Peace Miss_Noland
Khimar is the name of the headscarf. But like all Arabic words each noun has a functional meaning. The functional meaning of khimar is to cover however it does not change the fact that khimar has always been meant as a headscarf. The headscarves were not a fashion trend so much as a form of “protection” from the sun in the hot climates of Arabia.
The intent of the ayaat is to wear the headscarf (khimar) in such a way that it also covers the bosoms. The use of the word Hijab was always the wrong term to use. Khimar can be worn without observing hijab, however the reverse is not necessarily true. Physical covering ensures so much protection and the way a woman conducts herself ensures there is another level of protection. The intent of hijab therefore is “protection” not oppression.
To do away with hijab is doing away with ones protection and that cannot be a sensible thing.
The way the Qur’an works is that if there is something already being done then it usually stays silent on that issue, it really only emphasises where it is necessary to do so. Since women were already covering their heads but not their bosoms the efficiency of the Divine language stated the non-complinace rather than reiterating the compliance.
This can be seen also in hadith as I stated clarification has been detailed therein. To assume that our opinions are better than scholars or the prophet (SAW) himself is to appoint ourselves as greater than them and we are also implicitly questionning their ability or sincerity which can bear on our state of iman.
However, in very rare cases women have been instructed in certain times of Islamic history to remove their scarves from their heads and the conditions for this was when certain societies that were taken over by Muslims had women who used to walk around bare breasted to balance the situation Muslim women were instructed to remove their headscarves until the society reached a balance.
To be drawn to the breast is greater than that to hair which in turn is greater than the face and in turn other iterations like niqaab. Niqaab hence was only really appropriate for societies that had a level of maturity in most western societies today the headscarf is sufficient and accepted. I agree in some areas even the headscarf may be too much in which case provided a mufti has given a fatwa then this can be done without accountability.