Here are some really important Quranic verses on the topic, in respect to hijab and modesty.
- Surah An-Nur (24:30-31):
- “Tell the believing men to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do.
- “And let it be incumbent upon the believing women to cast down from their eyes and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands’ fathers, their sons, their husbands’ sons, their brothers, their brothers’ sons, their sisters’ sons, their women, that which their right hands possess, or those male attendants having no physical desire, or children who are not yet aware of private aspects of women. And let them not stamp their feet to make known what they conceal of their adornment. And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you might succeed.” 2. Surah Al-Ahzab (33:59): “O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks [jalabib] all over their bodies. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.”
- Surah Al-Baqarah (2:222):
- **”And they ask you about menstruation. Say, ‘It is harm, so keep away from women during menstruation. And do not approach them until they are purified. And when they have purified themselves, then go to them from where Allah has ordained for you. Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who are pure.’
- Though this verse talks about chastity it indicates that chastity is the way to modesty and cleanness.
- Surah An-Nisa 4:32
“And do not covet what We have given some of them (disbelievers) over others. For men is a share of what they have earned, and for women is a share of what they have earned. And ask Allah of His bounty. Indeed, Allah is ever, of all things, Knowing.”
This forms the premises of humility, honor, and respect, outlining the logic behind hijab as one of the incidences of faith and devotion. In case you wish to get some more clarifications or understandings with regard to these verses, please don’t think twice!
It is a good capture of the essence of hijab as more than mere clothing; it reflects profound essence by symbolizing identity, faith, and empowerment. Here is how you put it:
As Steve Moore said, “Under the veil is the face, but that face is not my identity. I am no more that face than I am the muscles or bones beneath it.”
To me, this veil is a symbol of modesty, devotion, and respect to God. It should never, however, be used as a tool for social oppression.
If Jesus is alive today, he will be crying by his mother Mary or anybody bearing her face who is being tortured psychologically and corporally.
Should you get unwanted attention due to your hijab, better change your style. “The modest queen guards her heart with humility.”.
Some sisters cannot tolerate the thought that men would marry them only if they remove their hijab. Fact: No man is worth sacrificing your hijab for; a right person would never ask you to take it off.
Wearing the hijab does not define my religiosity, but rather it is a reminder of my Muslim self, even on those days when my faith feels far away. I wear it for the sake of Allah.
The beauty of hijab lies in the confidence and self-respect it invokes in a woman.
As Marjane Satrapi notes, “If women’s hair causes so much trouble, God would have made us bald.”
Fatima Al Zahra (SA) wisely said, “Modesty is the best ornament of women.”
Hijab is not just about covering up our body, but an ornament which veils our modesty in a behavior and speech.
The bottom line is that hijab is not fashion, but it’s a symbol of faith. And being draped in it is a great testimony to my faithfulness and obedience before Allah for His order.
Feel free to add or adjust any points as you see fit!
You have said it so well and eloquently that it amazes me. You have an absolutely rich expression for understanding hijab by choice, dignity, and inner beauty. Below is an edit of your writing, synthesizing your quotes:
Hijab: An Expression of Power, Choice, and Identity
All too often, people regard the hijab as if it were imbued with magical powers to transform Muslim women into “Unidentified Covered Objects” and estrangle them from the mainstream community.
As Fatemeh Sadeghi has wisely succinctly put it, “A woman in hijab is like a pearl protected by its shell.”
I wear the hijab purely for Allah; it is never for anyone else. You only get to see what I have permitted you to see-that is true freedom.
The Hijab is a decision between your self and Allah not a response to the forces working in society. You are beautiful for God, not for anyone else.
The real test often comes when you rush to cover your head at the doorbell’s ring!
Hijab is a shield that protects the hidden beauty of a woman.
As Tahereh Mafi said, “I didn’t dress like this to become some kind of nun. I did it because it felt right. It was like wearing armor every day. It was my choice.”.
“That they may cover their bosoms.” — Surah An-Nur (24:31)
It is quite amusing while the most important and persistent mockery of the Islamic dress code is loudly pronounced, the selfsame people are wearing dignifying robes on the day of graduation to present and reinforce dignity and competence which almost resembles jubbahs.
A decently attired woman is as precious as a pearl inside her shell, highlighting her elegance.
The choice to wear the hijab is an extremely personal and not up for anyone else to decide, even if they would or wouldn’t agree.
Who do we think have the right to determine what oppression is for Muslim women?
Don’t sacrifice your beauty for a passing praise or a few likes on Instagram-mostly, no one will pay any attention then when it’s time to face judgment.
Modesty is not superficial appearance but rather who you are.
It reminds one of how a hijab serves to remind of beauty not from without, but from within.
The hijab frees you of the weight of cosmetics and of society expectations, hence you are allowed to be your true self. As Mahdavi puts it, “The hijab lets you hold onto your heart honestly while freeing your soul from the chains of the world.”
Nobility and grace, the veil, not a headscarf.
If I can wear my miniskirt I’m sure it is my right to wear my hijab. It’s a choice of what to put on, an exercise of independence and empowerment. A feminist statement in itself.
For me, hijab is my choice, my identity, and it completes me.
–Linda Sarsour
It’s the chastity within the headscarf, the way to walk and talk and think-chastely. For men too.
“My body was made for worship, not to advertise cars and beer. That’s why I love my hijab.”
Quotes:
- “A Muslimah is clothed with power and honor and shall rejoice over the gladness of her faith. She puts her trust in Allah and trusts in His benevolence.”
- “Sometimes I see girls perfect hijab, yet the whole bun can be seen at the back-do they not feel it?”
- “The beauty of the hijab is that it frees one to express faith without fear or compromise.”
- “Deciding to wear the hijab is much easier than taking it off. That reminds us of who truly has free will.” — Mona Eltahawy
Modesty is not all about physical beauty, but it has an attribute of humility, integrity, and respect that spreads to every dimension of life.
You’ve managed to capture really deep and impactful quotes regarding the hijab, showing its prominance, empowerment, and deep connection with faith and modesty. Here are some of the key themes in the quotes you shared-and perhaps these points could be used to articulate the importance of hijab in a wider context.
Empowerment and Identity
The hijab should thus be seen as an empowerment symbol for women, as it allows them to express their faith and values without using outer appearances as vindication. This is in line with the fact that beauty basically originates from within and manifests itself in good character and intellect, not from outer looks.
Modesty as a Nub of Core Value
– Modesty is another dominant theme, which is encouraged as a universal identity of a Muslim woman. In the words quoted above, hijab is a matter of covering up for the body but instills a mentality and attitude that determines modesty in every step of life.
Choice and Autonomy
In many of the quotes, the hijab is intended as a choice, an individual prerogative. It, therefore, forms one of the modern notions of real freedom as far as the expressions of identity are concerned, especially as concerns the decision to be attired in the hijab through faith.
Cultural Significance
- The hijab is often associated with other cultural identities and thus reinforces the notion that hijab is not a monolithic symbol but one of diverse representations and meanings across cultures.
Faith and Spiritual Connection
There are several quotes relating the hijab to a woman’s relationship with God. It is given as a symbol of devotion and a reminder of faith. It is the presence that materializes a person’s commitment towards the principles and teachings of Islam.
Respect and Dignity
The hijab is further elaborated upon as a protective garment that would ensure a woman’s dignity and respect of her for her mind and character rather than her physical features. This is a broader societal message about the value placed on individuals beyond their physical features.
Perception and Challenge
Some quotations reach the ignorance of the hijab and its perception in society. They claim that it is also bravery to put on the hijab when such a garment may not be well-known or even tolerated.
General Reflection
The hijab, as indicated by these quotes, is a powerful statement regarding faith, identity, and the complexities of modern womanhood. It encapsulates that modesty and empowerment can coexist, challenging societal norms that often equate worth with physical appearance.
Let me know if you need help to further articulate some of these themes or if you want to present them in a certain format – perhaps a speech, article, or social media post.
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