Assalaamu ‘alaikum,
The world is full of personal opinions and views with thousands more being introduced at the turn of each century. This is what makes Islaam unique to other religions – its laws and rulings are not based on emotions, whims, desires, opinions and personal intellect or stigma.
Those people who claim to be ‘open-minded’ in most matters are in fact its complete opposite, as they look for views to suit their personal desires and fanatsies, rather than look for the truth with an open mind and then adjust to it.
Firstly, as Muslims it is of paramount importance that we take each verse of the Qur’aan as explained by the Messenger salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam and understood by the Companions. Complementary guidance to the Qur’aan can be found in the authentic hadeeth of the Prophet salallaahu ‘alahi wa sallam, and Allaah subhaan’wa ta’aala has also ordered for us to follow the Sunnah:
“Indeed in the Messenger of Allaah you have an excellent example (to follow) for him who hopes in (the meeting with) Allaah and the Last Day and remembers Allaah much.” [Al-Ahzaab 33:21]
Secondly, Allaah has not said to take from the Messenger salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam those things that we want to and reject those things that do not conform to our desires, but has ordered us to follow the Prophet salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam in all matters:
“Whatsoever the Messenger gives you, take it; and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it). And fear Allaah; verily, Allaah is severe in punishment.” [Al-Hashr 59:7]
These two versus alone should be enough for a Muslim to recognise the importance of the Sunnah. After all, the Sunnah is the only thing that will save us from the Hell Fire as the Prophet salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam was the living example of the Qur’aan.
Abu Hurayrah (radhi'allaahu unhu) reported that the Prophet salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said:
“All of my Ummah will enter Paradise except those that refuse.
Those who were with him (the Sahaabah) said, "And who will refuse?" He (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: Whoever obeys me will enter Paradise and whoever disobeys me will have refused.” [Al- Bukhaaree]
With regards to the issue of Hijaab, then it is clear as explained by the Messenger salallaahu alaihi wa sallam in the light of the relevant Qur'anic versus, that this is obligatory for the Muslimah. This has also been clarified by brother Yacoob in the ‘Hijaab’ thread.
If we look further into the Sunnah, and the sunnah of the wives of the Prophet salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, then we also learn that they too used to observe the hijaab by even covering their hands and faces. When the verse was revealed affirming this practice, it has been reported, that the wives of the Companions immediately covered themselves up with whatever they could find, some even tearing down the curtains. And today, fourteen centuries later, we sit here and debate whether it is relevant!? Subhaan’allaah!
If there is a fear of attracting attention by the opposite sex by practising this, then such thoughts should be dismissed because the Messneger’s wives and the wives of the companions were also in the same situation when this Law of Allaah was introduced. As a matter of fact there should be more reason to cover yourself in today’s society in order to protect ones self from its evils particularly as women tend to be promoted as ‘sex objects’ in many regions around the globe. The Hijaab gives her this protection and sense of modesty. It may cause some attraction, but certainly not to a degree where they are likely to be approached by a ‘lustfull’ man or asked out on a date. Besides, if they stare at a sister with hijaab, then this is because not enough of the Muslim women are practising it and is therefore new to the environment, but when it becomes more common such an attraction will peter out. Moreover, if for some reason the Muslim feels uncomfortable in performing the obligations of their religion, then he/she should migrate to a land where they can practice their Deen more easily.
I would just like to add here, there is nothing wrong in following opinions, as long as these opinions are based on the Qur’aan and Sunnah in accordance with the understanding of the Salafus-Saliheen (pious predecessors), the first of them being the Companions.
Amongst the righteous scholars today and in recent years, there are two opinions with respect to this issue. Shaikh bin Baaz (raheemuallaah) said that it was compulsory for the Muslim woman to cover everything, including the hands and the face. Shaikh al-Albaani says that the hands and the face do not need to be covered, although it is better to do so.
So these are the two opinions that we can take from, but we must be careful not to resort to a third opinion as this will take us astray and away from the Mercy of Allaah.
… And Allaah Knows Best.
W’salaam,
Kindest regards
“Obey Allaah and His Messenger, and do not dispute (with each other), lest you fail and your strength depart; and be patient – surely, Allaah is with those who are patient.” [Al-Anfa’al 8:46]
“Let those who oppose the Messenger’s order beware of a fitnah (trial) to befall them, or a painful torment to be inflicted upon them.” [An-Noor 24:63]