What Is Hijab? Why Do Muslim Women Love Wearing a Hijab?

Images of Muslim women wearing the hijab, or head covering, are not uncommon in Western media. But what is the hijab and why do some Muslims wear it? Also, what does it represent? Discover the history of the hijab and its striking connections to other religions. 

However, if you are a Muslim woman who wears the hijab and want to remember why you are wearing it; this is your reminder. In addition, the Muslim woman wearing a hijab (headscarf or veil) has become a global phenomenon. There has been a significant increase in recent times of women in hijab engaging in modern society.  

What is a Hijab? 

In the Qur’an, the term hijab refers to a divider or curtain, either literally or metaphorically. It is a screen of some kind that separates one person from another.

It is a headscarf that Muslim women use to show gratitude and religious commitment. A scarf that covers most, if not all, of one’s hair, is known as hijab. It also covers the neck and extends behind the shoulders to cover the upper chest area.

In addition, it may also be large enough to flow down beyond the elbows and drop over the shoulders and upper back. The term “hijab” is derived from the Arabic word “hajaba,” which means “to conceal” or “to hide.”  

It is vital to note that only the spouses of the Prophet (SAW) were asked to wear this style of hijab. The hijab of the Prophet’s wives was additional since they were the Prophet’s wives. They had to cover themselves not just in their clothes, but also in the area they inhabited. 

As it is said in the Quran: 

“AND WHEN YOU ASK [HIS WIVES] FOR SOMETHING, ASK THEM FROM BEHIND A PARTITION. THAT IS PURER FOR YOUR HEARTS AND THEIR HEARTS”.  

Surah al-Ahzab, Verse 53 

Why Do Muslim Women Wear Hijab? 

Muslim women wear the hijab as a sign of obedience to Allah’s (God’s) decree in the Quran, which states: “And tell the believing women to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof and to wrap [a portion of] their headcovers over their chests and not expose their adornment.” (Quran 24:31) 

In this verse, Allah instructs believing women to cover their chests with their headcovers. Also, the word “khimar” is used, which refers to a piece of clothing that covers the head and a portion of the body in ancient Arabic. 

The Quranic passage instructed believing Muslim women to take their Khimars (head veils) and put them over their chests instead of covering their entire bodies. This shows the importance of the hijab. Hence, when Muslims fulfill Allah’s instructions, they receive divine bliss. 

Moreover, we have explained some reasons why a Muslim woman wears a hijab: 

Protection from Society and Evil: 

Every girl is beautiful in her own way. Islam advises women to conceal their beauty in order to protect themselves from being objectified, stereotyped, and misrepresented. Thus, the hijab protects the woman from being judged based on her appearance.  

Pleasing Allah: 

Muslim women wear the hijab because they think God has directed them in the Quran. According to the Islamic religion, it is just a way of completing one of God’s commands. Hence, the hijab is a symbol of a woman’s Islamic beliefs and also a means of pleasing Allah Almighty. 

Shows Modesty: 

Wearing the hijab allows a woman to grow in her faith as she goes on her spiritual path to become closer to God. Also, Muslim women wear hijab in accordance with the instructions of the Prophet Muhammad SAW: “Modesty is a branch of Islam.”

Thus, the hijab is one of the various methods to demonstrate modesty. As Allah SWT indicates in the Quran, the hijab is nobler for the heart. It is thought that wearing a headscarf assists a woman to gain purity of heart on God’s guidance.  

For Entering Paradise: 

In the Quran, God promises paradise to believe women. Muslim women may choose to exhibit their religion by wearing a headscarf. In this way, they pursue in order to get the reward of paradise. 

The Criteria for Wearing a Hijab: 

Based on the Qur’an and Sunnah, there are six points to consider while wearing hijab correctly: 

1. The first condition is the amount by which the body should be covered. This is variable for men and women. The guy is required to cover his body from the stomach to the knees.

However, for women, the level of coverage necessary is to cover the entire body except for the face and hands up to the wrist. In addition, they have the option of covering even these regions of the body if they want. 

The next five criteria are the same for both genders: 

1. Clothes should be worn loosely and should not display the physique. 
2. Attires should not be so transparent that one may see through them. 
3. The clothing worn should not be so extravagant that it attracts the opposing sex. 
4. The outfits worn should not be similar to those worn by the opposing sex. 
5. The attire they wear should not resemble those of non-Muslims. That is, they should not wear clothes that are exclusive identities or trademarks of other religions. 

Do Muslim Women wear Hijab Forcefully? 

The hijab should not be made mandatory for Muslim women. Rather, one should comprehend the significance of Allah’s command. So, when a Muslim woman wears the hijab in order to please Allah, she is rewarded for her self-sacrifice and loyalty to her Lord. 

The Final Thoughts: 

We have explained in detail what is hijab and its importance of it. We pray for every female who wears hijab for greater reward in this Dunya and Akhirah. Moreover, Qibla Travels Ltd. encourages women who wear hijab and follow the path of righteousness.  

In addition, if you want to perform Umrah or Hajj while practicing Hijab, they offer the cheapest Hajj and Umrah packages. Visit their website for more information.