The Philosophy of Hijab

By

Saima Sheikh

I read with disappointment the Washington Post article by Asra Nomani and Hala Arafa. I couldn’t believe that these so called Muslim activists were discouraging non-Muslim women from showing their support for Muslim women. To me their article sounded more like an angry rant. Their rhetoric was no different than those Imams and other clerics in Saudi Arabia or Iran that they cited in their article. At this day and age where there is so much anger and hatred against Muslims, a slightest support by our non-Muslim neighbors or friends should be appreciated and not discouraged.

As an Ahmadi Muslim woman who believes in the Messiah Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian, India, I say to Asra and Hala that their interpretation of Muslim veil, Hijab or Purdah is incorrect. Islam lays great emphasis on moral standards of society and provides guidelines on how men and women should interact with each other.  Hijab / Purdah isn’t just for Muslim women but Muslim men are also asked to restrain their looks. The Holy Quran first addresses men, “Say to the believing men that they restrain their eyes and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Surely, Allah is well aware of what they do” (24:31). Then it addresses the women, “Say to the believing women that they restrain their looks and guard their private parts, and that they display not their beauty or their embellishment except that which is apparent thereof, and that they draw their head coverings over their bosoms….”(24:32).This means that Muslim women dress modestly, cover their heads and wear an outer garment to conceal their beauty from strangers.

The Messiah and Imam of today, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad further expounds on these verses and said, “The Book of God does not aim at keeping women in seclusion like prisoners. This is the concept of those who are not acquainted with the correct pattern of Islamic ways. The purpose of these regulations is to restrain men and women from letting their eyes to rove freely and from displaying their good looks and beauties, for therein lies the good both of men and of women. It should be remembered that to restrain one’s looks and to direct them only towards observing that which is permissible is described in Arabic by the expression ghadde basar… It is necessary that such a one should cultivate the habit of Ghadde Basar in his social life. This is a blessed habit through which his natural impulses would be converted into a high moral quality without interfering with his social needs. This is the quality which is called chastity in Islam.” (The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, pg. 50)

Expounding on the subject of Islamic Purdah, the spiritual leader of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Khalifa of Islam, His Holiness, Mirza Masroor Ahmad said in his address at the annual convention of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, UK on October 26, 2014, “Allah’s commandment in regards to Purdah must be kept in balance and moderation, as both sides have lurched towards extremism. In Europe and in the West generally, the society has become so free and immodest that adultery and indecency are now prevalent. On the other side, there are Muslims who are so fanatical that they even stop their women from ever leaving their homes… Today, I have spoken particularly about Purdah because it is often alleged that Purdah takes away women’s rights. However, we know that this is not the case andthe truth is that Purdah and Hijab actually establish the true dignity, independence and freedom of women. Hijab does not only give women physical security but is also a key means of giving them spiritual security and purity of heart.”

I started wearing the hijab and observing purdah (scarf and Coat) about nine years ago. No one forced me to wear the hijab! Hijab / Purdah isn’t just about covering the outside but extends to a woman’s heart and mind as well. This means that their thoughts and actions should reflect love and respect towards fellow human beings. Wearing a hijab isn’t a barrier, on the contrary, ever since I observing purdah, I have felt stronger and more confident. Therefore, I invite my interfaith sisters who want to support Muslim women that we welcome your support. I also, invite Asra and Hala to visit Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Mosques. We don’t have “enforce-hers” and “Muslim mean girls,” and no one forces women at our Mosques to wear the hijab!

Follow Saima on Twitter at @SaimaGSheikh