In the current times that we live in, hijab is seen as a trending fashion statement. Many influencers and bloggers that we follow do not fully understand the value and importance of wearing hijab. The hijab is worn by Muslim women around the world as a means of obeying Allah, staying in touch with their faith and proudly representing Islam.
Allah says in Surah Al A’raf, verse 26:
يٰبَنِىۡۤ اٰدَمَ قَدۡ اَنۡزَلۡنَا عَلَيۡكُمۡ لِبَاسًا يُّوَارِىۡ سَوۡاٰتِكُمۡ وَرِيۡشًا ؕ وَلِبَاسُ التَّقۡوٰى ۙ ذٰ لِكَ خَيۡرٌ ؕ ذٰ لِكَ مِنۡ اٰيٰتِ اللّٰهِ لَعَلَّهُمۡ يَذَّكَّرُوۡنَ
“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. That is from the signs of Allah that perhaps they will remember”.
SO WHAT IS THE TRUE MEANING OF HIJAB?
Hijab is derived from the Arabic word “hijaba”, which means to ‘veil’. Many see this veil as just a piece of cloth, but there is so much more meaning to that piece of cloth than what meets the eye. Hijab is not only that piece of cloth that is obligatory for Muslim women to wear. In some sense hijab becomes the main identity and it provides women with both spiritual and physical peace and harmony.
The first and foremost reason Muslim women around the world wear the Hijab is to please Allah (SWT). Hijab is not just a covering but a protection and a statement. Wearing it serves as a shielding from all things Haraam and affirms one’s identity as a Muslimah.
For example , if you look at the beauty of a pearl.
It is covered inside an oyster. People swim to the depths of the ocean just to uncover the pearls. The same can be allied to our money, we cover it inside our wallets and our bags because it is valuable and we do not want people to see it. In that same vein, our women cover themselves because they are more valuable than any gem or any wealth in this Dunyah.
When you wear hijab, your inner circle changes and your behaviour becomes better because you are constantly thinking what manner is appropriate to act in. Therefore, it can be said that wearing the hijab is a means of self-improvement.
Wearing the hijab is not an end all be all. It is a journey and everybody’s journey is different. It is also not the only measure of Imaan, Taqwa or Piety.
The journey of wearing or rather observing the hijab is not a smooth one and will be filled with many bumps along the way. Shaytaan will always try to discourage you but that being said, taking this journey will strengthen your Imaan, open your eyes to the rest of the world and make you grow closer to Allah (SWT)
BY: RAEESA HOOSAIN