In this part of the article titled “Hijab in The Quran”, we shall discuss other relevant issues such as “working to earn a living”, traditional head cover and lots more.
CAN WOMEN WORK TO EARN A LIVING?
Although the responsibility to provide for the family has been laid upon the man, but if required, women can also work to make a living: “Do not covet what Allah has favoured some with more than He has some others. Men have a share in what they earn and women have a share in what they earn. And ask Allah for His favours. Surely Allah has knowledge of everything.” (1)
RESPECTING THE PRIVACY OF OTHERS- MEETING PEOPLE WITH PERMISSION
One of the Islamic etiquettes enjoined in the Qur’an is to seek permission when meeting people. The Qur’an says:
“O you who believe! Do not enter houses other than your own houses UNTIL YOU HAVE ASKED PERMISSION and saluted their inmates; this is better for you, that you may be mindful. But if you do not find anyone therein, then do not enter them until permission is given to you; and if it is said to you: Go back, then go back; this is purer for you, and Allah is Cognizant of what you do.” (2)
BELIEVING MEN TO MAINTAIN PROPER CONDUCT
Apart from the women, the believing men are also to observe this Islamic Hijab by maintaining proper conduct. The Qur’an says:
“Say to the believing men that they cast down their looks and guard their chastity; that is purer for them; surely Allah is Aware of what they do.” (3)
The believers guard their chastity, this trait of theirs is further clarified in Surah 23; “Successful indeed are the Believers. Those who are humble in their Salat and who keep aloof from what is vain. And who give Zakat, and who guard their chastity. Except before their mates or those whom their right hands possess (i.e with whom they are married), for they surely are not blamable. But whoever seeks to go beyond that, these are they that exceed the limits” (4)
From the verses, the dress code can be summed up as follows;
1· Dress should be loose enough so that the obvious parts of the body are not made apparent with a woman’s movement. (5)
2· An extra covering (khummar) should be taken over the bosoms. (6)
3· Only those parts which are already apparent from a woman’s adornment, i.e. those areas which are obvious whether a woman walks or remains still “ma zahara minha” (7) are to be kept exposed.
4· While talking, one should not be too complaisant in speech. (8)
5· Should not bedeck herself too much as she is already made <zeenah> an adornment for mankind. (9)
One important reason that the Quran gives as to why should the believing women maintain a proper dress code is given in <zalika adna ayyu’rafna fa lla yuzaina>” That (dress code should be maintained) so that they may be recognized and should not be molested.”
THE TRADITION OF HEAD COVERS AND VEILS
The head covers are clearly mentioned not in the Quran but in the BIBLE as St. Paul’s instructions:
“But every woman who prays or prophesies with HER HEAD UNCOVERED dishonours her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved. For if a woman is not covered let her also be shorn But if it is shameful for a woman to be shorn or shaved LET HER BE COVERED.” (11)
Also, traditional Jewish teachings have the type of dress that is famous today among many women i.e. only the eyes showing. It should be noted that in the Quran we are also informed about some unbelievers who are ‘covering themselves up with garments’. Can you identify these people?
“Behold! they fold up their hearts that they may lie hid from Him! Ah even when they COVER THEMSELVES WITH THEIR GARMENTS He knoweth what they conceal and what they reveal: for He knoweth well the (inmost secrets) of the hearts” (12)
“And whenever I have called them that Thou (Allah) may forgive them, they put their fingers in their ears, COVER THEMSELVES UP WITH THEIR GARMENTS, and persist and are puffed up with pride:”(13)
O Allah! Guide us to your straight path! The path of those who have your blessing, not those who qualify themselves for your punishment and nor those who are astray!
NOTES:
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1. Qur’an 4:32.
2. Qur’an 24:27-28.
3. Qur’an 24:30.
4. Qur’an 23:1-7.
5. Qur’an 24:31.
6. Qur’an 24:31.
7. Qur’an 24:31.
8. Qur’an 33:32.
9. Qur’an 33:33 & Qur’an 3:14.
10. Qur’an 33:59.
11. 1 Corinthians 11:5-6.
12. Qur’an 11:5.
13. Qur’an 71:7.
