By Haroon Balogun

As a demonstration of modesty and obedience to Allah, Muslim girls and women wear head coverings called “hijabs,” particularly when in public. Q24:30-31. For Muslims, wearing a headscarf is not only about religious expression, it is strictly religious obligation; and if the constitution freely provides for freedom to exercise one’s faith according to section 38 (1) of the 1999 constitution, then where lies the tolerance so claimed by non-Muslims? Muslim women observe hijab (covering the head and the body) because Allah has told them to do so.

Allah, the Almighty says in the Holy Quran: “O Prophet, tell your wives and daughters and the believing women to draw their outer garments around them (when they go out or are among men). That is better in order that they may be known (to be Muslims) and not annoyed…” (Quran 33:59)

It is a good identity because a Muslim woman adhering to the injunction of Allah is not only carrying out the commandment of Allah but also making a statement about her identity. Anyone who sees her will know that she is a Muslim and has a good moral character distinct from the half naked ladies who have only abused a culture of decency and morality in the way to turn out in the public.

Culture of decency and morality

Many Muslim women who cover are filled with dignity and self esteem; they are pleased to be identified as a Muslim woman. As a chaste, modest, pure woman, she does not want her sexuality to enter into interactions with men in the smallest degree. A woman who covers herself is concealing her sexuality but allowing her femininity to be brought out.

Cross section of women during a programme to sensitize other Muslim ladies on wearing of hijab.

Nigeria is not the only country where discrimination against the hijab wearing women exists but it becomes so tensed in this society merely because of the intolerance of many non-Muslims. They see Hijab as a threat to their religious evangelism,

It is not about civilisation like many critics of Hijab are wont to say, it is about obeying your creator and exhibiting your self identity  as a Muslim.

“Say to the believing man that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that will make for greater purity for them; and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do. And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; and that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what must ordinarily appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands…” [Noble Quran 24:30-31]

These verses from the Quran contain two main injunctions:

A woman should not show her beauty or adornments except what appears by uncontrolled factors such as the wind blowing her clothes, and the head covers should be drawn so as to cover the hair, the neck and the bosom.

Islam has no fixed standard as to the style of dress or type of clothing that Muslims must wear. However, some requirements must be met. The first of these requirements is the parts of the body which must be covered. Islam has two sources for guidance and rulings: first, the Quran, the revealed word of Allah and secondly, the Hadith or the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) who was chosen by Allah to be the role model for mankind. The following is a Tradition of the Prophet:

“Aisha reported that Asma’ the daughter of Abu Bakr came to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) while wearing thin clothing. He approached her and said: ‘O Asma’! When a girl reaches the menstrual age, it is not properthat anything should remain exposed except this and this. He pointed to theface and hands.” [Abu Dawud]

The second requirement is looseness. The clothing must be loose enough so as not to describe the shape of the woman’s body. One desirable way to hide the shape of the body is to wear a cloak over other clothes. However, if the clothing is loose enough, an outer garment is not necessary. Thickness is the third requirement. The clothing must be thick enough so as not to show the color of the skin it covers or the shape of the body. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) stated that in later generations of his Ummah there would be “women who would be dressed but naked and on top of their heads (what looks like) camel humps. Curse them for they are truly cursed.” [Muslim]

Another requirement is an over-all dignified appearance. The clothing should not attract men’s attention to the woman. It should not be shiny and flashy so that everyone notices the dress and the woman. In addition there are other requirements: Again, and very important, women must not dress so as to appear as men.

“Ibn Abbas narrated: ‘The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) cursed the men who appear like women and the women who appear like men.’” [Bukhari] Women should not dress in a way similar to the unbelievers.