What is Hijaab (Islamic Dress Code)?
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
People usually discuss 'hijaab' in the context of women. However, the Qur'an, first mentions hijaab (dress code) for men before hijaab (dress code) for the women: “Enjoin the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that is chaster for them. Surely, Allah is well aware of their actions." Then the hijaab for women is mentioned in the next verse: “Likewise, enjoin the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their modesty; not to display their beauty and ornaments them draw their veils over their bosoms their husbands, their fathers, their fathers- should also cover her hair obscuring the details of her body from the public. The wisdom behind this dress code is to minimize sexual enticement and except what normally appears thereof; let and not display their adornment except to in-law, their own sons, their stepsons, their own brothers, their nephews on either brothers' or sisters' sides, their own womenfolk, their own slaves, male attendants who lack sexual desires or small children who have no carnal knowledge of women. Also enjoin them not to strike their feet in order to draw attention to their hidden trinkets. And O believers! Turn to Allah in repentance, all of you (about your past mistakes), so that you may attain salvation." Al-Qur'an 24:30-31 Islam requires both men and women to dress simply, modestly, and with dignity. A man must always wear loose and unrevealing clothes from his navel to his knee. This is the absolute minimum covering required. He must never, for example, go out in public wearing a short which does not meet the minimum requirement. A woman must cover all her body with loose and unrevealing clothing except her face and hands. When leaving the home she degradation in society as much as possible for both men and women. Islam seriously considers the principles of decency, modesty, chastity and incompatible with the attainment, attention to the matter. Islam teaches manliness. Any clothing or adornment maintenance and development of these qualities are prohibited in Islam. Clothing materials, which stimulate arrogance or false pride, are strictly prohibited. This is the reason why Islam warns men not to use certain clothing materials, such as pure silk, and wearing certain adornment, such as gold. The Islamic dress code applies to both women and men. It sets expectations of moral and respectful interactions between the genders. As a result both men and women are liberated from their baser instincts to focus on higher pursuits. Islamic dress takes on many beautiful forms, reflecting cultural diversity from all over the world. Islam allows woman to use those things which are forbidden for men but are suitable for the feminine nature. When a girl reaches the age of puberty, she should cover her body except face and hands. The manner in which women should dress, beautify, walk, talk and even look is a very delicate question, and Islam pays special that the consequences of immodesty fall not only on the individual but also upon the society that permits women and men to mingle freely, display themselves, and compete or allure one another through sexual attraction.