Wehib Abdulwase Kurtu
All praise be to Allah, the Exalted, who created us and blessed us with clothing as a means of dignity and protection. May the mercy and peace of Allah be upon the Prophet Muhammad, who has shown us the comprehensive and everlasting path of life. May Allah be pleased with the rightly guided Companions who carried forward this luminous path for generations to follow until the Day of Judgment.
Alhamdulillah, our global community commemorates World Hijab Day on February 1st, (tomorrow) a gesture of solidarity and recognition of the right to wear the hijab. In a time when faith and religious practice face challenges, this act stands as a testament to the resilience and dignity of Muslim women worldwide. Just as we celebrate the right to wear the hijab, we also need to have a day to defend the right to build a mosque without opposition.
When discussing the hijab, I cannot help but think of the steadfast mothers and sisters in Gaza. They are icons of the hijab—wearing it through peace and war, displacement, and hardship. Their unwavering commitment serves as a powerful reminder of the hijab’s deep-rooted significance beyond mere clothing.
What is Hijab?
The term “hijab” originates from Arabic and encompasses meanings of veiling, protection, and covering. In the context of Islamic teachings, it symbolizes modesty and serves as a safeguard against temptation and moral corruption. The hijab is not merely a headscarf but a broader concept of modesty in dress and behavior, prescribed by Sharia to preserve dignity and virtue. As Islam instructs:”Islam forbids a girl from wearing clothing that reveals the shape of her body.”
Indeed, the Holy Quran first establishes the principle of modesty through the command to lower the gaze:
“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their chastity. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do.” (Surah An-Nur: 30)
Similarly, the Quran outlines the dress code for Muslim women:
“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their chastity, and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof, and to draw their head coverings over their chests and not expose their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers...” (Surah An-Nur: 31)
The Hijab in History
The hijab is not exclusive to Islam but has been a practice across civilizations. Modesty in dress has been upheld in religious traditions, including Christianity and Judaism. The Quran recounts the story of Adam and Eve:
“So he made them fall, through deception. And when they tasted of the tree, their private parts became apparent to them, and they began to fasten over themselves leaves from Paradise...” (Surah Al-A’raf: 22)
This verse illustrates the innate human inclination towards covering oneself. Furthermore, righteousness and modesty are emphasized as virtues:
“O children of Adam, We have bestowed upon you clothing to conceal your private parts and as adornment. But the clothing of righteousness—that is best.” (Surah Al-A’raf: 26)
Similarly, biblical references also advocate modest attire:
“Take the millstones and grind flour; remove your veil, strip off your robe, uncover your legs, pass through the rivers. Your nakedness shall be uncovered, and your disgrace shall be seen.” (Isaiah 47:2-3)
Even though the depiction of any pious figures is not permissible in Islam, the revered figure of Mary, the mother of Jesus, (peace be upon them) is depicted wearing a head covering, reinforcing the continuity of the hijab across religious traditions. Former Italian Minister Roberto Maroni once remarked:
“If the Virgin Mary appears wearing a veil in all her pictures, how can you ask me to sign a law banning the hijab?”
The Message of the Hijab
The hijab is not only an obligation but also a natural right. The command for hijab was revealed in Medina when faith was firmly established in the hearts of believers:
“O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused.” (Surah Al-Ahzab: 59)
Upon receiving this revelation, Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated:
“The women cut off the ends of their garments and covered their heads and faces with those cut pieces.”
Thus, the hijab became a defining symbol of Muslim women, reaffirming an identity rooted in faith and modesty.
Misconceptions and Challenges
Despite its deep-rooted significance, the hijab continues to face opposition. Some view it as a mere cultural tradition rather than an act of religious devotion. Others misunderstand it as a sign of oppression rather than empowerment.
Unfortunately, Islamophobia rhetoric in various parts of the world has led to discriminatory policies, banning hijabs in schools and workplaces. Such actions contradict the principles of religious freedom and human rights. If the world allows individuals like Ajay Banga, the World Bank chief, to wear his Sikh turban with pride, then why should a capable Muslim woman in hijab not be given the same respect and opportunity?
A Final Reflection
The hijab is more than a piece of fabric—it is a symbol of faith, dignity, and empowerment. It is a visible declaration: “I am a Muslim; I have my own identity, given to me by Allah and confirmed by the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him).” It embodies taqwa (God-consciousness) and haya’ (modesty), serving as a shield against moral corruption.
As we mark World Hijab Day, let us stand against prejudice and affirm the right of every woman to dress as she has been commanded by Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him)and in accordance with Islamic rules and regulations, without fear of discrimination. Justice demands that the world respects and upholds this fundamental right.
Wehib Abdulwase Kurtu is an Ethiopian writer, translator based in Qatar.
