Hijab

:Note: The word "Hijab" is often used in news reports and common use, by both Muslims and non-Muslims, to refer to a form of headscarf. This specific use is also discussed below, and this article discusses the more general concept of modesty in Islam.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hijab is the word used in the Islamic context for the practice of dressing modestly, which all practicing Muslims past the age of puberty are instructed to do in their holy book, the Qur'an.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

There is a common misconception that a precise dress code for women is spelled out in the Qur'an. In truth, however, no precise dress code for men or women is set out in the Qur'an. The Qur'an does give some guidelines as to how Muslim women should dress and behave in the 7th Century CE. Verse 33:59 mentions that believers "draw their cloaks close round them (when they go out)"and (024.031) "And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband's fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers or their brothers' sons, or their sisters' sons, or their women, 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 that they should not strike their feet in order to draw attention to their hidden ornaments. And O ye Believers! turn ye all together towards God, that ye may attain Bliss." Various Islamic scholars have interpreted the meaning of hijab in different ways. The basic requirements are that when in the presence of someone of the opposite sex other than a "close family member" (Mahram), a woman should cover her body, and walk and dress in a way which does not draw sexual attention to her. All of this, of course, must be taken in the context of 7th Century dress and mannerisms.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Some scholars say that men should cover from at least the navel to the knees; however, all the reports suggesting this are weak in its chain of transmission and thus inauthentic. Furthermore, there are authenic reports indicating that the Prophet Muhammad wore clothing that uncovered his thigh whilst riding his camel. Generally drawing sexual attention is only allowed between a married couple—where it is highly encouraged—and they do not need to cover any part of their body in each other's presence (other Mahrams should hide at least their sexual organs from each other).

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

As a rule of Islam, "in the case of necessity, for example for saving lives or avoiding severe hardship, hijab rules are waived". (Severe hardship, i.e. death or physical harm that could possibly result in death - see Ikrah, "physical compulsion")

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The way in which Muslims who practice hijab interpret the stated rules varies from country to country and even individual to individual. Specific cultural interpretations/practices include Purdah which is an Urdu/Persian word, and Chadar aur Chaardhiwaaree ("the sheet and the four walls", supposedly the protectors of women), and so on. Coverings associated with these practices include the Burqah, Chador, Khimar, Niqab, etc. See below and the article on External Hijab for more.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Below: Below can refer to any of the following:...

Dressing: Dressing can be a noun or a verb. The word comes from dress, which originally meant speech or talk but later came to mean covering or clothing....

Modest: Modest may refer to:...