Is wearing hijab a MUST for every Muslim woman?

In Islamic tradition, one of the few symbols that have often been misunderstood is the hijab.

To many outside the faith, the sight of a Muslim woman covering her hair raises certain questions. But to millions of Muslim women, the hijab carries a deep personal and social meaning.

At its core, the practice of covering the hair is rooted in modesty, faith, and identity; hence, this article offers a comprehensive exploration into the hijab and other coverings worn by Muslim women around the world.

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While the hijab is commonly referred to as a headscarf that covers a Muslim woman's hair and neck, its meaning goes far deeper. According to Dr. Zuleyha Keskin, associate professor at the Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation at Charles Sturt University:

In Arabic, hijab means "barrier" or "veil." It can signify a spiritual shield that protects a person’s connection with God (Allah) from harmful influences.

In this sense, hijab is both:

• A physical act (such as wearing a head covering),

• And a spiritual practice, representing modesty, humility, and devotion.

The primary purpose of the hijab is to observe modesty, a value deeply emphasised in Islam for both men and women. Islamic law traditionally mandates modest dress and behaviour beginning at puberty, the age when a person becomes religiously accountable.

Two verses of the Qur’an are central to the discussion of modesty and hijab. Surah An-Nur (24:30 -31):

Surah Al-Ahzab (33:59):

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The hijab, burqa, and niqab are distinct garments. The hijab is perhaps the most commonly known. It refers to a headscarf that covers a woman's hair, neck, and sometimes shoulders while leaving the face visible.

The burqa, on the other hand, offers full-body coverage. It covers the entire face and body, often including a mesh screen over the eyes to allow the wearer to see. It is most commonly associated with conservative interpretations of Islamic dress and is more prevalent in countries like Afghanistan and parts of Pakistan.

The niqab is a long, loose-fitting outer garment that covers the body from shoulders to ankles. It is typically worn over everyday clothing and is meant to provide modest coverage in public. Unlike the burqa, the jilbab does not usually cover the face and is popular in many Arab and African countries, including parts of Nigeria.

In essence, the hijab covers the head, the niqab covers the body, and the burqa covers everything, including the face.

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Typically, girls begin wearing the hijab at puberty, a stage referred to in Islam as the age of taklif, when a person becomes morally and religiously responsible. However, family values, cultural background, and individual choice often determine when a girl begins to observe hijab.

In some families, young girls wear the hijab early to develop familiarity. In others, the decision is left until adolescence or later adulthood, allowing the girl to embrace hijab as a conscious act of faith.

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Contrary to popular belief, Muslim women are not required to wear the hijab at all times. Islamic law states that hijab is obligatory only in the presence of non-Mahram men, men to whom a woman is not closely related and whom she could potentially marry.

The concept of Mahram is essential in determining hijab requirements. Mahrams are individuals with whom a Muslim woman cannot legally marry, and thus modesty rules are relaxed in their presence. Mahrams include: Father, brothers, sons, uncles, grandfathers, nephews and husband. However, in front of non-Mahram men, hijab is generally expected.

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Women are not required to wear hijab:

• In the privacy of their home

• Among Mahram men (e.g., father, brother, uncle, son)

• Around other women

• In medical or emergencies, where modesty must be balanced with necessity

While many Muslims view hijab as a religious obligation, the Qur’an also states in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:256):

This verse shows the importance of free will in religious practice. As a result, some Muslim women choose not to wear the hijab due to personal conviction, cultural context, or a different interpretation of modesty.

The hijab is not a monolithic practice. For many Muslim women, covering the hair is a spiritual journey, and while some critics view hijab as restrictive, many Muslim women have described it as empowering.

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