Hijab: A Comprehensive Term

HIJAB: A COMPREHENSIVE TERM The Hijab has become a topic of debate, discussion, and serious contention in print and television media. Through social media, the public has taken an active interest in the discussion of the Hijab. It is pertinent that we understand the meaning and connotation of the Hijab. The hijab is a comprehensive concept. It is not the name of a scarf or a veil. The idea of the Hijab starts from simplicity in one’s attire and then extends to the person’s behaviour and character. Its primary purpose is to lay the foundation of pure societies. It is a concept to guard the security and sanctity of relationships. It is to ensure that everyone operates within their sphere, and when it comes to relationships, no one should misuse their freedom to infringe upon others’ rights. Human beings do face temptations and desires for various things. Islamic teachings guide their followers to keep control over such desires. To this effect, it gives clear commandments meant to help us not to go near temptation. Islam prohibits indecency and immoral acts and those things that may lead one to commit indecent acts. This is known as the principle of Sadd al-Dharaa’i, that is, blocking the means to evil (or prohibiting seemingly harmless acts that eventually lead to grave sins). The Quran, while laying the foundation of a pure society, talks of the following: “Believers, avoid much suspicion. Indeed some suspicion is a sin. And do not spy on one another and do not backbite.” (49:12)