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Q: What is hijab?
A: Rules regarding Muslim women's (and men's) attire are derived from the Qur'an, Islam's revealed text, and from the traditions (hadith) of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). In the Qur'an, God states: Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty...And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and adornments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers...[a list of exceptions] Chapter 24, verses 30-31.
In one tradition, the Prophet Muhammad is quoted as saying: ...If a woman reaches the age of puberty, no part of her body should be seen but this— and he pointed to his face and hands.
From these and other references, the vast majority of Muslim scholars and jurists, past and present, have determined the minimum requirements for hijab: 1) Clothing must cover the entire body, with the exception of the face and the hands. 2) The attire should not be form-fitting, sheer or so eye-catching as to attract undue attention or reveal the shape of the body. 3) The clothing cannot be similar to male clothing or to the distinctive clothing worn by people of other faiths. 4) Clothing must not suggest fame or status.
There are similar, yet less obvious requirements for a Muslim male's attire. He must always be covered from the navel to the knees. A Muslim man should similarly not wear tight, sheer, revealing, or eye-catching clothing. The prohibitions against wearing clothing of the opposite sex or distinctive clothing of other faiths are also the same. In addition, a Muslim man is prohibited from wearing silk clothing (except for medical reasons) or gold jewelry. A Muslim woman may wear silk or gold.
(References: The Muslim Woman s Dress, Dr. Jamal Badawi, Ta-Ha Publishers; Hijab in Islam, Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, Al-Risala Books; The Islamic Ruling Regarding Women s Dress, Abu Bilal Mustafa Al-Kanadi, Abul-Qasim Publishing)
Q. Is Islamic dress appropriate for modern times?
A: Islamic
dress is modern and practical. Muslim women wearing Islamic
dress work and study without any problems or constraints.
Q.How can a woman have a role in this century if she is never given the real freedom to express herself?
A: I am very sorry to hear this kind of complaint because it highlights the heart of the problem when we speak of women in Islam today. It goes to the heart of the disjuncture between Islam, as it should be in the light of the Qur'an and the Sunnah, and Islam as how it is practiced today in certain cultures. Needless to say, the challenge for Muslim ummah in the 21st century is to try and close this unfortunate gap which exists in various fields. Women's issues and the so-called "woman question" are at the frontiers of this challenge. It is for people like you to educate themselves in genuine Islam from its sources and to contribute to raising awareness in the community beginning with your own children and families. As a Muslimah, you are duty-bound to Allah (SWT) and to no one else, to persevere and persist, to clear ignorance, myths and stereotypes that exist about Islam and about the role of Muslim women.
Q. Does Islamic dress imply that women are submissive or inferior to men?
A: Islamic
dress is one of many rights granted to Islamic women. Modest
clothing is worn in obedience to God and has nothing to do with submissiveness
to men. Muslim men and women have similar rights and obligations and both
submit to God.
Q: But aren't there Muslim women who do not wear hijab?
A: Yes, some Muslim women choose not to wear hijab. Some may want to wear it but believe they cannot get a job wearing a head scarf. Others may not be aware of the requirement or are under the mistaken impression that wearing hijab is an indication of inferior status.
Q: Why is hijab becoming an issue for personnel managers and supervisors?
A: More Muslim women are entering the work force. In many cases, these women wish both to work and to maintain their religious convictions. It should be possible to fulfill both goals.
Q: What issues do Muslim women face in the workplace?
A: Muslim women report that the issue of attire comes up most often in the initial interview for a job. Some interviewers will ask if the prospective employee plans to wear the scarf while at work. Others may inappropriately inquire about religious practices or beliefs. Sometimes the prospective employee, feeling under pressure to earn a living, may take off the scarf for the interview and then put it on when hired for the job.
Q: What can an employer reasonably require of a woman wearing hijab?
A: An employer can ask that an employee's attire not pose a danger to that employee or to others. For example, a Muslim woman who wears her hijab with loose ends should not be operating a drill press or similar machinery. That employee could be asked to arrange her hijab so that the loose ends are tucked in. An employer can ask that the hijab be neat and clean and in a color that does not clash with a company uniform.
Q.What to do when your work necessitates interaction with males— and your boss and staff are male?
A: As long as you are modestly dressed, you should be able to work anywhere. A Muslimah is supposed to be actively contributing to society in whatever field it may be, and this is one big reason why a woman should wear modest dress.
Courtesy: www.islam101.com
www.media.isnet.org
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