Hijab! What is the first thought that comes to our mind when we come across this word? Is it a cultural practice or is it some religious obligation? Is it a form of oppression or does it actually liberate a person from societal norms. Well, let us first come to an understanding of the word ‘Hijab’, it is an Arabic word and it means a barrier or a partition and it comes from the Arabic root word ‘Hajaba’ which means ‘to cover’. Now this could be a barrier or a protection from unknown harm surrounding us. One form of visible hijab is the outer garment and head scarf a woman wears to protect herself from unwanted gazes scanning her physical structure. In this hijab, a woman has to make sure that her clothing is not tight or transparent, not too bright or have bold prints that would gain the attention of the opposite gender. She has to cover herself in a modest manner, keeping in mind that it is the creator (Allah) who needs to be pleased and not the creation (human being). Another form could be the hijab of the eyes, which applies to both men and woman. How can one practice this hijab? The answer is quite simple, we need to simply lower our gaze the moment we come across any unwelcomed temptation around us. How do you think this would help? When our gazes are lowered our thoughts are controlled and thus we can take control of our behavior and actions. Let us look into the other forms of hijab, for instance, the hijab of the way we communicate. This hijab allows us to express in a modest manner without attracting or gaining the wrong kind of attention from the opposite gender.

As Muslims, we know that hijab is an obligation ordained by our creator Allah. When we decide to completely follow the guidance of Allah and practice hijab in our lives, it leads to a feeling of liberation where no societal pressures can bind us.

The Qur’an says

O Prophet! Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their chastity. That is purer for them. Surely Allah is All-Aware of what they do. {Surah Nur (24:30)}

O Prophet! Ask your wives, daughters, and believing women to draw their cloaks over their bodies. In this way it is more likely that they will be recognized ˹as virtuous˺ and not be harassed. And Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful. {Surah Ahzab (33:59)}

Here forth, we will walk through the journey of hijab of different people, their enthusiasm, and their enlightenment towards the beautiful practice of Hijab in their lives.