This is one of the new segments in season 3 of City Sisters and we thought a much needed discussion to rule out or rule in, hijab dos and don’ts!
There is no doubt that the Hijab observed by the Muslim woman is one of the most controversial and debated issues in the West. And we’re all familiar with the opinions expressed within the media, politics of the world and among women’s rights movement etc.
The hijab in islam is not just a piece of cloth that we wear on our heads, it is a declaration of our faith and one of the main cornerstones of the Islamic social system. Living in this society, this is no question a hard task but more and more sisters are wearing the hijab and jilbab alhamdulilah. So what’s the problem?
There seems to be growing trend where sisters are walking around with a new wave of questionable hijab styles. This made us wonder just how much do we understand what hijab really is and why is it that we wear the hijab, and what statement are we making? Is it a matter of choice for some? Are we oppressed? Is it fashion? Or is it just pure and simply an obligation to Allah (swt)?
Allah swt says:
"… let them draw their head-coverings (khumur) over their necks and bosoms (juyub)." [An-Nur 31]
Hadith
"When a young girl begins to menstruate, it is not correct that anything should be seen of her except her face and hands up to the wrist.” (Hadith Reported by Abu Dawud) “Oh Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (Jalabeeb) all over their bodies." [Al-Ahzab:59]
These verses were to forever seal the understanding in men that women were not objects of desire nor amusement for them. But were to be treated as intellectual human beings, regarded with honour, dignity and respect as historically in many civilisations the status of women was always questionable to the point where they were not considered citizens, but property of men. They were considered to be inferior, unintellectual and regarded as assets. However we see that 1400 years ago, Islam changed the status of women as never seen before in society.
So what is the hijab exactly?
The hijab MUST :
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Cover ears and the neck
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Cover every strand of hair
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cover everything showing only the hands and face
Hijab don’ts!:
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The so called ‘Mickey mouse hijab’ : This is where the ears and neck are partially or clearly visible....
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Bandana : This is confusing as to whether the person is Muslims or not
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Transparent hijab : This means no fringe showing, and hijabs where you can see the hair through it!
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Skin tight hijab : Wearing hijab but then wearing figure hugging clothes eg skinny jeans, short sleeves, belts, leggings, knee boots-this is not acceptable because you have to wear the jilbab!
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Then there is the seasonal and festive hijab - Hijab is NOT something occasionally worn in front of non-mahram men!
Which of the below fulfils the criteria of the hijab?
Don’t worry we have back up evidences!
Narrated Umm Atiyya: We were ordered to bring out our menstruating women and screened women to the religious gatherings and invocation of the Muslims on the two Eid festivals. These menstruating women were to keep away from the musalla. A woman asked, "O Messenger of Allah! What about one who does not have a jilbab?". He said, "Let her borrow the jilbab of her companion".) And more...
Abu Dawoud and Ahmed have related the prophet (pbuh) said:
"The one who take the similitude (manner) of a certain people, then he/she becomes one of them."
Abdullah bin Ummar (RA) said:
"The Prophet (pbuh) saw me wearing two garments dyed in saffron (orange), whereupon he said: these are the clothes (usually worn) by the kuffar, so do not wear them."
Moral of the story...we mean hijab
Modesty in islam is defined by islam, dress in islam is defined by islam, appearance in Islam is defined by Islam. We must remember that the requirements for what is a hijab must be met and more importantly hijab is NOT a choice, it’s an obligation of each and every muslimah, inshallah! We have had such a wonderful response from sisters about starting to wear the hijab after watching sisters and we want to hear about all your experiences too! So if you have any interesting stories about wearing the hijab for the first time, a poem or how the hijab makes you feel, please please email your thoughts to us and we’ll put it up on this page! From Fadila Kara, UK
And for those who are new to wearing the hijab- here's a few different ways of wearing the hijab, in the correct manner inshaAllah!
Comments
Asalamualaykum sisters,
I just want to say a big thank you for inspiring me to wear the hijab for the first time during my teenage years!! you have helped me gain confidence and become more stronger Allhumduliah to my religion and to Allah. I watch your show everyday and
can never miss one episode thank you!
From Joan Miniatu Konneh, UK
I love the different ways you have taught me how to wear the hijab! Thank you!
From Suleksana, UK
As-Salāmu `Alaykum Sister's,
I enjoy watching the show very much and especially love watching the many ways of wearing the Hijab. I myself born a Muslim but have been practicing since mid 2008 after experiencing a difficult and unexpected divorce. I don't wear the Hijab I am embarrassed to say but Inshallah I will embrace this one day and feel myself drawing close to do so after watching the show and how beautiful and radiant it makes you all appear and every Muslimah who wears the Hijab.
From Ayzah, UK
Salaam my name is Ayzah and I am 13 years old.
I go to an Islamic school in Nottingham I watch City Sisters with my aunty and I absolutely love the show! I look forward to it coming on and I actually saw city sisters at the global peace and unity event Alhamdullillah! Allah (swt) gave me the courage to wear hijab and I do I would like to inshaAllah wear jilbaab too so please will you give some styles for them? Thank you! May Allah be pleasd with you, Ameen