Hijab: A Symbolism Of Devotion By Abduljeleel Kabeeroh Oluwakemi

The hijab in its entirely is the belief that as a Muslim, one must try to diligently live every day in respect of Allah, with modesty, and show devotion to the religion as a whole. The Hijab is Iman (Belief or Faith). It is an act of completing your Iman.  'A'ishah, the wife of the Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, addressed some women from the tribe of Banu Tamim who came to visit her and put on light clothes on them which shown that they were improperly dressed: Aishah said to them: "If indeed you are believing women, then truly this is not the dress of the believing women, and if you are not believing women, then enjoy it."

The above statement from shown that any Muslim sister who puts on Hijab with clear intention is a believing woman. 

Also, It is important to understand several points related to hijab and modesty. The first point is that modesty had been the norm in history, up until the later part of the past century. If one were to peruse historical books of various times and ages, one would find modest covering of women in almost every society. The other point is that modesty is a component in several world religions, particularly in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It may come as a surprise to many that it was not Islam that invented modesty or hijab. This existed in the laws of religions revealed before Islam, and remnants can still be found in the altered books of those faiths. With the final message given to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the order for Hijab was confirmed and finalized.

A woman who wears hijab liberates herself from the vain and selfish desire to show off her beauty and to compete with other women around her which will be of her own benefit.

This is an innate desire that is exacerbated by wanton display and tamed by modesty and covering. With the hijab, a woman does not have to live up to society’s expectations of what is desirable, and she no longer has to use her beauty to obtain recognition or acceptance from those around her.

In the chapter of Al-Ahzaab mentioned above, Allah Almighty Says what means “That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused.” Thus, one of the functions of hijab is to protect women from abuse and harm. This particularly includes various forms of sexual abuse and harassment, which are prevalent in societies in which few women cover. Men often get mixed signals and believe that women want their advances by the way they reveal their bodies. The hijab, on the contrary, sends a signal to men that the wearer is a modest and chaste woman who should not be annoyed.

We are afraid of the Hereafter and the punishment of the hell fire. We should be afraid that when we die without fulfilling Allah's command our end is not gonna be good. We won’t know when are we gonna die. If it’s stated that we are gonna die tomorrow, do you think we still have the time to repent to Him? When we decided to take this huge step to change to a better person, we should literally sit ourselves down and gave it a very deep thought. And ask ourselves are we really ready for this?  Ready to fllow Allah's will with good intention? Not because my dad won't pay my fees or you just wanted to see how it is in hijab but because of Allah and Allah alone.

The Hijab is IFFAH (Modesty)

Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) made the adherence to the hijab a manifestation for chastity and modesty. Allah says:

"O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) over their bodies (when outdoors). That is most convenient that they should be known and not molested." [Al-Qur'an 33:59]

In the above Ayah, there is an evidence that the recognition of the apparent beauty of the woman is harmful to her. When the cause of attraction ends, the restriction is removed. This is illustrated in the case of elderly women who may have lost every aspect of attraction. Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) made it permissible for them to lay aside their outer garments and expose their faces and hands reminding, however, that is still better for them to keep their modesty.

The Hijab is Taqwa (Righteousness)

Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) says in the Qur'an:

"O Children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover yourselves (screen your private parts, etc) and as an adornment. But the raiment of righteousness, that is better." [Al-Qur'an 7:26]

The widespread forms of dresses in the world today are mostly for show off and hardly taken as a cover and shield of the woman's body. To the believing women, however the purpose is to safeguard their bodies and cover their private parts as a manifestation of the order of Allah. It is an act of Taqwa (righteousness).

The Hijab is Tahara (Purity)

Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) had shown us the hikma (wisdom) behind the legislation of the hijab:

"And when you ask them (the Prophet's wives) for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen, that is purer for your hearts and their hearts." [Al-Qur'an 33:53]

The hijab makes for greater purity for the hearts of believing men and women because it screens against the desire of the heart. Without the hijab, the heart may or may not desire. That is why the heart is more pure when the sight is blocked (by hijab) and thus the prevention of fitna (evil actions is very much manifested. The hijab cuts off the ill thoughts and the greed of the sick hearts:

"Be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy or evil desire for adultery, etc) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honourable manner." [Al-Qur'an 33:32]

By Abduljeleel Kabeeroh Oluwakemi