Which is more important, wearing a hijab or going to mosque?

Some months ago, I was at one of the popular mosques in Lagos.

There was a leadership seminar sponsored by a big multinational, and some of us Muslims (the handful that we were) stepped out to go pray Zuhr at the mosque right next door.

We had barely gotten through the mosque gates when a security guard stopped one of us and beckoned towards a banner. “Sister, you can’t enter the mosque dressed like this, look at the acceptable dressing here…”

After looking towards the banner, we realized that the lady wore a scarf, rather than a hijab. This encounter sparked an internal discussion within me.

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Did the sister dress appropriately, as recommended by the Islamic principles?

No.

But was he right to send her out of the mosque for indecent dressing?

I think not.

Why not, you ask?

Should a person be chased out of the hospital for being sick?

Should a person be chased out of school for not knowing how to read?

Should a person be chased out of the restaurant for being hungry?

I believe she came to the right place. A place where she could find solitude, rest and hopefully much-needed advice. Closing the door in her face would not help the situation. I am not here to justify the dressing of the young lady, or to have you think wearing a scarf is a perfect substitute for the hijab.

I am here to make you understand that when a person is seemingly deficient in outward Islam does not mean we should chastise him/her, but rather the person should be welcome with open arms so that they can be introduced to actions that are more proper.

We should be joyful that Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta aa’la) has given us the opportunity to improve the Islam of another Muslim.

Abu Musa reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Verily, the believers are like a structure, each one strengthening the other."

To finish the narrative, another sister salvaged the situation by giving the sister a scarf some longer garments to use for prayers. We were able to perform our prayers and return for the leadership training.

Side note: The sister in the scarf was perhaps the most outstanding participant in the training.

May Almighty Allah make it easy for us to be sources of inspiration and to support one another.

Have a blessed Jumah, and a pleasant weekend.

Written by an anonymous contributor.