Is hijaab a farz?

[hareem01]

@Crescent

Assalamalikum,

Since you touched up on the topic of the difference between Fardh and Wajib, it is important to know that Wajib merely does not mean Sunnah. Wajib is more or less like a fardh, and should not be taken lightly as a Sunnah.

To get a glimpse of what Wajib and Fardh indicate in the Hanafi Madhab, refer to this thread in the Sunnipath forums for a better clarification. It outlines the difference beautifully. Difference between Fard and Wajib in Hanafi Fiqh - sunniforum.com

We cannot thus deny the act of Niqaab and its importance in the Islamic tradition (note not cultural). We can only act upon it , or not act upon it. Thats a personal choice. Thats where the difference lies.

However, to blame it on the environment to justify NOT wearing Niqaab would be wrong, or to degrade it to the level of a Sunnah only, would also be wrong. According to the definition of Fardh (or Wajib in the case of Hanafi Ullema).

I hope I got my point across. May Allah help us all in attaining his mercy and pleasure.

P.s. No one is opposing Hijaab, which clearly is a Fardh. I am well aware of that speech by Sh. Hamza Yusuf.

Brother

Growing beard is also wajib then why do you shave everyday? Oh may be the personal choice.

Now by saying that we can’t blame the environment you are contradicting all the scholars including Shaykh Faraz and Shaykh Hamza Yusuf. the definition of wajib in other three school is different from the hanafi…hanafis take it more seriously. But “Niqab” is not wajib anymore, atleast not in West and this is the opinion of the scholars of this age.
And even in Past, some Hanafi scholars didn’t consider niqab wajib as Shaykh Faraz Rabbani said.

Shaykh Nuh who’s Shafi’ actually discourage to wear Niqab in Western culture for the safety of sisters.

I’m sorry but you are not aware of any speech.

Here’s another answer for you from Sunnipath.

Wearing niqab is a good thing to do if it gives you peace of mind. However, please keep in mind that you are not shirking your obligation to Allah Ta’ala if you remove your niqab. I understand that you were inspired by the example of the women in Jordan.
However, if you allow me, I suggest that not every woman has the same experience wearing niqab. A woman’s ability to wear niqab is often contingent upon her environment. Some environments are very welcoming. Others are not. I’m not sure what your environment is like in Pakistan. However, I do know that wearing niqab in the West is very difficult. Some of the scholars on SunniPath, most notably Shaykh Nuh Keller, caution against wearing niqab in the West [generally]. Why? Because women who wear niqab in places like America and Europe often experience the very alienation and verbal abuse that you describe.
What is most important is establishing your own relationship with Allah Ta’ala, not so much based on what other women do, but on your own personal convictions. Your obligation is to wear hijab: to cover your body with modest, loose-fitting clothing. You are allowed to show your face, hands, and feet (according to the Hanafi School). Focus on fulfilling this obligation first. At the same time, focus on your relationship with Allah Ta’ala. Be constant in reading the Qur’an. Make remembrance of Allah. Ask Him for guidance and comfort. You should definitely make salat al-istikhara, or the guidance prayer in this situation. The details of this prayer are at

http://qa.sunnipath.com/issue_view.asp?HD=1&ID=7031&CATE=15

Now either you are wrong or all these scholars are wrong.