Can anyone answer following question?

1- concept of hijab?
2- why concept of hijab in Islam?
3- concept of hijab in other religions?
4- importance/significance of concept of hijab?

Your reply will be appreciated.

Following is an article written by a Muslim Female.

I probably do not fit into the preconceived notion of a “rebel”. I have no visible tattoos and minimal piercing. I do not possess a leather jacket. In fact, when most people look at me, their first thought usually is something along the lines of “oppressed female.” The brave individuals who have mustered the courage to ask me about the way I dress usually have questions like: “Do your parents make you wear that?” or “Don’t you find that really unfair?”

A while back, a couple of girls in Montreal were kicked out of school for dressing like I do. It seems strange that a little piece of cloth would make for such controversy. Perhaps the fear is that I am harboring an Uzi underneath it! Of course, the issue at hand is more than a mere piece of cloth. I am a Muslim woman who, like millions of other Muslim women across the globe, chooses to wear the hijab. And the concept of the hijab, contrary to popular opinion, is actually one of the most fundamental aspects of female empowerment.

When I cover myself, I make it virtually impossible for people to judge me according to the way I look. I cannot be categorized because of my attractiveness or lack thereof.

Compare this to life in today’s society: We are constantly sizing one another up on the basis of our clothing, jewelry, hair and makeup. What kind of depth can there be in a world like this? Yes, I have a body, a physical manifestation upon this Earth. But it is the vessel of an intelligent mind and a strong spirit. It is not for the beholder to leer at or to use in advertisements to sell everything from beer to cars!

Because of the superficiality of the world in which we live, external appearances are so stressed that the value of the individual counts for almost nothing. It is a myth that women in today’s society are liberated! What kind of freedom can there be when a woman can not walk down the street without every aspect of her physical self being “checked out”?

When I wear the hijab I feel safe from all of this. I can rest assured that no one is looking at me and making assumptions about my character from the length of my skirt. There is a barrier between me and those who would exploit me. I am first and foremost a human being, equal to any man, and not vulnerable because of my sexuality.

One of the saddest truths of our time is the question of the beauty myth and female self-image. Reading popular teenage magazines, you can instantly find out what kind of body image is “in” or “out.” and if you have the “wrong” body type, well, then, you’re just going to have to change it, aren’t you? After all, there is no way that you can be overweight and still be beautiful.

Look at any advertisement. Is a woman being used to sell the product? How old is she? How attractive is she? What is she wearing? More often than not, that woman will be no older than her early 20s, taller, slimmer and more attractive than average, dressed in skimpy clothing. Why do we allow ourselves to be manipulated like this?

Whether the 90s woman wishes to believe it or not, she is being forced into a mold. She is being coerced into selling herself, into compromising herself. This is why we have 13-year-old girls sticking their fingers down their throats and overweight adolescents hanging themselves.

When people ask me if I feel oppressed, I can honestly say no. I made this decision out of my own free will. I like the fact that I am taking control of the way other people perceive me. I enjoy the fact that I don’t give anyone anything to look at and that I have released myself from the bondage of the swinging pendulum of the fashion industry and other institutions that exploit females.

My body is my own business. Nobody can tell me how I should look or whether or not I am beautiful. I know that there is more to me than that. I am also able to say “no” comfortably then people ask me if I feel as though my sexuality is being repressed. I have taken control of my sexuality. I am thankful I will never have to suffer the fate of trying to lose/gain weight or trying to find the exact lipstick shade that will go with my skin color. I have made choices about what my priorities are and these are not among them.

So next time you see me, don’t look at me sympathetically. I am not under duress or a male-worshipping female captive from those barbarous Arabic deserts! I’ve been liberated.

__________________
"watuAAizzu man tashao watuzhillu man tashao"

questions about hijab;

cocept of hijab'

the word of hijab is the arabic word means to cover (dhapna)

why hijab in islam'

Allah says in quran

"a nabi apni bewieu(wives) aur bateon(daughters) aur musalman aurtoon sy kah dain k jab wo ghar sy bahir niklain to chadar sy apny chahry(face) ko dhanp lia krain . ye is leay hy k wo pahchan li jain aur unhe takleef (trouble) na di jay"

in surah noor Allah says

"musalman aurtoon sy farma dain k wo apni nighahoon ko neecha rakhain apni hifazat krain apni khubsurti zahir na krain jasy zamana jahiliat main krti the aur apny seeno py chadharain dal k rakhain "

and then Said

"ye tmhary leay zada pakeezgi ki bat hy agr tum samjho"

hijab in other religion :

although i hav'nt any spicific verse from other divine books but many historical
incident that refer to importance of hijab in old and other religion llike Hazrat Saarah'example the wife of Hazrzt Ibrahim A.S rather than the changing in the divine books .

importance of hijab;

before i explain it the cocept of crulity must be eradicated from our mind that is felt for muslim women by many people.as Allan says that it is for your protection and respect so how can we deny this factor as it is stated bu Allah Almighty . the example of this is that in america and european countries the insult cases are more than 70000 per year .and these are those cases which are published or registered .

another reason is that if you want a peaceful enviournment for living then there must be legal and equal rights for every one .Allah give us the best way of living in this way that He did not iplement these restrictions only for women but also He ordered the men in this way

"farma dijeay muman (muslim) mardon sy k wo apni nighahon ko nicha rakhain aur apni hifazat krain"

thirdly Allah gave us the best and pleasent way for mutual affection in the way of nikhah. all we know its importants and benefits.as Allah gave us the right option in right way and for right pourpose.
along with it Allah not only gave the permission to a wife to do what she want but in the home but also ordered her that she should maintained her for her husband.as Holy Prophet (PBUH) said

"bahtreen bivi wo hy k ja uska shohar ussu dakhy to usy khushi ho"

so we can say that women is free to do all fashions and dressings but in the house and when come out from house then should take hijab.

but we are not in the position to seige the women in the house as she can do each and every thing legaly out side the house but only in hijab .because a women without hijab is the show piece for every one and in this way the opposite sex can be attracted that cause many troubles.
as in our daily life we can note that a womwn in hijab is most secured than the other one and if you ask the most of the men about this then they said that hijab wali ko dakh k hum khud hi ankhain neechi kar laty hain and that the thing that Allah Almighty says in quran and no doubt Allah does not say wrong.

and the question of the westren propaganda about hijab is that they did not show the unlikeness about hijab but for islam. in this way they show their inner feelings about islam and its rules. as islam is the most growing religion in the west so they want to stop it but fail and they should be because Allah says

"aur kafir chahty hain k Allah k noor ko phonko sy bujha dain lakin Allah ka noor her jagah pheal k rahy ga chahy kafir nakhush hi hio"


regards

Concept of Hijab

Literally, Hijab means "a veil," "curtain," "partition”, "separation “or "to hide from view”. It refers to any veil placed in front of a person or an object in order to conceal it from view or to isolate it. The most general meaning of Hijab today is the covering of the face by women.

In the Qur’an Hijab means “separation” .In general to cover the entire body and face, which is observed in the presence of Non-mahram. Hijab does not degrade a woman but protects her modesty and chastity and strengthens herself with the veil of honor, dignity, chastity, purity and integrity.

Why Concept of Hijab in Islam?

Before Islam, the status of women was very low, degraded and used as objects of lust. They were denied all right and basic human dignity. Under the Babylonian law, if a man murdered a woman, instead of him being punished, his wife was put to death. The Greeks considered women to be subhuman and inferior to men. In Greek mythology, an ‘imaginary woman’ called ‘Pandora’ is the root cause of misfortune of human beings. When Roman Civilization was at the zenith of its ‘glory’, a man even had the right to take the life of his wife.
The Egyptian considered women evil and as a sign of a devil. In Arabs it was a common practice when a female child was born, she was buried alive.

Islam uplifts the status of women that is unprecedentedly high and according to her nature.

Hijab is prescribed for women in the Qur'an , the reason why Muslim women should wear an outer garment when they go out of their houses is so that they may be recognized as "believing" Muslim women, and differentiated from street-walkers for whom sexual harassment is an occupational hazard. Allah Pak did not address His words about the Hijab except to the believing women, Al-Mo'minat. In many cases in the Qur'an Allah refers to the "the believing women".

In Al-Qur’an Allah (swt) says :

"Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: and God 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 they should not display beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they must draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband's fathers, their sons, their husband's sons, or their men, or their slaves whom their right hands possess, or male servants free of physical needs, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex; and that they should not strike their feet in order to draw attention to their ornaments."(Surah 24: An-Noor: 30 and 31)

Therefore, Qur'an advises women to cover their "adornments" from strangers outside of the family. Neither displays their beauty nor exposes her physical attractions before strangers. The veil which she must put on is not just a piece of cloth , it is one that can save her soul from weakness, her mind from indulgence, her eyes from lustful looks, and her personality from demoralization. Although Muslim women may wear ornaments, they should not walk in a manner intended to cause their ornaments to jingle, and thus attract the attention of others.


In Al-Qur’an Allah (swt) says :


"O Prophet! Tell thy wives and daughters, and the believing women, that they should cast their outer garments over their persons (when outside): that they should be known (as such) and not molested. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Ayah 59 from Surah Al-Ahzab )

The purpose behind this was not to confine women to their houses, but to make it safe for them to go about their daily business without attracting unwholesome attention.

The older Muslim women who are "past the prospect of marriage" are not required to wear "the outer garment."

In Al-Qur’an Allah (swt) says :

"Such elderly women who are past the prosect of marriage, there is no blame on them if they lay aside their (outer) garments, provided they make not wanton display of their beauty; but it is best for them to be modest: and Allah is the One who sees and knows all things."( Surah 24: An-Nur, Ayah 60 )

Hazarat Aisha (RA), the wife of the prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, addressed some women from the tribe of Banu Tameem who came to visit her and had light clothes on them, they were improperly dressed: "If indeed you are believing women, then truly this is not the dress of the believing women, and if you are not believing women, then enjoy it."

Hijab, is usually discussed in the context of women; however it is equally applicable to men. They must wear decent clothing and avoid activities and places that will cause them to witness that which they should not. They are also required to cast down their gazes in humility and to observe the general philosophy of modesty of the heart and dress .

In Al-Qur’an Allah(swt) says :


“O children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover yourselves (screen your private parts, etc) and as an adornment. But the raiment of righteousness, that is the best. Such are among the Signs of Allah, that they may receive admonition”. (Surah7: Al A`Raf : 26)


“And when you ask them (the Prophet's wives) for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen, that is purer for your hearts and their hearts.” (Surah 33: Al Ahzab: 53).

Hence first, men are required to take the lead in respecting women. They should not engage in or approve of any activity which objectifies or demeans a woman. Islam uplifts the status of women that is unprecedentedly high and according to her nature. Her rights and duties are equal to those of man but not absolutely identical with them. If she is deprived of one thing in some aspect, she is fully compensated for it with more things in many other aspects.


Criteria for Hijab.

According to Qur’an and Sunnah there are six criteria for observing Hijab and are same for the men and women except the first criterion which is about extend of the body should be covered:

1.The extent of covering obligatory on the male is to cover the body at least from the navel to the knees. For women, the extent of covering obligatory is to cover the complete body except the face and the hands up to the wrist. According to some scholars of Islam the face and the hands are part of the obligatory extent of ‘Hijab’.

2. The clothes worn should be loose and should not reveal the figure.

3. The clothes worn should not be transparent such that one can see through them.

4. The clothes worn should not be so glamorous as to attract the opposite sex.

5. The clothes worn should not resemble that of the opposite sex.

6. The clothes worn should not resemble that of the unbelievers.


Observing Hijab of the clothes is ‘Hijab’ in a limited sense but it includes conduct and behavior among other things.It should be accompanied by Hijab of the eyes, heart, thought intention. Complete Hijab includes the moral conduct, behavior, attitude and intention of the individual.



Importance/significance of concept of Hijab

Hijab is an act of obedience, modesty ,purity, shield, righteousness belief and bashfulness .It is indeed a religious duty that Allah (swt) has enjoined upon the believing men and women for their own protection and success. It is a manifestation of adherence to the Qur’an and Sunnah. It indicates obedience to Allah (swt) and His Messenger (saws).

In Qur’an Allah (swt) says:

“It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have any option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger he has indeed strayed into a plain error.”(Surah 33 : Al-Ahzab :36)


The Prophet Sallallaahu 'Alayhi Wa Sallam said:

"Allah, Most High, is Heaven, is Ha'yeii (Bashful), Sit'teer (Shielder). He loves Haya' (Bashfulness) and Sitr (Shielding; Covering)."(Abu Dawud; An-Nissa’ee; Al-Baihaqee; Ahmad; & in Saheeh An-Nissa’ee)

The Prophet Sallallaahu 'Alayhi Wa Sallam also said:

"Any woman who takes off her clothes in other than her husband's house (to show off for unlawful purposes), has broken Allah's shield upon her." (Abu Dawud & At-Tirmidhi)

Hijab is a sign of strength that would safeguard women , her dignity and honor against the wickedness of some men; and accordingly. It is a protection of the society where she belongs. The "restrictions" placed upon her regarding her dress and the display of her beauty and ornament is only to guard against all ways of corruption arising from such dazzling displays not a restriction on the freedom of women It is a firm protection for her from falling down to the lowest levels of humility. Indeed, Hijab is camouflage in a world of flux.

Allah knows the best.

"Verily! (During the worldly life) those who committed crimes used to laugh at those who believed. And whenever they passed by them, used to wink one to another (in mockery); And when they returned to their own people, they would return jesting; and when they saw them, they said: ‘Verily! These have indeed gone astray!’ But they (disbelievers, sinners) had not been sent as watchers over them (the believers). But on this Day (the Day of Resurrection) those who believe will laugh at the disbelievers. On (high) thrones, looking (at all things). Are not the disbelievers paid (fully) for what they used to do?" (Surah 83 : Al-Mutaffifin:29-36)

__________________
To succeed,look at things not as they are,but as they can be.:)

Praise be to Allaah.

Verses that have to do with hijab:

1 – Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer palms of hands or one eye or dress like veil, gloves, headcover, apron), and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband’s fathers, or their sons, or their husband’s sons, or their brothers or their brother’s sons, or their sister’s sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islam), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of feminine sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allaah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful”

[al-Noor 24:31]

2 – Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And as for women past childbearing who do not expect wedlock, it is no sin on them if they discard their (outer) clothing in such a way as not to show their adornment. But to refrain (i.e. not to discard their outer clothing) is better for them. And Allaah is All‑Hearer, All‑Knower”

[al-Noor 24:60]

“Women past childbearing” are those who no longer menstruate, so they can no longer get pregnant or bear children.

We shall see below the words of Hafsah bint Sireen and the way in which she interpreted this verse.

3 – Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allaah is Ever Oft‑Forgiving, Most Merciful”

[al-Ahzaab 33:59]

4 – Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“O you who believe! Enter not the Prophet’s houses, unless permission is given to you for a meal, (and then) not (so early as) to wait for its preparation. But when you are invited, enter, and when you have taken your meal, disperse without sitting for a talk. Verily, such (behaviour) annoys the Prophet, and he is shy of (asking) you (to go); but Allaah is not shy of (telling you) the truth. And when you ask (his wives) for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen, that is purer for your hearts and for their hearts. And it is not (right) for you that you should annoy Allaah’s Messenger, nor that you should ever marry his wives after him (his death). Verily, with Allaah that shall be an enormity”

[al-Ahzaab 33:53]

With regard to the Ahaadeeth:

1 – It was narrated from Safiyyah bint Shaybah that ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) used to say: When these words were revealed – “and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)” – they took their izaars (a kind of garment) and tore them from the edges and covered their faces with them.

Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 4481. The following version was narrated by Abu Dawood (4102):

May Allaah have mercy on the Muhaajir women. When Allaah revealed the words “and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)”, they tore the thickest of their aprons (a kind of garment) and covered their faces with them.

Shaykh Muhammad al-Ameen al-Shanqeeti (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:

This hadeeth clearly states that what the Sahaabi women mentioned here understood from this verse – “and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)” – was that they were to cover their faces, and that they tore their garments and covered their faces with them, in obedience to the command of Allaah in the verse where He said “and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)” which meant covering their faces. Thus the fair-minded person will understand that woman’s observing hijab and covering her face in front of men is established in the saheeh Sunnah that explains the Book of Allaah. ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) praised those women for hastening to follow the command of Allaah given in His Book. It is known that their understanding of the words “and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)” as meaning covering the face came from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), because he was there and they asked him about everything that they did not understand about their religion. And Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And We have also sent down unto you (O Muhammad) the Dhikr [reminder and the advice (i.e. the Qur’aan)], that you may explain clearly to men what is sent down to them, and that they may give thought”

[al-Nahl 16:44]

Ibn Hajar said in Fath al-Baari: There is a report of Ibn Abi Haatim via ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Uthmaan ibn Khaytham from Safiyyah that explains that. This report says: We mentioned the women of Quraysh and their virtues in the presence of ‘Aa’ishah and she said: “The women of Quraysh are good, but by Allaah I have never seen any better than the women of the Ansaar, or any who believed the Book of Allaah more strongly or had more faith in the Revelation. When Soorat al-Noor was revealed – “and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)” – their menfolk came to them and recited to them what had been revealed, and there was not one woman among them who did not go to her apron, and the following morning they prayed wrapped up as if there were crows on their heads. It was also narrated clearly in the report of al-Bukhaari narrated above, where we see ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her), who was so knowledgeable and pious, praising them in this manner and stating that she had never seen any women who believed the Book of Allaah more strongly or had more faith in the Revelation. This clearly indicates that they understood from this verse – “and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)” – that it was obligatory to cover their faces and that this stemmed from their belief in the Book of Allaah and their faith in the Revelation. It also indicates that women’s observing hijab in front of men and covering their faces is an act of belief in the Book of Allaah and faith in the Revelation. It is very strange indeed that some of those who claim to have knowledge say that there is nothing in the Qur’aan or Sunnah that says that women have to cover their faces in front of non-mahram men, even though the Sahaabi women did that in obedience to the command of Allaah in His Book, out of faith in the Revelation, and that this meaning is also firmly entrenched in the Sunnah, as in the report from al-Bukhaari quoted above. This is among the strongest evidence that all Muslim women are obliged to observe hijab.

Adwa’ al-Bayaan, 6/594-595.

2 – It was narrated from ‘Aa’ishah that the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to go out at night to al-Manaasi’ (well known places in the direction of al-Baqee’) to relieve themselves and ‘Umar used to say to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), “Let your wives be veiled.” But the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not do that. Then one night Sawdah bint Zam’ah, the wife of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), went out at ‘Isha’ time and she was a tall woman. ‘Umar called out to her: “We have recognized you, O Sawdah!” hoping that hijab would be revealed, then Allaah revealed the verse of hijab.

Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 146; Muslim, 2170.

3 – It was narrated from Ibn Shihaab that Anas said: I am the most knowledgeable of people about hijab. Ubayy ibn Ka’b used to ask me about it. When the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) married Zaynab bint Jahsh, whom he married in Madeenah, he invited the people to a meal after the sun had risen. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) sat down and some men sat around him after the people had left, until the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) stood up and walked a while, and I walked with him, until he reached the door of ‘Aa’ishah’s apartment. Then he thought that they had left so he went back and I went back with him, and they were still sitting there. He went back again, and I went with him, until he reached the door of ‘Aa’ishah’s apartment, then he came back and I came back with him, and they had left. Then he drew a curtain between me and him, and the verse of hijab was revealed.

Al-Bukhaari, 5149; Muslim, 1428.

4 – It was narrated from ‘Urwah that ‘Aa’ishah said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to pray Fajr and the believing women would attend (the prayer) with him, wrapped in their aprons, then they would go back to their houses and no one would recognize them.

Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 365; Muslim, 645.

5 – It was narrated that ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: “The riders used to pass by us when we were with the Messenger of Allaah (S) in ihraam, and when they drew near to us we would lower our jilbabs from our heads over our faces, then when they had passed we would uncover them again.

Narrated by Abu Dawood, 1833; Ibn Maajah, 2935; classed as saheeh by Ibn Khuzaymah (4,203) and by al-Albaani in Kitaab Jilbaab al-Mar’ah al-Muslimah.

6 – It was narrated that Asma’ bint Abi Bakr said: We used to cover our faces in front of men.

Narrated by Ibn Khuzaymah, 4/203; al-Haakim, 1/624. He classed it as saheeh and al-Dhahabi agreed with him. It was also classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Jilbaab al-Mar’ah al-Muslimah.

7 – It was narrated that ‘Aasim al-Ahwaal said: We used to enter upon Hafsah bint Sireen who had put her jilbab thus and covered her face with it, and we would say to her: May Allaah have mercy on you. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And as for women past childbearing who do not expect wedlock, it is no sin on them if they discard their (outer) clothing in such a way as not to show their adornment” [al-Noor 24:60]. And she would say to us: What comes after that? We would say: “But to refrain (i.e. not to discard their outer clothing) is better for them”. And she would say: That is confirming the idea of hijab.

Narrated by al-Bayhaqi, 7/93.

And Allaah knows best