Veil (Pardah) is an important rule of Islam. There are certain Surahs of the Qur’an provide Law regarding the veil. Allah Ta’ala has addressed the believing men and women of all classes and categories about the veil. The Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) ordered his wives, daughters and believing women to cover themselves with a veil. In some verses in the Quraan, Ummahatul Mumineen (R.D) has addressed, in some verses the Companions (R.D) have also been addressed. In essence, the Qur’an has given great importance to the Law of veiling for Muslim men and women. It is an obligatory Law of Shariat and It is a demand of faith to be devoted to this law. But the sad thing is that our ‘Muslim-society’ has been so affected by the influence of western civilization and culture that even the provisions of Quran and Sunnah are unfamiliar and unnecessary to them! (Nauzubillah) Some of the most important tenets of Islam are—may Allah protect—under attack by Muslim identity bearers. One of those laws is the veil law. Hope this writing will convince the ‘Muslims’ that, behaving like this simile to stabbing oneself in own foot. These Laws of Islam are not only the means of our salvation in the hereafter, but also the protection of the peace, health and sanctity of our worldly life. But being influenced by the ignorance from knowledge of Deen and the propaganda of non-Muslims, we have left our position and reached the brink of destruction. The dire symptoms of Western society are evident in our families and societies too. It is definitely ominous. If we want to protect our families and societies from the deadly disease, the plague of Western civilization, the only way we can do is surrender to the laws and ideals of Islam. If we want to get back our family peace, then both men and women must follow the Law of veil (Law) inshaAllah. We are presenting this writing for the benefit of our Muslim brothers and sisters. The current writing features a few simple articles about Veil. We intend to present something more on this subject in the future InshaAllah. May Allah Ta’ala grant us all the grace to be His dutiful servants. Ameen.

Veil : Law and Benefit

Veil is a great Ihsan in the Islamic Shari’ah, for the society in general and in particular for the women folk of this Ummah. This law is a document of correctness, completeness and infallible law of Islamic Shariah for all times. The veil is a symbol of women’s dignity and the only means of chastity and protection. Many people think that the veil is only for women. This idea is not correct. Veil is also essential for men. But both have differences in terms of veil. The way that is suitable for each category men or women has been instructed to veil in that manner. Any honest person who studies the verses of Quraan and Hadiths related to the veil will recognize the fact that the law of the veil in Islam, is given to protect the honor of men and women and the sanctity of the society. That is why everyone should be grateful to Islam because of this law. One should not make undue objections about this law. An Urdu poet Akbar Elahabadi says-

“Western women today are able to perceive this fact even though they are unable to perceive this reality due to the fall of the veil in the hearts of Western and Western-influenced men. And this law has been the medium to attract them to Islam.”

As we mentioned earlier, the most simple and effective way to protect the chastity of both men (protecting the gaze) and women is the veil or Hijab in Islam. Purity of heart and mind can be achieved only by following these law. This benefit of the veil has been declared by Allah Ta’ala Himself. He mentioned in the noble Quraan-

ذٰلِكُمْ اَطْهَرُ لِقُلُوْبِكُمْ وَ قُلُوْبِهِن
This law is a cause of greater purity for you and their hearts. (Surah Ahzab (33) : 53)

So there is no alternative to veil-law to keep the human society pure and free from corruption. Especially for the protection of the youth and young generation of the present day society and for the safety of women, the full observance of veiling is the need of the time.

Rules of veil in the Quran

The rule of veiling is an irreversible rule of Islam. This law is given in many verses of the Quran. So there is no opportunity for any believer to consider this law lightly. Here are a few verses with a brief discussion.

1

یٰۤاَیُّهَا النَّبِیُّ قُلْ لِّاَزْوَاجِكَ وَ بَنٰتِكَ وَ نِسَآءِ الْمُؤْمِنِیْنَ یُدْنِیْنَ عَلَیْهِنَّ مِنْ جَلَابِیْبِهِنَّ ؕ ذٰلِكَ اَدْنٰۤی اَنْ یُّعْرَفْنَ فَلَا یُؤْذَیْنَ ؕ وَ كَانَ اللّٰهُ غَفُوْرًا رَّحِیْمًا
(O Prophet! Tell your wives, your daughters, and the women of the believers, that they should draw the edges of their cloaks over themselves. It will not be easy to identify them. As a result they will not be harassed. Allah is Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Surah Ahzaab: 59)

Abdullah Ibn Abbas (RD) In the explanation of this verse said, Allah Ta’ala has ordered the believing women to cover their faces by pulling the veil/sheet over their heads when they leave the house for any need. And (for ease of movement) keeps only one eye open.-Fathul Bari 8/54, 76, 114

Ibn Sirin (R.H) said, When I asked Abidah (Salmani) about the verse, he said, Cover the head and face with a cloth and keep one eye open.

2

وَ اِذَا سَاَلْتُمُوْهُنَّ مَتَاعًا فَسْـَٔلُوْهُنَّ مِنْ وَّرَآءِ حِجَابٍ
If you want anything from them (the Prophet’s wives), ask from behind the veil. This law is the cause of greater purity for your hearts and theirs. It is not lawful for any of you to trouble the Messenger of Allah, and it is never lawful for you to marry his wives after his death. In the eyes of Allah, it is a grave crime. (Surah Ahzab (33) : 53)

This verse also shows that no part of a woman’s body is outside of the veil. The actions of Ummul Mu’mineen (mother of the believers) also prove it. In this verse, when the law of the veil is said to be a way of greater purity for the Ummul Mu’minin (R.D) and Sahabiyyah (R.D), then who else is there in the Ummah who can be outside of this provision?

3

وَ قُلْ لِّلْمُؤْمِنٰتِ یَغْضُضْنَ مِنْ اَبْصَارِهِنَّ وَ یَحْفَظْنَ فُرُوْجَهُنَّ وَ لَا یُبْدِیْنَ زِیْنَتَهُنَّ اِلَّا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا
” (O Prophet!) Tell the believing women to restrain their gaze and guard their private parts. They should not display their coverings other than what is normally appears.” (Surah Noor: 31)

Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Masood (R.D)has stated in the Sahih Sanad that ‘what is generally revealed’ means cloth.-Tafseer Tabari 18/119

According to this interpretation, it appears that it is essential to cover the full body of a woman, including her face, in front of a Non Mahram male.

4

وَ لْیَضْرِبْنَ بِخُمُرِهِنَّ عَلٰی جُیُوْبِهِنَّ
They should cover the neck and chest with the head cloth. … (Surah Noor: 31)

Ummul Mumineen Ayesha (R.D)said,

يرحم الله نساء المهاجرات الأول، لما أنزل الله : وليضربن بخمرهن على جيوبهن شققن مورطهن فاختمرن بها
That is, may Allah have mercy on the first class Muhajir women. When Allah revealed the verse (وَ لْیَضْرِبْنَ بِخُمُرِهِنَّ عَلٰی جُیُوْبِهِنَّ ) they tore their cloaks and covered themselves with them. – Sahih Bukhari 2/700

In the explanation of the above hadith, Hafez Ibn Hajar Askalani (R.H). Said-‘Fakhtamarna’ means they covered their faces.-Fathul Bari 8/347

Allama Ayni (R.H). Said – ‘Fakhtamarna Biha’ i.e. they covered their faces with the cloth they had torn. (Umdatul Qari 19/92)

Allama Shanqiti (R.H) Said, from this Hadith, it is understood that the above female companions understood that in this verse, Allah Ta’ala has also ordered them to cover their faces. So they tore their cloaks and covered their faces to obey Allah’s orders.

5

وَ لَا یَضْرِبْنَ بِاَرْجُلِهِنَّ لِیُعْلَمَ مَا یُخْفِیْنَ مِنْ زِیْنَتِهِنَّ ؕ وَ تُوْبُوْۤا اِلَی اللّٰهِ جَمِیْعًا اَیُّهَ الْمُؤْمِنُوْنَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُوْنَ (They should not take vigorous steps to reveal their hidden adornments. O believers! Return to Allah, all of you, so that you may be successful. (Surah Noor: 31)

From this verse, it is understood that it is the duty of a believing woman to refrain from all activities that attract other men. For when loud steps are forbidden for the purpose of making the sound of Nupur (one kind of anklet which has tiny bells) to others, it is easy to understand the prohibition of actions, postures and behaviors that attract more than that. This is an important teaching of Allah Rabbul Alamin for Muslim women.

The rules of veiling according to Hadith Sharif:

1

Abdullah Ibn Masud (RD) Narrated from the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) he has said, “ A woman should be covered. Surely when she comes out of the house, Shaytaan watches at her attentively. And when she stays indoors, she is remains the closest to Allah Ta’ala.” – Al-Muzamul Awasat, Tabarani. (This hadith shows that one should not leave the house unnecessarily)

2

Abdullah Ibn Umar (RD) Narrated from: The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: “A woman in Ihram should not wear niqab and gloves.” (Sahih Bukhari 4/63, Hadith: 1838) (Qazi Abu Bakr Ibn Arabi said, it is Fard for women to cover their faces with Burqa. However, the Hajj period is an exception. Because, this time they will hang the veil on the face, but not let cling with the face. Keep themselves away from men and men will stay away from them.) (Ariyatul Ahwazi 4/56)

3

Abdullah Ibn Umar (RD). Narrated by the Messenger of Allah(Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: “Whoever hangs his clothes out of pride, Allah will not look at him (with mercy) on the Day of Resurrection. Then Ummul Mu’minin Umm Salama (RD). Asked, how do women hang their clothes? The Messenger of Allah(Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said, “Hang one hand” Umm Salama (RD)said, In this their legs will be uncovered. Then the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said, “Then hang one hand, not more than that.” -Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith: 4117; Jame’ at Tirmidhi 4/223; Sunan Nasa’i 8/209; Musannaf Abdur Razaq 11/82 (Imam Tirmizi RH said, in this hadith, women are allowed to hang their clothes. Because it is more covering for them)

4

On the authority of Uqba Ibn Amer Juhani (RD), the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said, “Avoid approaching women.” An Ansari companion said, O Messenger of Allah! What do you say about the husband’s side relatives (brother in law)? He said, he is death.”-Sahih Bukhari 9/242; Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 2172; Jame Tirmidhi, Hadith: 1171; Musnad Ahmad 4/149, 153 (This hadith prohibits the seclusion of unmarried men and women and in this context it is imperative to be more careful with the relatives of the husband’s side such as Brother in law (husbands elder or younger brother)

5

Hazrat Ayesha (RD) In a long hadith of Ifq, it is said – I was sitting in my place when my eyes became drowsy and I fell asleep. Safwan ibn Mu’attal As-Sulami (RD) was in the rear of the army. As he approached near my position he saw the shape of a sleeping person. Then he came to me and recognized me. Because he saw me before the law or veil revealed. He then uttered Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihi Rajiun, due to which I woke up and covered myself with the veil. In another tradition, I cover my face with a veil.-Sahih Bukhari 5/320; Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 2770; Jame Tirmidhi, Hadith: 3179

6

Ummul Mu’minin Umm Salama (R.D) Has said, “I was once with the Messenger of Allah(Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam), Ummul Mumineen Maymuna (RD) was also present there. At that time Abdullah Ibn Umm Maktum appeared. This incident was after the ayah of veil revealed. Then the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said, “Move away from him.” We said, he is blind, can’t see us?! Then the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said, “Are you also blind?” Do you not see him?-Sunan Abu Dawud 4/361, Hadith: 4112; Jame Tirmidhi 5/102, Hadith: 2779; Musnad Ahmad 6/296; Sharhul Muslim, Nabbi 10/97; Fathul Bari 9/248

7

Ummul Mumineen Ayesha (RD) has said, “When we were in Ihram with the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, many caravans used to pass by us. All of us would pull our veils over our faces when they would come face to face with us. When they left, I would remove it again.” -Musnad Ahmad 6/30; Ibn Majah, Hadith: 2935 (From this hadith it is understood that it is necessary to cover the face in front of other people)

8

Asma bint Abu Bakr (RD) Said, “We used to cover our faces in front of men. …-Mustadrake Hakem 1/454 (From this hadith, it is understood that even the common women of the Sahaba (R.D) era used to cover their faces from Non Mahram men. Because Asma Binte Abi Bakr RD used the plural “we” here. Which proves that women other than Ummahatul Mu’min also kept their faces covered)

9

Fatima bint Munzeer (RD) Said, “We used to cover our faces uring the time in Ihram with Asma bint Abu Bakr (RD).” -Muatta, Imam Malik 1/328; Mustadrak Hakem 1/454.

10

Hazrat Umar (R.D) Narrated from the Prophet, (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said – “Whenever a man meets a woman in private, their third partner is Shatan.” – Jame’ Tirmidhi.

11

Ummul Mumineen Ayesha (RD) Said, “A woman wanted to give a paper to the Messenger of Allah, (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) from behind the curtain. The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) folded his hands (did not take the paper and) said, “I do not know whether this is a man’s hand or a woman’s.” The woman requested, “A woman’s hand.” The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said, “If you were a woman, you would surely have mehndi on your nails.” – Sunan Abu Dawud, Sunan Nasa’i (From this hadith it is understood that veiling is essential even with Pir-Murshid and Ustad)

12

Hazrat Umaima bint Ruqaika (RD) In a long hadith has related to the pledge of allegiance, narrated that, the women said, “Allah and His Messenger are kinder to us than we are to ourselves.” So bless your hands, we pledge allegiance. The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: “I do not shake hands with women. (It is essential for you to obey what I have spoken).”-Muatta Malik.

13

Ummul Mumineen Ayesha RD Said, ” by Allah! His (the Prophet’s) hand never touched a woman’s hand during the pledge of allegiance. He used to say only with his mouth, I pledge allegiance to you.” –Sahih Bukhari 2/1071

Hazrat Abu Huraira (RD) Narrated from: The Messenger of Allah, (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: “I have not yet seen two categories of the dwellers hell. (Because they do not exist now, they will appear in the future) One class are those people who will have in their hands whips like the tails of bulls, with which they will beat people. (The second category is) those women who will be clothed, naked, attracted and attractive; Their heads will be like the leaning humps of camels. They will not go to Paradise and they will not taste the fragrance of Paradise, but the fragrance of Paradise is such that can be found from so far away.” -Muslim 2/205, Hadith: 2128.

In this hadith, a stern warning is given to the Non veiled women. So it is their duty to repent and return to the rules of veiling before their death. From the above discussion, it is known that the law of veil has been given with great importance in the Quran and Hadith Sharif. Adherence to this law is essential for all believing men and women. Now we are referring to those close relatives, among whom there is no veil. Apart from them, with everyone else has to be practiced veil.

Mahram and Non-Mahram for women

Women do not veil with Mahram men. By Mahram men is meant the male relative with whom it is not permissible to marry at any time now or in the future. Like father, brother etc.

And the man with whom it is permissible to marry after removing the present or future temporary impediment (such as being married to a woman’s sister or a woman whose marriage is not permissible) is Non-Mahram. It is obligatory to do veil with him.

Mahram and Non-Mahram women for men

A man’s Mahram woman is a woman with whom it is not permissible for him to be married either now or in the future. Like mother, daughter etc.

On the other hand, a woman with whom it is permissible to marry after her present or future temporary impediment (such as the woman being married to another man) is removed is a Non-Mahram.

Types of Mahram

Generally three types of relationships are considered by the Shari’ah to be Mahram. Namely:

a) Genealogical/descendant relationship.

b) Milk relationship and

c) Marital relationship.

Mahram men related to Mahram woman’s lineage due to hereditary relationship are-

1. Fathers, grandfathers and above.

2. Sons, grandsons and sons-in-law.

3. Brothers.

4. Nephews (brother’s son)

5. Nephew (sister’s son).

6. uncle (paternal side)

7. uncle (maternal side)

The words of Allah:
وَ لَا یُبْدِیْنَ زِیْنَتَهُنَّ اِلَّا لِبُعُوْلَتِهِنَّ اَوْ اٰبَآىِٕهِنَّ اَوْ اٰبَآءِ بُعُوْلَتِهِنَّ اَوْ اَبْنَآىِٕهِنَّ اَوْ اَبْنَآءِ بُعُوْلَتِهِنَّ اَوْ اِخْوَانِهِنَّ اَوْ بَنِیْۤ اِخْوَانِهِنَّ اَوْ بَنِیْۤ اَخَوٰتِهِنَّ اَوْ نِسَآىِٕهِنَّ اَوْ مَا مَلَكَتْ اَیْمَانُهُنَّ اَوِ التّٰبِعِیْنَ غَیْرِ اُولِی الْاِرْبَةِ مِنَ الرِّجَالِ اَوِ الطِّفْلِ الَّذِیْنَ لَمْ یَظْهَرُوْا عَلٰی عَوْرٰتِ النِّسَآءِ ( That they should not reveal their coverings except their husbands, fathers, father-in-law, sons, husbands’ sons, brothers, nephews, sons-in-law, their women, the maidservants they own, men who have no desire among men, and boys ignorant of women’s private parts. (Surah Noor (24) : 31)

Mahram women for men related lineage are:

1. Mother
2. Daughter
3. Sister
4. Aunt (paternal side)
5. Aunt (Maternal side)
6. Niece (brothers daughter)
7. niece (sisters daughter)

Allah Ta’ala says:

حُرِّمَتْ عَلَیْكُمْ اُمَّهٰتُكُمْ وَ بَنٰتُكُمْ وَ اَخَوٰتُكُمْ وَ عَمّٰتُكُمْ وَ خٰلٰتُكُمْ وَ بَنٰتُ الْاَخِ وَ بَنٰتُ الْاُخْتِ (Prohibited for you is your mother, daughter, sister, Aunt, aunt, niece (brothers daughter) niece (Sisters daughter). … (Surah Nisa (4) : 23)

Mahram by Milk relationship:

Because of the relation of milk, the Mahram becomes Mahram due to drinking of milk from the foster mother. Milk mother, Milk daughter, Milk sister and so on, these women will be considered Mahram of men. Similarly, the Milk father, milk grandfather, milk son and milk brother etc. will be considered as Mahram for the woman.

حُرِّمَتْ عَلَیْكُمْ اُمَّهٰتُكُمْ وَ بَنٰتُكُمْ وَ اَخَوٰتُكُمْ وَ عَمّٰتُكُمْ وَ خٰلٰتُكُمْ وَ بَنٰتُ الْاَخِ وَ بَنٰتُ الْاُخْتِ وَ اُمَّهٰتُكُمُ الّٰتِیْۤ اَرْضَعْنَكُمْ ( Prohibited for you is your mother … milk-mother, milk-sister. … (Surah Nisa : (4) : 23)

The famous Mufassir Abu Abdullah Muhammad Ibn Ahmad Qurtubi (RH) In the explanation of this verse said: “If a woman gives milk to a child, she becomes haram for the milk drinker. Because she is his mother. Similarly, due to being a daughter, sister; milk mothers sister, by virtue of being an milk aunt; Due to milk mothers mother the grandmother; milk mother being a daughter, sister of her husband from another side; By virtue of being husband’s sister, mother-in-law; Being the husband’s mother, grandmother, makes it haram for the child merry them. They are all Mahram (This is a very important topic, if anybody face something like that please go to Hakkani Ulama {A person who follow complete Sunnah and practices what he preach} and understand this point very well) In the same way the children of milk mother’s sons and daughters also become haram to marry. Because they are his brothers and sisters children. (Tafseer Qurtubi 5/72)

Everybody who are genealogically his or her Mahram will be Mahram because of Milk relationship as well. But for Taqwaa better to do veil in doubtful situation.

Ummul Mumineen Ayesha (Rd) said, “Aflah, the brother of Abul Quwais (who was Ayesha (R.D’s Milk uncle) once asked for permission to come to me. I refused to give permission. Then when Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam came home, I told him the incident. He ordered me to give permission. According to the narrations of Muslim, the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said, “Do not veil with her.” Because, what is forbidden by family relationship, is also forbidden by milk relationship.“-Sahih Bukhari 8/392; Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 1444; Jame’ Tirmidhi, Hadith: 1147; Sunane Nasai 6/99

Mahram due to marital relationship

The third reason for becoming a mahram due to marriage relationship. Men and women become mahrams of each other even through marital relations. A mahram man related to a woman’s marriage is the husband’s father (father-in-law), husband’s son from another side, etc. Likewise, for men one’s own mother-in-law, the daughter of the other side of the wife, etc. will be considered mahram for both men and women.

Allah Ta’ala said:

حُرِّمَتْ عَلَیْكُمْ اُمَّهٰتُكُمْ وَ بَنٰتُكُمْ وَ اَخَوٰتُكُمْ وَ عَمّٰتُكُمْ وَ خٰلٰتُكُمْ وَ بَنٰتُ الْاَخِ وَ بَنٰتُ الْاُخْتِ وَ اُمَّهٰتُكُمُ الّٰتِیْۤ اَرْضَعْنَكُمْ وَ اَخَوٰتُكُمْ مِّنَ الرَّضَاعَةِ وَ اُمَّهٰتُ نِسَآىِٕكُمْ وَ رَبَآىِٕبُكُمُ الّٰتِیْ فِیْ حُجُوْرِكُمْ مِّنْ نِّسَآىِٕكُمُ الّٰتِیْ دَخَلْتُمْ بِهِنَّ ؗ فَاِنْ لَّمْ تَكُوْنُوْا دَخَلْتُمْ بِهِنَّ ( Prohibited for you are your mothers, … mothers-in-law, and among your wives with whom you have intercourse the daughters of her former husbands, who are under your guardianship… (Surah Nisa: 23)

For men: Imam Abu Abdullah Muhammad Ibn Ahmad Qurtubi RH said: There are four types of Mahram women related to marriage:

1. Wife’s mother (mother-in-law)

2. Wife’s daughter

3. Father’s wife (sister mother, step mother) and

4. daughter-in-law (Tafseer Qurtubi 2/74)

For women same as opposite gender.

Overall understanding

What we get from the above discussion about the observance of veiling is a very important law of Islam.

One. Obeying the veil means obeying the commands of Allah and His Messenger, which is essential for the believer. Allah’s instructions-

وَ مَا كَانَ لِمُؤْمِنٍ وَّ لَا مُؤْمِنَةٍ اِذَا قَضَی اللّٰهُ وَ رَسُوْلُهٗۤ اَمْرًا اَنْ یَّكُوْنَ لَهُمُ الْخِیَرَةُ مِنْ اَمْرِهِمْ ؕ وَ مَنْ یَّعْصِ اللّٰهَ وَ رَسُوْلَهٗ فَقَدْ ضَلَّ ضَلٰلًا مُّبِیْنًا When Allah and His Messenger decree a matter, no believing man or believing woman will have room for a different decision on that matter. Whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger is clearly astray. (Surah Ahzab (33) : 36)

Two. Adherence to the veil is a demand of faith. Because Allah Ta’ala has addressed only believing men and women in the matter of veiling.

Some women from the tribe of Tamim came to Umm al-Mu’minin Ayesha (R.D) who were wearing thin clothes. Ummul Mu’minin addressed them and said, ‘If you are a believing woman, then this is not the dress of a believing woman. And if you are not a believer, then you can use it.’ (Ma’alimus Sunan 4/376) in another occasion A bride was brought to Umm al-Mu’minin Ayesha RD, who was wearing a colorful Kibati sheet. Then Ummul Mu’minin RD. Has sais said, ‘The woman who wears such clothes does not have faith in Surah Noor.’ (Tafseer Qurtubi 14/244)

Three. The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: “Surely, Allah is more shy and veiled.” He likes shyness and veils. (Abu Dawud, Hadith: 4012, 4013; Sunan Nasa’i 1/200; Musnad Ahmad 4/224

Allah Ta’ala described the blessings of the veil to the our father Adam (AS) andHawa (AS) and said:

اِنَّ لَكَ اَلَّا تَجُوْعَ فِیْهَا وَ لَا تَعْرٰی
(This remains for you, that you will neither be hungry nor naked in Paradise.-Surah Taha (20): 118)

Elsewhere, Allah Ta’ala describes His favor to the servant and says:

یٰبَنِیْۤ اٰدَمَ قَدْ اَنْزَلْنَا عَلَیْكُمْ لِبَاسًا یُّوَارِیْ سَوْاٰتِكُمْ وَ رِیْشًا ؕ وَ لِبَاسُ التَّقْوٰی ۙ ذٰلِكَ خَیْرٌ
(O Bani Adam! We have clothed you to cover your shame and to dress you, and the cloth of piety is the best. – Surah A’raf (7) : 26)

Four. The veil is the means of purity of the heart of both men and women. Allah Almighty has declared it.

Five. The veil is a means of protecting Iffat (chastity). This Iffat was part of the Duaa of the Messenger of Allah(Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) He used to pray-

أسألك الهدى والتقى والعفة
In another tradition
إني أسألك الهدى والتقى والعفاف
Meaning: (O Allah!) I ask You for guidance, taqwa and iffat (purity of character).-Sahih Muslim (Kitabuz Zikr; Jame Tirmidhi (Dawaat chapter); Ibn Majah (Dua chapter); Musnad Ahmad 1/411, 416 And 436

This chastity is a quality of the women of Paradise. Allah Ta’ala has indicated this in various verses. Allah Ta’ala, while describing their extraordinary appearance, also said that they will stay in the appointed house and will not look at anyone except their husbands. So apart from their beauty, He also praised their purity. So if beauty is accompanied by Iffat and chastity, what can be better than this?!! And veil is the way to protect chastity.

Muslim Dress: Some Principles

Clothing is an important part of human life, clothing is used to cover the body parts and beauty, as well as a means of gaining closeness to Allah by following the guidelines of Shari’ah. The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam)) described religious guidance and Shariah rules related to clothing with great importance and advised the Companions in this regard. And the Sahaba (RD) also went to their homes and gave Tarbiyah to their wives, daughters and children as instructed by Allah and the Messenger (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam). Because the good and bad of clothing has a great influence on human actions, behavior, character and morality and human life and creates a deep reaction in the heart and mind. So clothing is not a simple matter of buying a garment and wearing it. Rather, in this case, it is important to follow the guidelines of Shariat.

Describing the great blessing of clothing, Allah Ta’ala has said:

یٰبَنِیْۤ اٰدَمَ قَدْ اَنْزَلْنَا عَلَیْكُمْ لِبَاسًا یُّوَارِیْ سَوْاٰتِكُمْ وَ رِیْشًا ؕ وَ لِبَاسُ التَّقْوٰی ۙ ذٰلِكَ خَیْرٌ
O son of Adam! We have arranged for you clothing, to cover the part of your body which is objectable to be exposed and it is also a means of beauty. Indeed, the garment of piety is the best. These are one of the signs of Allah. Its purpose is for people to accept advice.

Some basic principles of dress

The law of Islamic Shariah regarding clothing are very logical and beneficial. The Shari’ah does not specify any specific clothing and does not prescribe any specific design or shape that you should wear; Rather, different countries, regions, weather and seasons have given freedom to wear clothes. However, some basic principles and boundaries set out that,Such clothing is acceptable and such clothing is prohibited. So it is important for Muslim men and women to adhere to these principles and boundaries in terms of clothing. A dress that conforms to these guidelines and boundaries will be considered a Shariah compliant dress.

One. Clothing should not be so tight and small that it clings to the body and exposes the body structure and various parts. Abu Yazid Muzani (RH) Said, Hazrat Umar (RD) used to faorbide the Women to wear kabati (a type of white cloth made in Egypt). People said, skin is not visible in this cloth. He said, “Although the skin is not visible, the organs of the body are visible.” – Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaiba, Hadith: 25288

Two. Clothing should not be so thin and delicate that the body can be seen and exposed. Like thin cotton cloth, net cloth etc. However, it is permissible only if a heavy cloth is worn under it. Hazrat Alkama Ibn Abu Alkama RH narrated from his mother that once Hafsa bint Abdur Rahman came to her Auntie Umm al-Mu’minin Ayesha (RD). She was wearing a thin veil scarf, then Ummul Mumineen Ayesha RD tore it off and put on her a thick veil scarf.-Muatta Malek 2/913, Hadith: 6

Three. It is not permissible to follow-imitate and imitate the disbelievers-mushriks and fasek people in the matter of dress. Especially in the case of clothing that includes the characteristics or dress code of non-Muslims and their signs. Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Amr Ibnul As (RD said the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) saw me wearing two cloths dyed with ‘Usfur’ (a small red flower plant) and said, ‘These are the clothes of the infidels. So don’t wear it.’-Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 2077; Nasa’i, Hadith: 5316.

Moreover, in another hadith, the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: “Whoever imitates another nation, he belongs to them.” -Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith: 4027

Four. Arrogance and public attention should not be the objective through clothing.

Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Umar (RD) Narrated from the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said – “Whoever wears clothes of fame and show in this world, Allah will make him wear clothes of shame on him on the Day of Resurrection.” -Musnad Ahmad, Hadith: 6245; Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith: 4025

Hazrat Abu Huraira RA. Narrated from the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said – “He who drags his clothes on the ground out of pride (for men), Allah will not look at him on the Day of Resurrection.” – Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 5788; Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 2087

Five. It is forbidden to wear feminine clothes for men and men’s clothes for women and to take on the likeness of each other. Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Abbas (RD) described The Messenger of Allah(Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) cursed those men who imitate women (adopt their shape, dress and behavior). And cursed those women who take the likeness of men. – Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 3885

Hazrat Abu Huraira RA. Narrated by, the Messenger of Allah, (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) cursed the man who wears women’s clothing and the woman who wears men’s clothing.-Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith: 4092

From 6 coming soon…….