 Allah is Ever OftForgiving, Most Merciful.”

[Surah Al-Ahzab Verse: 60]

“If the hypocrites, and those in whose hearts is a disease (evil desire for adultery, etc.), and those who spread false news among the people in AlMadinah, cease not, We shall certainly let you overpower them, then they will not be able to stay in it as your neighbours but a little while.

Explanation (58) (59) (60):

In context to the Ayat No. 58….In ayat No.59 Allah (swt) instructs Our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (saw) that he should say to, His wives, daughters and the Believing women to draw their cloaks all over their bodies as that will be better for them. So as to protect them from such people who harm the believing men and women (which Allah (swt) mentioned in verse no. 58), Allah (swt) gave this commandment.  Then in verse no. 60 Allah (swt) informs us that if still such people don’t stop (i.e if still they continue with their evil acts even after the ruling in Verse.59) then Allah (swt) will let the believing men and women overpower such people and terminate them the way He wills And Allah (swt) knows best, And if He commands the believing women to take Cloak as it’s better for them, then why wouldn’t we want to follow what’s better for us?. I assume we all Muslims believe that Allah (swt) has complete knowledge and we know nothing in comparison. He is Our Creator and we are His Creation, It’s not the other way round Nauzubillah, and we must never forget this. We want to earn the highest place in Jannah so we should follow what Allah (swt) is suggesting us.

For the one’s unable to wear hijab and living in Non-Islamic Countries:

[Surah Al-Nisa’ CH:4 V:97] 

“Verily, as for those whom the angels take (in death) while they are wronging themselves (as they stayed among the disbelievers even though emigration was obligatory for them), they (angels) say (to them): “In what (condition) were you?” They reply: “We were weak and oppressed on the earth.” They (angels) say: “Was not the earth of Allaah spacious enough for you to emigrate therein?” Such men will find their abode in Hell — what an evil destination!”

Explanation:

The Muslim who settles among the mushrikeen cannot carry out many of the rituals and visible acts of worship of Islam, in addition to the fact that he is exposing himself to temptation because of the permissiveness in those countries that is protected by their laws. The Muslim should not expose himself to temptations and trials. Furthermore the saying of Prophet Muhammad (saw) is also supported by this Ayat as He (saw) said: “I disown every Muslim who settles among the mushrikeen”. So for those who are living in such lands and they say we are unable to follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (saw) and commandment of Allah (swt), Why not settle in some muslim country? Is money more important for you then the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (saw)? You guys should remember one thing that this world is just a trial for us, and we are not here to reach to extreme worldly level But Allah (swt) created us to worship Him alone. So save yourself from the whisper of the devil and don’t fall into his trap. For he is the one who deprives you of Qur’an and Sunnah. May Allah (swt)’s curse be upon him.

[Surat Adh-Dhariyat Ch:51 V:56]

“And I (Allah) created not the jinns and humans except they should worship Me (Alone).”

Explanation:

I’m sure that this ayat is very simple and clear to everyone, Allah (swt) is Our Creator, Our Khaliq and He created men and jinn both to worship Him alone, and to Him alone shall we return, Allah (swt) created man to obey every command of Allah (swt) and follow the footsteps (sunnah) of His Messenger (saw). And Qur’an and Sunnah (Hadith) of Prophet Muhammad (saw) both instructs a woman to cover herself and take a veil. Even Hazrat Maryam (AS) took a veil when Hazrat Jibrail (AS) came to her.

Conclusion:

Since a person needs to be modest (as Islam teaches us to be modest), but who will judge this modesty? America? England? Pakistan?. It varies from country to country we all know that, so then how to dress up modestly? So obviously the One who Created us knows best and only He will define what modesty is, and since He is our Creator, We will follow His ways only, Insha'Allah. And from the above authentic Ayats of Qur'an we all know what is modesty and how to dress up modestly when we step out of our house.