IS HIJAB COMPULSORY IN THIS CENTURY?

THEN AND NOW: THE MUSLIM WOMEN'S DRESS IN THE 21^ST CENTURY

Gone are the days when being bashful was one of the qualities of women, gone are the days when women dressed modestly, gone are the days when women were self-conscious of exposing their body in the society, gone are the days when nudity was a thing of repugnance. This point of view is however changing significantly in this 21^st century. Albeit, Muslim women of nowadays are great being, smart, intelligent, educated, strong and flexible, it is quite disheartening that the present condition of Muslim women (in terms of dressing and modesty) is deteriorating and becoming despicable and appalling. In fact, if we are not extra careful, the advancement of the so-called civilization and exposure to various different factors in the environment will make it difficult to uphold and adhere to the correct teachings of Islam, as taught by the beloved Messenger of Allah (PBUH).

Allah, the Exalted, informs us in the Quran: "And let there be (arising) from you a nation inviting to (all that is) good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong and those that will be successful. " (Q3:104).

Hence, it is greatly essential that the attention of Muslim sisters is drawn to the important of wearing Islamic dress. Therefore, the thrust of this paper is to cogently and succinctly discuss the ideal Muslim women dress in accordance to the correct teachings of Islam. It is also integral to clarify that the view discussed in this paper is not imposed upon you (dear Muslim sisters) by our mere opinions but rather the Divine Command of Allah which is necessarily in the best interest of the society of every age and place.

To start with, we believe that Islam is the religion that is transmitted to us through the message delivered by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), his companions and the righteous predecessors.  Islam is fundamentally a system of building and not one of destruction as its goal is reformation. It does not destruct human civilization, morals and custom but it reforms human conditions and erase all facets of immoralities and corruption that are shameful to the human race. 

An attentive study of Quran verses and Ahadith will uncover the strict emphasis on the need for Muslim women to observe modesty in their dress whenever they appear in the public by covering all their bodies and any ornaments of Beautification they might wear.  Allah says in Quran 24 verse 31: "And tell the believing women to reduce (some) of their vision and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers.... And let them not stamp their feet to make known what they conceal of their adornment..."

In furtherance, Q33:59 reads thus: "O prophet, tell your wives and 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..."

It is obvious from these two verses that Allah had made His statement clear to us. However, is it easy for women of nowadays to follow? It is no doubt that wearing Islamic dress (be it hijab, khimaar or Niqab) in this 21^st century is a great test of faith and righteousness.

While Allah has made His verses clear to us, it is unfortunate that the 21^st century Muslim women tend to adjust the commandment to suit their whim and desires, with the innocent aim that they are still on the right path.  Unknowingly, this has led to a misconception among the young Muslim ladies who assert that how a woman dresses is of little importance, as long as she performs her obligatory acts of worship.

The different dress code of Muslim women in this century is quite embarrassing. They want to obey Allah and also simultaneously follow their desires. We say that we fear Allah, yet we are concerned about what people around will say. We dress like a Muslim but we remove the Islamic principles!

At this present minute, there are a good number of Muslim women who are contemplating on becoming better Muslim sisters by using Hijab. Similarly, there is a good number of Muslim sisters thinking of quitting using it.  Perhaps, quitting due to societal influence, the prejudices towards her and denial of her right by the antagonists who oppose the teachings of Islam and consequently traumatizing the adherents.

By Allah, we understand the difficulties and trauma you might have faced as a result upholding the Islamic dress.  We impel you to never give up on the commandments of Allah.  We urge you to keep striving on the Deen and Allah shall reward you abundantly. It is worth noting that perhaps adhering to the Islamic dress in the 21^st century will continue to be more difficult as the years pass by because of the environment factors we are exposed to.  Hence, we should prepare ourselves ahead to face the challenges and let not go of our Deen and modesty in lieu of worldly or materialistic achievements.

Despite the challenges we might face, prejudices towards us and denial of our rights, let us endeavor to obey the ideal Islamic dressing as prescribed by Allah and hope for His rewards in this world and Aakhirah. It is aimed that this article reaches out to the 21^st century Muslim sisters who are yet to master the act of wearing Hijab to adhere by the commandments of their Creator, and to those who have been using the Hijab not to give up as their rewards in the afterlife is much better than that of this world.

"And the Hereafter is far better for you than the first (life)" (Q93:4). Additionally, it is aimed that this write-up will inspire you take the injunctions of your Lord on wearing Islamic dress, and to regard it above your academics, the society and any worldly possessions because the Hijab is what defines you as a Muslim. Perhaps without Hijab, you are a compass without direction or a traveler without destination. Hijab empowers you by emphasizing your inner spiritual beauty rather than your superficial appearance. It gives you the freedom to be an active member of the Muslim society while maintaining your modesty and protect you from harassment and abuse as stated in the Quran. Conclusively, it is clearly understood that "then, and now" are different. Nevertheless, the message remains the same. Hence, let us adhere by it and change ourselves and not the message.