The word scarves (scarf) and veil have different meaning in different languages of the world. In Arabic it is known as “hijab” and it comes from the Arabic word “hajaba” meaning to hide from view or conceal. In the present time, the context of hijab is the modest covering of a Muslim woman. The question now is what is the extent of the covering? The Quran says: “ 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…” (Qur’an 24:30-31)
These verses from the Qur’an contain two main injunctions
i. A woman should not show her beauty or adornments except what appears by uncontrolled factors such as the wind blowing her clothes, and
ii. The head covers ( Scarf, Hijab or Shayla) should be drawn so as to cover the hair, the neck and the bosom.
Islam has no fixed standard as to the style of scarf, 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 of guidance and rulings: first, the Qur’an, the revealed word of Allah and secondly, the Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) who was chosen by Allah to be the role model for mankind.
Often forgotten is the fact that modern Western dress is a new invention. Looking at the clothing of women as recently as seventy years ago, we see clothing similar to the (Scarf) hijab. These active and hard-working women of the West were not inhibited by their clothing, which consisted of long, full dresses and various types of head covering (scarves, Hijab, Shawls). Muslim women who wear scarf, shawl or hijab do not find it impractical or interfering with their activities in all levels and walks of life.
Hijab (scarf, shawl) is not merely a covering dress but more importantly, it is behavior, manners, speech and appearance in public. Dress is only one facet of the total being.
The basic requirement of the Muslim woman’s dress applies to the Muslims man’s clothing with the difference being mainly in degree. Modesty requires that the area between the navel and the knee be covered in front of all people except the wife. The clothing of men should not be....... (Want to read more Click Here.............)