Modesty and shyness

Asalam Wa Alikum


Modesty and shyness play a special part between the affairs of the Creator and the created.  All prophets and Messengers encouraged modesty, as the Prophet, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, said:

“Indeed from the teachings of the first prophets which has reached you is, ‘If you do not have shyness, then do as you please.” (Al-Bukhari)

Modesty as a sense of shame or shyness in human beings is a shrinking of the soul from foul conduct, a quality that prevents one from behaving badly towards others or encouraging others to behave badly towards you.  Islamic ethics considers modesty as more than just a question of how a person dresses, and more than just modesty in front of people; rather it is reflected in a Muslim’s speech, dress, and conduct: in public in regards to people, and in private in regards to God.  Any talk of modesty, therefore, must begin with the heart, not the hemline, as the Prophet of Mercy said, ‘Modesty is part of faith,  and that part of faith must lie in the heart.

Take reservation in speech.  As with everything in Islam, speech should be moderate.  Raising one’s voice in venting anger simply shows one lacks the ability to contain it, and only damage will ensue from it.  Uncontrolled anger, for example, can lead one to verbally abuse and physically assault another, both of which take off the veil of bashfulness one is endowed with, exposing the shameful ego within.  The Prophet said:

“A strong person is not the person who throws his adversaries to the ground.  A strong person is the person who contains himself when he is angry.” (Saheeh al-Bukhari)

A strong person who believes feels shy in front of God and His creation, since God knows and sees everything.  He feels shy to disobey his Lord and feels shame if he sins or acts inappropriately, whether in private or public.  This type of modesty is acquired and is directly related to one’s faith, where one’s awareness of God increases one’s “shyness” in front of Him.

Islamic morality divides modesty into natural and acquired.  Modesty is a quality inherent in girls and boys, a certain type of modesty that is natural in human beings.  If manifests itself, for instance, in a natural human urge to cover one’s private parts.  According to the Quran, when Adam and Eve ate from the fruit of the forbidden tree, they became aware that their private parts were exposed, and they began to cover themselves with the leaves of Paradise, a natural result of their modesty.

Islamic scholars consider modesty to be a quality that distinguishes human beings from animals.  Animals follow their instincts without feeling any shame or a sense of right or wrong.  Hence, the less modesty a person has, the more he resembles animals.  The more modesty a person has, the closer he is to being human.  Islam has mandated certain legislations which induce this sense of modesty within humans. These legislation range from seeking permission before entering any room and distancing one from others while relieving oneself, to mandating certain manners of dress for men and women alike. Another way that modesty may be attained is by associating with modest people - people in whose presence a person feels embarrassed to do anything shameful - as the Prophet said:

“I advise you to be shy toward God, the Exalted, in the same way that you are shy toward a pious man from your people.

Being shy of a stranger’s gaze is one of the driving forces behind modesty in dress.  This can be seen in children, who naturally shy away from strangers, sometimes hiding from them in their mother’s skirts or behind their father’s legs.  In Islam, screening most of your body off from the gaze of a stranger, especially of the opposite sex, is actually mandated as a means to avoid falling into conduct that may lead to extra-marital or pre-marital sex.  God says,

“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and be modest.  That is purer for them.  Lo!  God is Aware of what they do.  And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest, and to display of their adornment only that which is apparent, and to draw their veils over their chests, and not to reveal their adornment.” (Quran 24:30)

The verse then mentions the people before whom one is exempted from veiling; the ones who cannot be called ‘strangers’.  Also, the command is relaxed as one matures: an aged woman who has no hope of marriage can discard the overcoats that screen what they are wearing underneath

As seen from this verse, Islamic ethics view modesty not as a virtue for women only, but for men as well.  Thus, men must also dress modestly, being careful to wear loose flowing and opaque clothes through which the area between their waist and knees be totally covered. Tight pants or translucent clothing is prohibited. This modesty is reflected upon Muslim male clothing throughout the world, long shirts reaching below the thighs, and loose flowing trousers.

 It may still seem, however, that women bear the main brunt of ‘dressing modestly’. When one reflects, however,  about the predator and the prey in illegal relations between the sexes; the prey which is hidden escapes being a victim.  Besides, another verse says modesty in dress actually identifies one as being a believing woman  a ‘target’ which the devout Muslim, or any decent man, would be motivated to protect rather than abuse.

The way to develop modesty is to think about whether he or she would do the sin they are contemplating in front of their parents.  A person with a shred of shame in their heart will not commit any lewd act in front of their parents.  So what about doing so in front of God?  Is not God much worthier that such acts not be done in His sight?  Thus, Islam considers that the modesty of a believer in front of God must be greater than in front of people. This is manifest in the saying of the Prophet when a man asked him about remaining naked in the house while alone. The Prophet responded:

 God is more deserving than other people of shyness.” (Abu Dawood)

Early Muslims used to say, “Be shy toward God when you are in private in the same way you are shy in front of people when you are in public.”  Another one of their sayings is, “Do not be a devoted slave of God in your public behavior while you are an enemy to Him in your private affairs.”

Modesty can therefore be seen as the means by which morals and ethics in society are maintained and pursued.  Shyness from people and society may be a reason to be modest, but this modesty will not remain due to the fact that what is immodest one day in a secular society may be totally acceptable in another. Thus, the key to modesty is knowing that God is aware of what you do and shying away from that which He forbids.  God only desires what is best for us.  So to seek what is best for us is to submit to what He has in mind for us.  The only way to properly know what that is, is to believe in what he sent down to us through His Prophet, Muhammad, and to embrace the religion (Islam) that His Messenger brought us.

QURANIC TAFSEER UPON HIJAAB

asalam wa alikum


QURANIC TAFSEER UPON HIJAAB
 
"O ye who believe! Enter not the dwellings of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam for a meal without waiting for the proper time, unless permission be granted you. But if ye are invited, enter and when your meal is ended then disperse. Linger not for conversation. Lo, that would cause annoyance to the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam and he would be shy of (asking) you (to go) but Allah is not shy of the truth."
 
The above is a part revelation of verse : 53- Surah Ahzaab.
 
In a narration of Bukhari, Hazrat Anas (R.A) explains: " I am the most known amongst the people, concerning the causes of the first revelation of Hijaab. Reason being, I was present throughout the whole incident and I witnessed the acts of the Sahaabaa and the Prophet Sallallahu Alahi Wasallam."
 
After Hazrat Zainab bint Jahash enjoined in marriage with the blessed Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, she was brought into the small house situated in the Haram of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam had a meal prepared in aid of the blessed marriage i.e. Waleemah. After the dinner was served many people stayed behind and lingered for purposes of conversation. In a narration of Tirmizi it is stated that the blessed Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam and Ummul Mu’mineen Hazrat Zainab (R.A) also remained there. Hazrat Zainab (R.A) had turned her face towards the wall in shame. To see such actions caused discomfort to the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, who took leave and visited the other blessed wives. Upon return he found the gathering had not yet dispersed. Again the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam left in annoyance. Seeing this act of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam many people understood and took leave. Hazrat Anas (R.A) reports: The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam came outside the small building and I was present there too. It was then that the above verses were revealed to the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam.

Although the verses do not openly explain the form and procedures of Hijaab, they have given an explanation as to refrain from going to the Prophet’s Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam houses, because discomfort was resultant not only for the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam but also for the blessed w ives too.

Following onwards the Quran portrays : ‘ And when ye ask of them (the wives of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) anything,ask it of them from behind a curtain. That is purer for your hearts and for their hearts.’ (Part revelation of verse:53 Surah Ahzaab)

Although the cause of revelation refers only to the blessed wives of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, the rule applies to the whole Ummah. So that the hearts and intents of both the believing men and women can stay clean and purified.

We learn that if such a revelation was related to the blessed wives of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam, who in all means stand as our pillars of guidence, then we, the unworthy, too must also consider the matter and follow in accordance, as no man can ever level with the standards of piety and purity of the blessed Sahaabaa/Sahaabiyaat. If there were such restrictions, then we, in all circumstances should restrict ourselves more severely in matters such as these.
 
Allah Ta’aalaa has stated in the Holy Quran: "And stay in your houses, adorn not yourself with the adornment of the times of ignorance." (Part revelation : Surah Ahzaab)

The times of ignorance mentioned in the Aayah indicate the days of darkness previous to the light and expandations of Islam. The Holy Qur’an has referred to these days as, ‘The first/early days of ignorance.’ This reveals to us the fact that there will be another period when darkness will over power the true light to cause disruption within the living people again.

Reflecting upon the present situation of the ways of the world, we can witness this fact. We see the evil growth of ignorance is casting it’s magnitudinal force, unfortunately the very ways and teachings of the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam are being neglected.

If one looks towards the inner meaning of the Aayah, it becomes apparent that a woman was created with a homely character, her duties lie within her home, therefore the Islamic law requires her to stay at home. However, if the need arises she is permitted to leave her home, enclose herself within the ‘Jilbaab’ and accomplish her needs.

Allah Ta’aalah has further stated in the Holy Quran :

‘O, Prophet ! (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) tell thy wives and thy daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks close round them (when they go out). That will be better so that they may be recognised and not annoyed. Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful.’ (Verse: 59 Surah Ahzaab) 
Hazrat Ibne Jareer (R.A.)has reported the discription of ‘Jilbaab’ from Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Abbas (R.A.) : ‘A thick cloth in which a woman conceals herself from head to toe allowing a narrow opening by the eye for means of seeing.’

Along with this limitation, the woman must walk to one side of the path, refrain from mingling in crowds of men, not apply perfume or any other forms of scent, or wear tinkling jewellery that cause attraction, as these give invitation towards corruptive acts.

In the above mentioned Aayah, Allah Ta’aalaa has ordained the blessed wives, daughters and believing women of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam to observe ‘Hijaab’, according to the specification of Abdullah ibn Abbas (R.A).

A woman is like a precious rare stone, the most valuable and attractive recognition is her face. It would be considered useless if she concealed her whole body, and revealed her face, for this is where a woman’s beauty lies. What could be more worthy of being kept ‘well hidden’ than her face?

Hazrat Abdullah Ibne Mas’ood (R.A) has given the following definition for the ‘Jilbaab’: ‘The large cloth which is worn over the large head scarf (dupattah).’
 
Imam Mohammad Ibn Seereen (R.A) inquired to Hazrat Ubaydah Salmaani (R.A) about the ‘Jilbaab’ and its form of concealment. Hazrat Ubaydah (R.A) taught through demonstration by drawing a large cloth over his head and then covered the face allowing a small opening by the left eye for purposes of seeing.

Both explanations of Ibne Abbas (R.A) and Ubaydah Salmaani (R.A) are focused upon the word ‘yudneena ‘ (in the Aayah). The Aayah openly explains the necessity of ‘Hijaab’ for women of all ages and times. 
Hazrat Maulana Shabbir Ahmed Uthmani (R.A) has stated : "It can be found in many narrations that the believing women would go out in such concealment that only one eye would be revealed for means of seeing. So, accordingly in the age of corruption, to cover the face would fall as a compulsory act upon every Muslim woman."

However, if unintentionally any loss or misconduct occurs within the observation of Hijaab, Allah Ta’aalaa is most forgiving.

Commentary upon ‘Hijaab’ is covered sufficiently under the verses of Surah Ahzaab, which was revealed at the time of the respected marriage of Hazrat Zainab bint Jahash (R.A) at the blessed hands of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam.

The scholars’ views differ as to when this incident took place. Many scholars view this incident to have taken place in the year 03. A.H. In contrast several others as mentioned in ‘Tafseer Ibn Katheer’ and ‘Naylul-Awtaar’ give a stronger view towards the occurence of the incident to have taken place in the year 05.A.H. This has also been narrated from Hazrat Anas (R.A). However, an agreement was finally made on the narration of Hazrat Anas (R.A).

The verses upon ‘Hijaab’ in Surah Noor were revealed in the year 06.A.H. The observance of Hijaab was obediently adhered to in result of the revelations of Surah Ahzaab. The following part revelation of verse: 60, Surah Noor explains :

" In such a way as not to show adornment." One interpretation of the Aayah explains that having dressed accordingly as the Quran, old womenfolk may go out unveiled yet in such a way that adornment is not revealed.

The Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam once said to his blessed wives: "I permit you to leave your homes whenever the need arises."
 
It is said that the blessed wives of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam would pay visits to their parents, friends, relatives etc. They would also take leave for purposes such as performing the blessed pilgrimage as well as the optional Umrah. Many Sahaabiyaat would accompany the blessed Sahaabaa at the time of battle, nursing the wounded etc.

"Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their modesty, that is purer for them. Lo! Allah is aware of what they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest, and to display of their adornment only that which is apparent, and to draw their veils over their bosoms, and not to reveal their adornment save to their own husbands or fathers or husband’s fathers or their sons or their husband’s sons or their brothers, or their brother’s sons or sister’s sons or their women or their slaves, or male attendants who lack vigour, or children who know naught of womens nakedness. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And turn unto Allah together, O, believers in order that you may succeed." (Surah Noor, verses: 30-31)
 
"And tell the believing men to lower their gaze."
 
‘Yaguddoo‘ is originated from the word ‘ gadd‘ which means: " To lower the gaze." Relating to this Aayat Ibne Katheer and Ibne Hibban have commentated as follows: To turn the gaze away from such things upon which the Islamic law has forbidden, e.g. To look at a non mehram of the opposite sex with bad intent, to even glance at any male/females’ ‘Satar’, to disturb others privacy by looking into their homes, living quarters etc., are extremely forbidden and the outcomes are severe (in this World and in the Hereafter). 
"And guard their modesty." To over-rule ones unlawful desires from bad intents and doings e.g. To indulge within adultery, to be sexually attracted to members of the same sex (Homosexuality, Lesbianism), to fulfil evil desires by means of forbidden touching, glancing etc. Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas’ood (R.A) has reported from the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam: "Sight is a poisonous spear amongst the many spears of the Shaitaan. One who resists it in the fear of Allah, is rewarded with strong faith, whose sweetness is witheld in the heart of the resistor."
 
Hazrat Jareer ibn Abdullah (R.A) once questioned the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam regarding a man who unintentionally glances at a woman. The Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam replied: "The man must turn away instantly and his first glance will be forgiven." Muslim.

"And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their modesty." Part revelation- Surah Noor . This Aayah is in accordance with the same command as above, except that this Aayah relates to women. The above Aayah ordained that the believing men should lower their gaze. Usually the orders for women follow along accordingly although the Aayah may be directed to men alone. The woman’s order was specified so that subsequently it may strengthen the point and highlight its outcome effectively. 
"And to display of their adornment only that which is apparent." The literal definition of ‘Zeenat’ is the accessories which adorn a woman, e.g. Outstanding garments, jewellery etc. The majority of commentators have given an explanation as follows: Looking at the accessories of zeenat is permissible but, to look at the bearer of such accessories is forbidden.

"Only that which is apparent." The Aayah reveals an exception as to what is apparent of a woman’s adornment. These exceptions are when a woman is working or constantly moving and her hands/face may be revealed then this is dealt with as an exception. Hazrat Ibne Ma’sood (R.A) gives the following commentary regarding this exception: The Aayah relates to the cloth or garment worn above the inner clothing eg.burqa’. 
Hazrat Ibn Abbas (R.A) commentates as follows: The aayah gives the exception to uncover the face and hands when the need arises.

Again the scholars’ views differ as to whether it is compulsory for a woman to cover her face or not? Hazrat Ibne Ma’sood (R.A) states: To unveil the face or hands in the presence of a non mehram is not permissible. Hence this is an unlawful act.

Hazrat Ibne Abbas (R.A) states: To uncover the face and hands is permissible for a woman when there is no fear of bad intents and doings. And men should consider the fact that the Qur’an has ordained them to lower their gaze and be modest.

"And to draw their veils over their bosoms."
 
‘Khumur’ is originated from the word ‘Khimaar’ which means a large head scarf which covers the head and the chest. Before the revelation of the Aayat -e -Hijaab women used to cover their hair and let the scarf fall down the back, baring the front parts from the scarf. However, we see today that the same fashion of the days of ignorance is being adopted. ‘Juyoob’ is originated from the word ‘Jayb’, this word holds the meaning of the breast pocket, but within the Arabs this word connotates the meaning of the upper front half. 
"And not to reveal their adornment save to their own husbands or fathers or husband’s fathers or their sons or their husband’s sons or their brothers or their brother’s sons or sister’s sons or their women, or their slaves, or male attendants who lack vigour, or children who know naught of women’s nakedness."
 
The ‘men’ mentioned above are a women’s mehram, along with these mehrams is her own husband. A woman is permitted to reveal herself fully in the presence of her husband. However, this is not permissible in the presence of her mehrams also. They are not entitled or permitted to even glance at her ‘Satar’. A woman’s mehram is there to protect her and was created as a protective model for the purpose that he will not cause any harm to her. Grand father and great grand father fall into the category of a father to which Hijaab is not neccessary.

"Or their women." This means the Muslim women. These are like her mehrams, not permitted to see a woman’s ‘Satar’. Otherwise there is no harm to unveil in their presence. The aayah indicates that Muslim women should refrain from maintaining acqaintance with ‘kaafir’ women as consequently ill influences are very likely.

"Or their slaves." Although there is no restriction governing whether the permittance concerns male slaves within the Aayah, many scholars have commented that this relates only to the female slave. 
Hazrat Saeed ibn Musayyib (R.A) spoke these last words before taking leave from this world: ‘ Do not let the Aayah of Surah Noor mislead you as this refers to the women slaves not the men.’ 
"Or male attendants who lack vigour." Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Abbas (R.A) has stated: This means one who has no interests and desired pleasure in sexual matters.

"or children who know not of womens nakedness." This refers to such children who have not yet approached adolescence, and who are not aware of sensual features of a woman. However, if the case is such that the child approaching adolscence displays an interest in women and their features then to unveil oneself in the child’s presence is prohibited.(Ibne-Katheer)

"And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment." If jewellery is worn around the ankles e.g. Anklets, which create noise and tend to attract men towards the tinkling sounds then this again is considered within the violations of Hijaab. To let a non mehram become aware of this attraction is extremely prohibited. If restrictions are such for the sounds of tinkling or heels, then for a woman to raise her voice reaches well beyond the border. Within the same category falls the use of perfume and scent, these are a source of attraction whether applied intentionally or unintentionally, these should not be applied when going out or in the presence of non mehrams.

"And turn unto Allah, O, believers in order that you may succeed." Finally Allah Ta’aalaa mentions in the Aayah which reveals the fact that if any sins or faults are committed then O believers turn to Allah so that you may succeed. Whilst asking for forgivness from our great, most forgiving Lord one must express shame and regret over ones previous misconducts and resultantly never approach or intend to advance towards any bad. 

An Amazing Project

 Salam all i have a friend who is doing an amazing project she is trying to get reverts and those muslim that maybe had problems and then came back to the fold of islam to tell their stories ...at the moment she is doing it on her blog which is called http://onechinesemuslimah.blogspot.com/2012/09/attention-looking-for-reverts-re-guided.html and when she has enough she will start another blog just for this purpose .. insha`allah what she`s doing will help those who are new muslim and /or help those who are lost and trying to find their way back .... please ladies help her to achieve her goal ..... jazak`allah khair

The Neccessities of hijab and the consequence of negligence

asalam wa alikum



THE NECCESSITIES OF HIJAAB AND CONSEQUENCES OF NEGLIGENCE
 
"Oh Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam! Tell thy wives and thy daughters and the women of the believers to draw over them their jilbaabs (cloaks). That in the least so that they be recognised and not be molested." (Surah Ahzaab) 

"And remain within your homes and do not make an exibition ( of your selves) like the displays (of the immoral women) of former times of ignorance." (Surah Ahzaab) 

One of the fundamental principles of Islam is to establish a system of virtue, goodness and justice. For this reason Islam teaches both men and women in order to secure such a society. Amongst other things it disciplines the human urge for the opposite sex so that both sexes can live in pure wedlock and have full control over their beastal desires. To achieve this objective Islam has a code of behaviour. Breaching these codes of principles may resultantly endanger the purity and goodness of society. This code protects, wards off evil inclinations and bad influences. This observation of rules is termed as hijaab/ purdah.

The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam is reported to have said, 

"Verily a woman walks in the form of Shaytaan. Her approaching and recoiling are in the form of Shaytaan." 
Commentary : This means that Shaitaan used women as a means to trap man into doing evil. 

In another tradition the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, "Verily the woman is aurah ( anything that is concealed by shame and prudency) whenever she leaves the home the Shaitan raises his eyes and looks towards her. When she is in the innermost part of the home it is then that she is closest to her Lord ." 
From the above hadith we learn that the Shaitan used the women as his avenue to creat evil in society. 
In the second hadith we learn that a woman should not be revealed to strangers and that the coming out of the home can only cause mischief as Shaitan awaits and gives her his evil and full attention. 

In Islam a woman feels a great sense of security and enjoys a high status of honour and dignity within her home and out, which in a way is greater than man’s. Each sex have their own responsibility and duties to perform according to their emotional and biological nature. Her great responsibility lies in the upbringing of the nation’s next generation. On her shoulders does not lie the burden of financial problems, therefore she has no need to venture out of her home unlike the non-Muslim women. 

Insecure feelings, financial, moral and physical problems have driven the non-Muslim women from the boundries of her home. In the process she has had to abandon her modesty and dignity at the cost of moral and spiritual life, hoping that through this she can overcome her insecurity and inferiority against men. 
In Islam a woman’s real worth is not accounted by exhibiting a half exposed body, or the fascination that the opposite sex has for her, rather it is by her modesty, piety and moral conduct. 

The main aim of purdah or hijaab is to guard the spiritual and moral purity of man. Caution is taken in the very first steps so that man is prevented from plungering into the abyss of immorality and shamelessness which can be witnessed today. 

The Quran reads, And tell the believing woman to lower their gaze and be modest. (24.31). The same has been ordered for man as well. 

The Quran proclaims," Do not approach near fornification." 

Shame and respect are natural qualities in man. When these cannot be found in him and his whole community, what can be the outcome of this? You only have to look around us today to witness these atrocities caused by the negligence of immodesty.

The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, 

"There is nothing left after me more dangerous to man than the temptations of women." 
Is not the unveiling of women in our time along with the free mixing of both sexes the cause to some of the social and moral ailments? Many complain that the hijaab enjoined upon Muslim women is far too restrictive and rigid and is in order to keep inferior to man. Ignorance and misunderstanding can only be the cause of such beliefs. Besides Islam which other religion or nation has given homes full protection from exploitation from strangers? While at the same time Islam guides women upon importance of purity and morality as well as upholding her status and dignity. 

A woman is likened to a sweet creature, everything about her is an attraction for spectators. Islam protects her by enjoining her to wear hijaab so that the covering of herself does not attract men like the swamps of flies and dirty creatures are attracted to uncovered sweets as in the case of todays women who falls prey to this. 

The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam was ordered to tell his wives and believing women to wear purdah so that they could be recognised as believing women and not molested. Is this not the case of todays women? 

The Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam is reported to have said, "Every religion has a characteristic. The characteristic of Islam is modesty." (Ibn Majah.) 

He also said, "Verily modesty and faith are inter-related. If one is taken out the other diminishes simultaneously". (Bayhaqi) 

THE OBSERVANCE OF HIJAAB IN TIME OF DIFFICULTY

asalam wa alikum


THE OBSERVANCE OF HIJAAB IN TIME OF DIFFICULTY:
 
Hazrat Qais Ibne Shammas (R.A) reports that Umme Khallad (R.A) came to the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam to inquire about her son who had been killed in one of the battles in the path of Allah. When she arrived she had a veil covering her face. Upon seeing this one of the Companions of the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, "How is it that even under such unfortunate conditions (inspite of such grief and sorrow) you wear the Hijaab?" 

Hazrat Umme Khallad (R.A) replied, 

"If I have lost my son I have not lost my modesty." (i.e I should not lose them both) 
Then the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam replied, "Your son will gain the reward of two martyrs." 
She asked, "How can this be possible?" 

The Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam replied, "Because ‘Ahl-e-Kitab’ (people of the book, i.e. Jews, Christians ) have killed him." (Narration of Abu-Dawood) 

From this we can learn how the Sahabiyaat (those women who saw the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam after accepting Islam) remained firm upon the observance of hijaab even at times of difficulty and misery. 

Are Muslim women oppressed?

asalam wa alikum

Among the many topics of interest to non-Muslims, the status of Muslim women and the theme of their rights -- or rather, the perceived lack of them – seems to be foremost.  The media’s portrayal of Muslim women,   usually outlining their “oppression and mystery” seems to contribute to this negative perception.
The main reason for this is that people often fail to distinguish between culture and religion -- two things that are completely different. In fact, Islam condemns oppression of any kind whether it is towards a woman or humankind in general.

The Quran is the sacred book by which Muslims live. This book was revealed 1400 years ago to a man named Muhammad who would later become the Prophet . Fourteen centuries have passed and this book has not been changed since, not one letter has been altered.

In chapter 33, entitled Soorah Al-Ahzaab (The Clans), verse 59 Allaah The Exalted Almighty Says (what means): "O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the woman of the believers to bring down over themselves (part) of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known (as free respectable women) and not be abused. And ever is Allaah Forgiving and Merciful." [Quran 33:59] This verse shows that Islam makes wearing a Hijaab necessary. Hijaab is the word used for covering, not only the headscarves (as some people may think) but also wearing loose clothes that are not too bright.

Sometimes, people see covered Muslim women and they think of this as oppression. This is wrong. A Muslim woman is not oppressed, in fact, she is liberated. This is because she is no longer valued for something material, such as her good looks or the shape of her body. She compels others to judge her for her intelligence, kindness, honesty and personality. Therefore, people judge her for who she actually is.

When Muslim women cover their hair and wear loose clothes, they are obeying the orders of their Lord to be modest, not cultural or social mores. In fact, Christian nuns cover their hair out of modesty, yet no one considers them “oppressed”. By following the command of Allaah, Muslim women are doing the exact same thing. 

The lives of the people who responded to the Quran have changed drastically. It had a tremendous impact on so many people, especially women, since this was the first time that the souls of man and women were declared equal -- with the same obligations as well as the same rewards.

For the first time in history, women were granted economic independence in Islam. The money they bring in to marriage is theirs as well as the money they earn. In Islam, women are allowed to choose their own husbands and in extreme cases, ask for divorce. A woman has the right to be educated, contrary to what the contemporary world might think. The responsibility is that of the person who is raising her.

Islam is a religion that holds women in high regard. Long ago, when baby boys were born, they brought great joy to the family. The birth of a girl was greeted with considerably less joy and enthusiasm. Sometimes, girls were hated so much that they were buried alive. Islam has always been against this irrational discrimination against girls and female infanticide. 

The Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam, said: "Seeking knowledge is mandatory for every Muslim (male and female)." Men and women both have the capacity for learning and understanding. Since it is also their obligation to promote good behavior and condemn bad behavior in all spheres of life, Muslim women must acquire the appropriate education to perform this duty in accordance with their own natural talents and interests.

While maintenance of their homes, providing support to the husband and bearing, raising and teaching children are among the first and very highly regarded roles for a woman, if she has the skills to work outside the home for the good of the community, she may do so. However, this is allowed only as long as her family obligations are met and as long as she complies with the Islamic code of dress and conduct, with no intermingling with men in the workplace.

Islam recognizes and fosters the natural differences between men and women despite their equality. Some types of work are more suitable for men and other types for women. This differentiation in no way diminishes the effort or benefit of one gender over the other. God will reward both genders equally for the value of their work, though it may not necessarily be within the same sphere of activity.

The two great roles a woman plays in life are that of a wife and a mother. The Prophet once said to a group of Companions : "The best among you are those who are the best to their wives." This shows that Islam highly encourages treating the wives well. They should be shown love, respect and care. To foster the love and security that comes with marriage, Muslim wives have various rights. The first of the wife's rights is to receive dowry, a gift from the husband, which is part of the marriage contract and required for the legality of the marriage.

The second right of a wife is maintenance. Despite any wealth she may have, her husband is obligated to provide her with food, shelter and clothing. He is not forced, however, to spend beyond his capability and his wife is not entitled to make unreasonable demands.

Concerning motherhood, the Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam, said: "Heaven lies under the feet of mothers." This implies that the success of a society can be traced to the mothers who raised it. The first and greatest influence on a person comes from the sense of security, affection and training received from the mother. Therefore, a woman having children must be educated and conscientious in order to be a skillful parent.

A man came to the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam, and asked: "Who among my kinfolk is worthy of my good companionship?" The Prophet replied: "Your mother" three times before saying: "Your father." This indicates the impact that a mother has in a person's life. So women are highly honored in this great religion.

Islam is a religion that treats women fairly. The Muslim woman was given a role, duties and rights 1400 years ago that most women do not enjoy even today in the West. These rights are from God and are designed to maintain a balance in society; what may seem “unjust” or “missing” in one place is compensated for or explained in another place.

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