The concept of hijab is derived from several verses in the Quran that emphasize modesty and the need for both men and women to cover their adornments. Here are a few verses that are often referred to as evidence for wearing hijab:
1. Surah An-Nur (24:31): "And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts and not display their adornment except that which appears thereof and to wrap their headcovers over their chests and not display 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 the private aspects of women."
This verse instructs women to cover their chests and wear headcovers (often interpreted as hijabs) when in the presence of people who are not from their immediate family or close relatives.
2. Surah Al-Ahzab (33:59): "O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful."
This verse specifically addresses the wives of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and directs them to wear outer garments (jilbab) over their clothing. Many scholars extend this instruction to all Muslim women as a general guideline for modesty because Muslims are commanded to follow the footsteps of the wives and companions of the Prophet PBUH.
These verses, along with other interpretations and Hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad), are often used to support the concept of hijab as an obligation for Muslim women.
In addition to the Quran, the practice of hijab is also derived from Hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad) and the Sunnah (the Prophet's way of life). Here are a few Hadith that are often referenced as evidence for wearing hijab:
1. Narrated by Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her): "Asma, the daughter of Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with them), entered upon the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) wearing thin clothing. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) turned away from her and said, 'O Asma, when a woman reaches the age of menstruation, it does not suit her that anything should be seen of her except this and this.' And he pointed to his face and hands." (Sunan Abu Dawood)
This Hadith highlights the importance of covering the body and only exposing the face and hands.
2. Narrated by Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her): "The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, 'Any woman who takes off her clothes in other than her husband's house has broken Allah's shield upon her.'" (Sunan Ibn Majah)
This Hadith emphasizes the need for women to maintain their modesty by not revealing their bodies in public.
3. Narrated by Abdullah ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him): "The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 'A woman is 'Awrah (i.e., should be covered and not exposed).'"
This Hadith highlights the general principle of modesty and the need for women to cover their bodies.
These Hadith, along with others, are often cited as evidence for the practice of hijab. Read in depth explanation on rulings of Hijab on our blog: