Religious Ruling on Hijab Unalterable but Form May Change
One should make a distinction between the ruling on Hijab and the criteria of the ruling. Another issue is what clothes women in the era of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) wore and how they acts according to these criteria.
In any era, people’s clothing is not only based on religious beliefs but also affected by local traditions, geography and social conditions. So instead of asking what women’s clothes were like in the era of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), one should find out what features religious Hijab has.
We have our own taste and tradition and it is not necessary for me to wear what women in the era of the Prophet (PBUH) wore. I must just observe the criteria of Hijab.
In Islam’s view, Hijab has two features. First, it goes beyond gender, that is, the ruling of Hijab addresses both women and men. The second feature is that Hijab is not just about clothing but also includes behavior and conduct.
The Holy Quran says: “(Muhammad), tell the believing men to cast down their eyes and guard their carnal desires; this will make them more pure. God is certainly aware of what they do. Tell the believing woman to cast down their eyes, guard their chastity, and not to show off their beauty except what is permitted by the law. Let them cover their breasts with their veils. They must not show off their beauty to anyone other than their husbands, father, father-in-laws, sons, step-sons, brothers, sons of brothers and sisters, women of their kind, their slaves, immature male servants, or immature boys. They must not stamp their feet to show off their hidden ornaments. All of you believers, turn to God in repentance so that perhaps you will have everlasting happiness.” (Verses 30-31 of Surah An-Nur)
So, first, both men and women are addressed by these verses and, second, controlling one’s gaze is also part of Hijab.
It is also important that Muslim men and women should not act and behave in different political, social, cultural, academic, and other interactions in a way that their gender becomes the main point.
The belief that Hijab pushes women away from political, social and other activities is incorrect. If women were to stay home and have no interaction in society, there would be no need for Hijab. Actually, Hijab is a clothing that facilitates woman’s social presence and guarantees her security.
Islam offers a series of laws and rulings that could take different shapes in various places and times. But what matters is that the essence of a religious ruling must be preserved.
