Peace be on you..
Mahnoor, here is something from my side. Hope this might give you a helpful word. Indeed the reply is pretty exhausting but I think its necessary to reply in detail so the readers may get a actual concept about the importance of “veil” in Islam.
::::: HIIAB (THE VEIL)
The teachings of Islam concerning Hijab (the veil) and segregation of the sexes is probably the most confusing and difficult to accept for Western society. This is because of the widespread and erroneous notion that observing Hijab is a heavy restriction imposed on Muslim women. In fact, the very opposite is true. You will find that Hijab is a means of protecting women, and providing them with freedom from many social ills. The word "perdah" is also used to describe the concept and the practice of Hijab.
Islam provides guidance not only for individuals, but also lays down rules for the good of all society. In this case, the institution of Hijab/perdah guards the moral condition of society. Muslim women not only have responsibilities as wife, mother and daughter, they also share with men the responsibility of upholding the moral standard of society. The Holy Quran has laid down that one of the methods that men and women are to use to achieve that goal is Hijab. It says:
"Say to the believing men that they restrain their eyes and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Surely, Allah is well aware of what they do." (24:31)
And
"Say to the believing women that they restrain their looks and guard their private parts, and that they display not their beauty or their embellishment except that which is apparent thereof, and that
they draw their head coverings over their bosoms." (24:32)
The verse goes on to list close relatives from whom observing Hijab / perdah is not necessary.
From these verses it is made clear that both men and women are to conduct themselves with modesty and propriety at all times, and especially when in each other's presence. This teaching is based on the fact that Islam recognizes that "prevention is the better part of a cure." So segregation of the sexes is prescribed so that situations which cannot be controlled afterwards, are not allowed to develop in the first place. In this way, erosion of moral values can be prevented, and society is safeguarded from problems such as adultery, teenage pregnancies and STDs. The Holy Quran requires that Muslim women dresses modestly, cover their heads and wear an outer garment to conceal their beauty from strangers. However, you must understand that this physical covering is the only first step to developing Hijab. The true and full observance of Hijab/perdah is achieved when "veiling" extends to a man or woman's mind and heart. This means that one should veil or shield his/her mind and heart from impure and immoral thoughts when in contact with the opposite sex. One's thoughts, words and actions should reflect a sisterly love and respect towards fellow beings. This behavior leads to one's own moral upliftment, and also creates an atmosphere where men and women, instead of resenting and degrading each other, treat each other with respect and understanding.
Another verse of the Holy Qur'an states:
"0 Prophet! tell thy wives and thy daughters, and the women of the believers, that they should pull down upon them of their outer cloaks from their heads over their faces. That is more likely that they may thus be recognized and not molested. And Allah is Most Forgiving, Merciful." (33:60)
A woman who is following the rules of Hijab in her dress and actions is not likely to be treated in a disrespectful way by men. Thus Hijab/perdah provides Muslim women with freedom from some of the problems that women in Western society are facing today. In Islam woman is not regarded as a "sex object," nor is she exploited or harassed in this demeaning manner. (As you are probably aware, various feminist movements are trying to deal with these issues today, sometimes with little or no success.)
Islam has undoubtedly given woman dignity and honor through Hijab/perdah, and has provided a protection for her so that she can pursue her activities more freely. This gives Muslim women peace of mind. You may have noticed that most Muslim women who follow the practice of Hijab/perdah appear to be more relaxed and at ease with themselves. This is because Islam has reduced the importance of physical appearance as a mark of self-esteem. A Muslim woman is free to develop in herself other talents, and does not have to rely on her physical beauty to achieve what she wants. At the same time when a woman practices Hijab/perdah in the true manner, she fulfills her responsibility to society and gains satisfaction in the knowledge that she is able to gain nearness to Allah.
::::: PRACTICE OF HIIAB IN DAILY LIFE
Islam stresses the relationship between body and mind. The wearing of the outer garments and veiling of the body leads to veiling of the heart and shielding it from impure thoughts.
The Holy Quran tells women to wear an outer covering and to draw their head coverings over their bosoms. It also advises them to cover their faces. However, there is no one type of dress that is compulsory for all Muslim women. The form of the veil adopted varies from country to country.
A Muslim woman living in western countries, because of unavoidable conditions should at least observe “minimum Islamic perdah" as wearing a loose fitting outer garment and a headscarf. The face may be uncovered, but minimum or no makeup. This is adequate for sisters new to Islam, and may be used by others who are unable to use the complete perdha. Generally, Islam requires modesty in dress, with arms and legs covered. Clothes should be loose and the curves of the body should not be discernible, especially in public. A newcomer to Islam should not feel insecure about the way she dresses as long as her dress follows the Islamic code of modesty.
The conduct of a Muslim woman is a very important part of observing Hijab/perdah. Whether at work, or among family and friends, a Muslim woman must conduct herself with great propriety and decorum.
That’s all for now,
wa’salam
xalim ::::: [email protected]
