Hijab in Islam is an obligatory and essential ruling, and it is natural for women who believe in God and adhere to His religion to not neglect this command. The necessity of hijab and its wisdom are evident in the space of a pure life, which is the life of purity and spirituality. Therefore, the address of the Qur’an regarding hijab is directed to “believing women,” meaning those who believe in God, the Hereafter, and their responsibility for their deeds, and who wish to follow the path of purity and growth, while distancing themselves from negligence and corruption.
But what does hijab for a believing woman look like according to the Qur’an? In this context, we will discuss two verses from the Qur’an regarding hijab and its ruling, each of which defines a part of the hijab and its limits. One concerns the covering of the head and chest, and the other pertains to covering the entire body.
1- The Verse of Jilbab:
God says: “O Prophet, tell your wives, your daughters, and the believing women to draw their cloaks (jilbab) over themselves. This will be more suitable, so that they may be recognized as chaste and not be molested. And Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful.” [1]
According to the literal meaning, “jilbab” refers to a comprehensive covering, a garment that is draped over from one part of the body to another (e.g., from the head to the feet).[2]
Furthermore, a closer look at Arabic grammar rules clarifies that jilbab refers to a complete, full garment.[3] Thus, in this verse, God commands believing women to wear a jilbab, a garment that covers the entire body from head to toe.
2- The Verse of Khimar:
The Qur’an says: “And tell the believing women to lower their gaze, guard their chastity, and not to display their adornment except what appears thereof, and to draw their khimars over their chests.” [4]
“Khimar” refers to a type of covering that covers only the head and chest. This is equivalent to a “long headscarf” khimar or a shawl. The headscarf was used even before Islam, but its purpose was to cover the head and let the ends fall behind the ear. The Qur’an instructs that the ends of the khimar should be wrapped around the neck so as to cover the chest as well.
Moreover, the verse does not simply command wearing a headscarf; it indicates that the headscarves of Muslim women should not be loosely worn, but rather they should be securely fastened, so they do not shift, exposing their chests or hair.
In this regard, the early parts of the Fadak Sermon (Khutbah Fadakiyyah) clearly show that the head covering of the lady of all women, Fatimah (peace be upon her), is a perfect example and practical interpretation of the hijab verses. In the beginning of the Fadak Sermon, it is narrated:
“When Abu Bakr and Umar made the decisive decision to prevent Fatimah (peace be upon her) from receiving Fadak and confiscate it, and this news reached Fatimah (peace be upon her), she firmly tied her khimar (long headscarf) on her head and wore the jilbab, which is a complete garment, covering her body, and set out toward the mosque among a group of women and her close relatives. Her covering was so long that it also covered her blessed feet. The way she walked was such that it resembled the walking of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).” [5]
Indeed, during this brief time, from leaving her home to reaching the mosque, Lady Fatimah (peace be upon her) demonstrated the perfect example of hijab for a Muslim woman.
(Adapted from the book “Hijab; A Radiance from the Light of Fatimah (peace be upon her)” by Dr. Mohammad Ali Majd Faqihi (with some changes))
Footnotes:
[1] Surah Al-Ahzab, Verse 59
[2] “Al-Mu’jam al-Muqayis al-Lughah,” Vol. 1, p. 469
[3] “Al-Tahqiq fi Kalam al-Qur’an al-Karim,” Vol. 2, pp. 112-113
[4] Surah An-Nur, Verse 31
[5] “Ihtijaj al-Tabarsi,” Vol. 1, pp. 97-98