Why Muslim Women wear Hijab?

Hijab is a veil that covers the head and chest, which is particularly worn by a Muslim woman beyond the age of puberty in the presence of adult males outside of their immediate family(ajnabi or non mahram) that conforms to a certain standard of modesty, privacy and morality. The Quran instructs both Muslim men and women to dress in a modest way:


"Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and be modest" (QS 24:30)

The clearest Quranic verse on the requirement of the hijab for women is QS 24:30, 31, asking women to draw their khimār over their bosoms

There're many reasons why Muslim women insist on wearing hijab. But the fundamental of the reasons behind wearing the hijab is to seek the pleasure and blessing of God by complying with his commandments. This ideal is universal for all Muslims, irrespective of time and place, and majority of women who wears the hijab do so for this very reason. Other than this divine reason, Muslim women wear the hijab because:

1) Islam is a holistic way of life designed for individuals and entire societies to function in a healthy manner. The hijab is not just a religious requirement but also a functional instrument to uplift morality and status. Just like a business personnel having an executive wardrobe to foster a more professional atmosphere. Muslim women wears the hijab to create an atmosphere where those who interact with them do so at a respected level that is beyond physicality, such as harassment and molestation, thus giving them a sense of pride.

2) The hijab facilitates the expression of a women's fitrah(innate nature) and individual personality. It is psychological liberation in that she is no longer chained by society's unrealistic expectations of her as a female. She is liberated from the pretense of acting to win the approval of an ever demanding society. Hence, she is free to express her true self.

3) Wearing hijab is a personal statement that a women's body is her own business, a symbol of personal space. No one should be given the pleasure to gaze at it except those that she legitimately approves of, i e those whom she agrees to marry. Overly exposure makes things cheap.

4) Wearing hijab foster more social, spiritual and intellectual development during public interactions, giving the men a dignified impression. In other words, it is self empowerment without the hypocrisy, arrogance and artificial pretense. Thus, giving the women a sense of self control and security.

5) A women is not a doll or object of art or sex symbol. Women are human with mind, heart and feelings just like men. Wearing hijab gives the immediate impresion that one is not to be toyed with in a flirtatious or shamelessness manner and prevent women from being used as beauty trophies in the games of sexiest men.

6) Wearing hijab preserves female dignity by giving out the message that a women's worthiness is not measured by how much body one is willing to expose. Women attractiveness shouldn't be measured by superficial means and bodily exposure. On the contrary, a women's beauty should be on their politeness, compassion, gracefulness, manners, dignity, intelligent etc.

7) It helps the society to sustain better in accordance with the commandments of God regarding sexual exploitation. It keeps the society in order and away from vices. Hijab also contributes to the stability and preservation of marriage and family by eliminating the chances of extramarital affairs.

"Women nudity is a symbol of oppression. Women are oppressed by displaying her almost naked body to the public. Exposing women nakedness in commercials advertisement, billboards and public media are true symbol of oppression."



Wallahu'aslam