If there is any group of people I would love to have a conversation with, it’s the women of Muslim faith who adhere to some aspect of hijab. For those who are not familiar with the word, hijab refers to a “religious” dress code that includes the head and/or face covering worn by Muslim females; it can also refer to their complete manner of dressing.
Hijab – To cover, conceal, hide, screen, and shelter
Hijabs are so much more common here in Germany than in California, so to be honest at times it’s quite shocking to see in person, particularly when nothing but the eyes can are exposed. Needless to say I’m quite ignorant on the subject and I’m still trying to have a better understanding of their clothing practices and requirements and how it works within todays modern world. I simply want to have a fair and respectful understanding of it, although a bit difficult at times.
I found this explanation in one Islamic website:
The reason for this strictness is so that the woman is protected from the lustful gaze of men. She should not attract attention to herself in any way. It is permissible for a man to catch the eye of a woman, however it is haram (unlawful) for a man to look twice as this encourages lustful thoughts.
Hmmm… I’m still pondering this along with other perhaps silly questions I have:
- So, if your hair is covered, then magically I am not supposed to recognize a beautiful woman when I see one? Really?
- Is it still within the requirements to have the head coverings, yet have arched eyebrows, make-up and Gucci sunglasses?
- Is this dress code truly a requirement based on your religion, or moreso a notion created by men with their own insecuriteis and agendas?
- And for the women who have the head covering with only the eyes shown, deep down in your heart and soul do you carry any resentment at all towards your husband or partner who is free to wear whatever he pleases?
- During the summer, aren’t you hot?!
I don’t know. The topic is just interesting to me. I want to learn more. Perhaps I will have to set up an interview soon.
I’ve been asked by a few friends at home, “So how are the women in Germany?” I always respond that I suppose they’re okay, but wow, so many of the Muslim and Turkish women are absolutely beautiful!
Respect.
Judge me by what is IN my head, not what is ON my head.
Unknown
What Color Is My Soul? 
I wear hijab and abayah, you are welcome to interview me, there are many Muslim bloggers and forums where I am sure the sisters would be happy to talk to you!
but for now, let’s start with your questions here!
So, if your hair is covered, then magically I am not supposed to recognize a beautiful woman when I see one? Really?
Of course you will still recognise a beautiful woman, however hair is a part of beauty, and this part you won’t see. and it is not just hair you are not supposed to see, it is the shape of the body, perfume, and so on.
For the women who wear hijab, it is about following a commandment from Allah and what they believe their religion requires of them, more then deflecting male attention! (although that is a good side effect)
Is it still within the requirements to have the head coverings, yet have arched eyebrows, make-up and Gucci sunglasses?
no plucking eyebrows is haram The Prophet Sallallahu alayhi wasallam said:
Allah has cursed those women who modify their eyebrows or ask others to do it for them (Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim).
Make up while in front of non related men would also be haram apart from khol.
There is nothing wrong with designer sunglasses.
However all women are different, they follow the commandments to different extents, have different understandings, some follow for culture rather then religion etc, some are on a journey and start of one way and end up another, others do things as they are struggling with stopping, we all have our different trials in life.
Is this dress code truly a requirement based on your religion, or moreso a notion created by men with their own insecurities and agendas?
I believe it is a requirement of my religion based on The Quran verses
1 – Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze, and protect their private parts and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent), and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband’s fathers, or their sons, or their husband’s sons, or their brothers or their brother’s sons, or their sister’s sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islam), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of feminine sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allaah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful”
[al-Noor 24:31]
in this verse the Arabic word used for veil is the plural of the world khimar, if you do a google images search you will see what that means in Arabic, it is used to refer to a head covering.
also
“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks all over their bodies That will be better, that they should be known so as not to be annoyed. And Allaah is Ever Oft‑Forgiving, Most Merciful”
the word used for cloak in Arabic is the plural of jilbaab which is an outer garment starting from shoulders or head, covering all body.
And for the women who have the head covering with only the eyes shown, deep down in your heart and soul do you carry any resentment at all towards your husband or partner who is free to wear whatever he pleases?
I dont wear niqab, but I wear abayah and i have no resentment to my husband, what he wears is between him and Allah and what I wear is between me and Allah, we are different people, seperate entities, I do not consider myself in comparison or in competition with him!
However there is also dress requirements for Muslim men, the beard obviously, and also they have to cover their awrah, a womans awrah in front of non related men is her whole body except face hands and feet, a mans awrah is between his navel and knees, so low battys, shorts, tight jeans, topless etc is not on.
1 – Abu Dawood (3140) and Ibn Maajah (1460) narrated that ‘Ali (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Do not show your thigh, and do not look at the thigh of anyone, living or dead.”
2 – Ahmad (21989) narrated that Muhammad ibn Jahsh (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) passed by Ma’mar when I was with him, and his thighs were uncovered. He said: “O Ma’mar, cover your thighs, for the thigh is ‘awrah.”
3 – Ahmad (15502), Abu Dawood (4014) and al-Tirmidhi (2798) narrated from Jawhad al-Aslami that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) passed by him when his thigh was uncovered and he said: “Do you not know that the thigh is ‘awrah?”
4 – al-Tirmidhi (2798) narrated from Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The thigh is ‘awrah.”
awrah means private parts. between husband and wife there is no awrah btw and between women and other women awrah is between navel and knee. obviously all of this is exempted in case of childbirth, medical needs etc.
During the summer, aren’t you hot?!
erm aren’t you???????
tbh wearing a loose flowing garment is very cool!!
I really enjoyed this chance to engage with you, keep in touch, any more questions feel free to ask!
Miss. Direkshun, thanks so much for commenting. It’s much appreciated! Reading your response definitely gave some clarity and perspective. I also think I’d like to take you up on your offer to ask a few more questions on this topic, although ‘not’ an inquisition. I will contact you via your blog in a few days to see how we may be able to set something up — IM, Skype, etc., we’ll work it out. Thanks again and I look forward to the very healthy dialogue!