HIJAAB - CLOTHING OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

In Islam there is no difference between men and women in regards to their relationship to Allah; they are both promised the same reward for good, or punishment for evil conduct.

"And their Lord has answered their prayer: I waste not work of any worker amongst you, male or female" (Al-Quran 3:95)

Modesty is a virtue that Islam demands, not only from women, but also from men:

"Say to the believing men they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty. And say to the believing women they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty" - (Surah 24:30-31)

From the dawn of civilization, flowing dresses and head scarves have always been associated with 'Godliness' or 'God consciousness'. Even the Christian pictorial representation of the earlier prophets and their women folks bear familiar likeness to the dress ordained for Muslim men and women, and to an extent carried on by some of the nuns to this day. With regard to this modesty, Allah says in the Quran:

'O Children of Adam! We have sent down on you an undergarment to cover your shameful parts, and an outer garment as a protection and decoration, and the best garment is the garment of piety. Such are the Signs of Allah, that they may be admonished. ' - (AI Araaf: 26)

However, it is on account of the differences between men and women in nature, temperament and social life that a greater amount of veiling is required few women than men (especially in the matter of dress.). While men are required to cover the body between the navel and the knee, every woman is asked to cover her whole body excluding the face and hands from all men except her husband.

"...to the believing women.... cast their veils over their bosoms, and not reveal their adornment, except to their husbands.... " - (Noor: 31)

The following Hadith of our beloved Prophet Mohammad (SAW) provide further clarification: Asma, sister of Hazrat ( Aisha (RA) and daughter of Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) came to the Prophet (SAW) in a thin dress that showed her body. The Prophet (SAW) turned his eyes away and said.'

"O Asma! When a woman reaches puberty, It is not lawful that any part of her body can be seen, except this and this" and then he pointed to his face and the palms of his hands.

Hafsah, daughter of Abdul Rahman, once came before Hazrat Aisha (RA) wearing a thin shawl over the head and shoulders. Hazrat Aisha (RA) tore it up and put a thick shawl over her.

Therefore, it is explicitly clear that the dress of Muslim women must cover the whole body, in such a way that the curves of the body are not revealed, except the face and hands. Our beloved Prophet Mohammad (SAW) described the type of women who will be dwellers of Hell as follows:

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