It was narrated that ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: “The riders used to pass by us when we were with the Messenger of Allaah (S) in ihraam, and when they drew near to us we would lower our jilbabs from our heads over our faces, then when they had passed we would uncover them again.
Narrated by Abu Dawood, 1833; Ibn Maajah, 2935; classed as saheeh by Ibn Khuzaymah (4,203) and by al-Albaani in Kitaab Jilbaab al-Mar’ah al-Muslimah.

the point of this hadith is to illustrate modesty- nowadays its all about wearing a little scarf and showing every bump on a womans body rather than being modest and covering in front of men. The believing women of the prophets time clearly didnt dress with this 'modern hijab' which has totally been influenced by western culture.

Abu Dawood (4101) narrated that Umm Salamah said: “When the words ‘and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)’ [al-Noor 24:31 – interpretation of the meaning] were revealed, the women of the Ansaar went out looking as if there were crows on their heads because of their garments.” Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood.
This hadith clearly illustrates that the believing women at the time of the prophet were clearly in plain clothes from head to toe. Why would we, as Muslim women want to go against this when the Muslim women at the time of the prophet dressed in a way that is clear to us- lose fitting garments which are plain and unadorned.

Islam can never change, whether people classify it as outdated or traditional- thats what it is and thats what it will always be.

Allah and His messanger have prescribed the laws, full stop. The prescribed laws are not only for the first 100 years and then, lo and behold lets all change and adopt modern ways of dress to the traditional hijab.

Anyone who disputes what the shaykh (May Allah reward Him) has said should keep it to themself for the benefit of themselves, he has sought his evidence from the Quran and sunnah in which Allah says:
“It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allaah and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have any option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allaah and His Messenger, he has indeed strayed into a plain error”

[al-Ahzaab 33:36]

the fact is hijab is meant to be unattractive and prevent fitnah- which is more likely to beautify a woman- patterned colourful scarfs and clothes or plain dark colours? The answer is obvious and I am shocked some cannot see this.

This following hadeeth speaks of two types of people whom the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) had not seen, as they would appear after his time, and their destiny would be Hell because of their sins. The scholars regarded the appearance of these two types as one of the minor signs of the Hour.
1 of the types is “women who are clothed yet naked, walking with an enticing gait, with something on their heads that looks like the humps of camels, leaning to one side.” (sahih Muslim)

The phrase “clothed yet naked” has been interpreted to mean that they wear short clothes that do not cover the ‘awrah that must be covered. And it has been interpreted as meaning that they wear light, thin clothes that do not prevent others from seeing the woman’s skin underneath. And it has been interpreted as meaning that they wear tight clothes that conceal the skin from sight but still show off the woman’s charms- This is very popular in western culture, anyone getting offended and denying this is clearly.. in denial. it doesnt take rocket science to work out what is being advertised on every billboard and tv advert and magazine cover- WOMEN CLOTHED YET NAKED.

The popular uprise of skinny jeans and tight tops and dresses revealing every part of the body just confirms that this hadith is indeed true. And the sad part is that the part referring to the hump of a camel is likely to be referring to the new craze that many muslim women have of specifically making their hijab look big at the back with a big hair clip, or a bun at the back, just like a camel hump. A'oothu billah. With regard to the phrase, “They will not enter Paradise nor even smell its fragrance,” this is a stern warning; it does not necessarily mean that they are kaafirs or that they will abide in Hell forever, like other sinners who die as Muslims; rather what is meant is that they and other sinners are threatened with Hell for their sins, but they are subject to the will of Allaah. If He wills He will forgive them and if He will He will punish them. This is like the verse in which Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Verily, Allaah forgives not that partners should be set up with Him (in worship), but He forgives except that (anything else) to whom He wills”

[al-Nisa’ 4:48]

"And whatever the Messenger gives you, take it, and whatever he forbids you, leave it. And fear Allah: truly Allah is severe in punishment. " [Qur'an 59:7]

It was narrated from ‘Urwah that ‘Aa’ishah said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to pray Fajr and the believing women would attend (the prayer) with him, wrapped in their aprons, then they would go back to their houses and no one would recognize them.
Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 365; Muslim, 645

Abu Dawood (565) narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Do not prevent the female slaves of Allaah from attending the mosques of Allaah, but let them go out unadorned.” Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Irwa’ al-Ghaleel, 515.

I am sure the beleiving women would have been recognized if they were wearing bright pink, blue fabric and zebra print all over their garments with heels which you can hear the sound of from a mile away- it is clear they were wearing plain garments (unappealing/unattractive- just as how hijab is supposed to be)

Fao: Shafiq... it appears that we have same first name... now there hangs a tale.

As regards to this particular article, its to be read and understood with reflection. I am inclined to think its wise to refrain from a comment, as seeking knowledge seems to be its directive.

Assalamualaikum dear beloved sisters in Islam.

May Allah ta'ala enable us all to recognise the truth and not become hostile towards the bearers of this truth.

Aslam. Gud article but in a way I agree with sister Nargis. We must also focus on the hijab of males (as this is often ignored)

The value of this world is not even the like of a mosquito wing


Shaytan makes things that are not islamic, seem sharia enough for you

please brothers & sisters lets unite & get to know Islam & not a muslim

as many muslims are still attached to worldly things, may Allah put them on the straight path Ameen!..

Salam alaikum wa rahmatullah

To those who thought tha it is inapprropriate for a (male) shaikh to say what islam says women's correct hijaab is...

After giving some more thought to this objection you raised, I'd like to offer you humbly the following two points:


1) The command in the Quran the command for hijab is given the following wording:

"O Prophet, tell your wives, your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their jilbabs over the bodies, .."

Reflecting on this verse it becomes amply clear, that the command for hijab could easily be worded as: "O my female servants, wear jilbabs"!

But in fact Allah made it the duty of a male, (alayhis salam), to deliver this message to the female slaves of Allah. Moreover Allah could have commanded the Prophet sallahu alaihi wa sallam through private revelation such that he (alayhis salam) makes the command through a haddeeth to his wives to tell the believing women to wear hijab. However we find that Allah wanted to make this command, with the this specific wording in public; words to be recited till te last day.

It is well known that the Prophet sallahu alaihi wa sallam is the example for believers, and when performing dawah we look to how Allah wanted the dawah to be done. And so it seems more than fitting that it be done by men as well, especially since the requirement for delivering the message is primarily one of knowing the truth - which is achieavable for a man (as much as anybody else).


Perhaps this point is further drilled home for us by the fact that the prophet sallahu alaihi wa sallam himself told us that the basic principle is that commands addressed to him, apply by extension to the his ummah as well, unless there: "..And indeed Allah has commanded the believers with that which he has commanded the Messengers.." - saheeh Muslim.

2)Secondly, Islam teaches men to have "gheerah": self respect/chivalry/protective jealousy - which dictates that they ought to take an interest that their family members( wives, daughters & sisters) and sisters in Islam in general, wear hijab whihc will not be attractive.

Furthermore, and in a similar vain - yet even more importantly - all believers are required to have a sense of izzah (zealousness) for the deen of Allah, in that they should be overjoyed to see Him, azza wa jalla, be worshipped upon His earth in the manner which he has stated be pleasing to Him. And they should be grieved to see Him be disobeyed openly. And from this it should be quite clear that the believer, male or female, should advise otehrs on all issues, including hijab of women, (of course with appropriately and with hikmah) - and should not allow their being male prevent them from writing/speaking publically (with wisdom - knowledge) on the commands of Allah.


And Allah knows best

Wassalam alaikum wa rahmatullah

I total agree

I totaly Agre

Salam, Thanks for the article. What annoys me the most the way men are almost always projected as the "weak" and "vulnerable" creature who cannot control his desires and so, the female, has to observe every form of restriction in order to make sure she does not 'incite his desires". Hijab, as I understand is incumbent on the female and male, and while I agree, that there are certain sisters who do not always observe it correctly, I also, have to say, that there are brothers who also need to observe their hijab. It seems, every time we speak about hijab, the concept of hijab for males is always never mentioned, and if it is, it is mentioned somewhere at the end of the article or lecture, as if it only pertains to females. There are brothers, who would stare at females no matter what form of hijab they observe, even in the presence of their own wives! Even in the holiest of places such as Hajj. Go to countries like Pakistan, Saudi or Egypt and you will see what I mean.

Honestly, Allah swt has ordained both males and females to observe hijab, it is insufficient to focus on hijab for females and and completely ignore the role of males and their hijab. It is difficult for some sisters to observe hijab fully in the west, we need to have compassion towards our sisters, every sister goes through different levels of hijab and as her faith and knowledge in the deen increases, inshaAllah, so will her observance of hijab.
I would like to listen to an entire lecture on the brothers and their hijab obligations. And don't tell me it is not relevant to the article, hijab is ordained for both males and females, so discuss it in this context. I am sick of the passive mentality of "males= weak in controlling his desires" and so all blame and responsibility lies on the female.

Hmmm i listened to the video posted by sister Umm Khadija and just want to make a few points bwt what the sheikh said.
1) Observing correct hijab is a FARD on women - We HAVE to do it! Alhamdulillah!
2) Wearing the thobe is sunnah for men not fard so we can't really compare wallahu'alam.
3) Just because some ppl show hostility towards us, does not make it right for us to just forget about acting/behaving/dressing etc as Muslims. I get a lot of stares from ppl (even before i started wearing the niqaab) but thats just how some ppl are. Most kuffar don't understand the concept of covering, or they don't like it cuz they think since were living in Britain we have to integrate with them to the extent that we forget our Muslim identity that Allah has blessed us with. But we're not following orders of man but orders of God, and we don't do things to please people but to please Allah (swt) and to seek His pleasure.
3) All commandments and prohibtions of Allah have to be obeyed not just observing hijab. We can't follow some commandments and leave off others. And yeah it might not happen overnight i.e. alot of sisters wear the head scarf before they progress on to the jilbab but theres a difference in doing something incorrectly and knowing that its incorrect and doing something incorrectly and trying to justify that as being correct e.g. keeping with the example of the article, wearing hijab with tight jeans. Its contradicting the shariah so its incorrect.

Jus to clarify I'm Umm KhadijaH wiv a 'H' and not sister Umm Khadija who posted the different interpretations.

sister umm khafdija HY has many alternative views - many are an alternative to Islam - for instance he said the firemen who died on 9/11 are shaheed. An alternative view which angers Allah isnt much of an alternative is it? This religion is submission to the will of Allah - not submission only when it meets my desire.

dear sister umm khadija, you're following a man who said the firemen who died on 911 are martyrs. Yes your right he is very good at making different interpretations - If you want to follow an interpretation Allah is angry with then good luck to you but i suggest you submit to Allah.

I completely agree with the sheikh Hijab has become such a fashion statement! Sisters should realise that wearing the hijab is an act of worship. Wearing skinny jeans and a headscarf is completely contradictory. The prophet(SAW)'s wives and the female companions did not wear a headscarf and tight fitting attractive clothing did they? Why are the sisters attacking the Sheikh?He is stating the facts through the Qur'an and Sunnah! He didn't say that women have to just wear black did he? I doubt the prophet(SAW) would approve of the types of "hijabs" that women are wearing these days its like a fashion item now!! Theres so many different "hijabs styles" and hijab accessorise nowadays it's ridiculous.Some sisters have such western feministic ideologies which can be against Islamic teachings!! The article is focusing on the hijab of women not men get over it!!!!

miI completely agree with the sheikh Hijab has become such a fashion statement! Sisters should realise that wearing the hijab is an act of worship. Wearing skinny jeans and a headscarf is completely contradictory. The prophet(SAW)'s wives and the female companions did not wear a headscarf and tight fitting attractive clothing did they? Why are the sisters attacking the Sheikh?He is stating the facts through the Qur'an and Sunnah! He didn't say that women have to just wear black did he? I doubt the prophet(SAW) would approve of the types of "hijabs" that women are wearing these days its like a fashion item now!! Theres so many different "hijabs styles" and hijab accessorise nowadays it's ridiculous.Some sisters have such western feministic ideologies which can be against Islamic teachings!! The article is focusing on the hijab of women not men get over it!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SM-qUSVzmp8

http://qa.sunnipath.com/issue_view.asp?HD=1&ID=4912&CATE=137

Different interpretations........

just to clarify AK is not umm Khadijah, so although your 'sure' you are also wrong in that regard. It seems that the message of portraying yourself with manners and etiquette is just falling on deaf ears. (And yes a sister can write like this).

Jazakillaahu Khayrun Proud Muslimah for you brought back the most important point of this whole discussion that there is a reminder for all believing women in this article. Please read this article with the intention of improving one's self and attaining the pleasure of Allaah, Glorified and Exalted is He.

Ya Rabb forgive us for our ignorance and anything that is said out of it. Aameen (this applies to all of us including myself)

assalamu 'alaikum,
it seems to me that alot of commentators here are losing sight of the main concept here. the focus is on the muslimah's hijab, not the men's hijab. the fact that the sheikh has concentrated solely on female hijab is to make it clear the importance of women observing the hijab correctly. if he was to discuss male hijab here too the main goal of this whole article will be lost, and that goal is to bring attention to the irrefutable fact that unfortunately many sisters these days are not observing the hijab correctly.

on that note, as others have mentioned, the sheikh is not saying that all sisters have to dress in black, he is not making reference to the colour of garments rather he is talking about the STYLE of garments. to those who disagree with him and feel that he is 'just another man looking into the woman's wardrobe', i beg you to question yourself and ask, are you dressing in a way that would make our prophet (sallalahu 'alayhi wassalam) say 'mashallah' if he saw you? are you dressing in a way that makes allah happy? the Qur'an and hadeeth clearly state that women must wear loose clothes that shouldn't reveal her figure or her flesh, for that reason our prophet (sallalahu 'alayhi wassalam) has said the jilbab is fard (obligatory). and unfortunately alot of sisters seem to think hijab is just about covering the hair, but there is more to this. it is about guarding your body, your modesty, your heart and soul from the acts that will displease allah. i recently started wearing hijab and jilbab myself alhamdulillah and i have understood that to observe hijab properly is to undergo a complete transformation of character, to the character that pleases allah. as i draw to a close here, for those who feel offended by his comments, there is no need to feel offended and outraged when he has not singled you out by your name. its time to wake up and understand reality. islam cannot be compromised to suit our needs, we must compromise our needs to suit islam, and hijab is one area that cannot be compromised. i think the Qur'an and sunnah have made it clear enough what needs to be covered and how, and for ease of the ummah, we have great women of islam such as the wives of the prophet (sallalahu 'alayhi wassalam) who demonstrate perfectly how it's done. open your hearts inshallah.

wassalamu 'alaikum.

As salaamu 'Alaykum

This is a beautiful reminder for the sisters!

It's really disgusting at how some sisters are reacting with horrible replies, Theres nothing wrong with a brother reminding us! no ones perfect and we need people to nudge us back on the straight path once in a while. His message is simple, rather not just 'attractive hijabs' but as a whole by wearing tight clothing which exposes the figure. Just because a brother 'has to' lower their gaze it doesnt mean flaunt yourself and make it harder for them.

Once Jesus (Isa Alayhis Salaam) met Satan and Satan said, "Is it not true that only what has been decreed will happen?" Isa (Alayhis Salaam) replied, "That is true." Then satan said, "So throw yourself down from the top of this mountain, and let us see if you live or not!" Isa (Alayhis Salaam) answered, "The servant does not test his master, rather, it is the master who tests his servant."

Who said anything about black? Well the respected Shaykh didn't. And even so, there are many devoted sisters who choose to wear that colour for personal and/or religious reasons. The subject is called 'Attractive Hijab and shariah' not 'Attractive Hijab and ME'. Let's all take some 'Time out' and read the article with an open mind and heart. For those who truly want to be guided and embrace Islam according to the Quran and Sunnah.
And yes, There maybe a surge of 'Shaykh Haitham's FANS'...why wouldn't any one want to defend a person whose speaking the truth? So when and how else do people show or make their voices heard? Allahu 'Alam and may He, Allah, guide us for none guides but Him, HasbunAllah.

Erm just to clarify these comments in favour of the article is not because its an article by sheikh haitham, rather if any sheikh states something to be done in accordance to the Quran and sunnah and people come out opposing that, and not only opposing but trying to justify their opposition then yeh you are going to get comments which try and uphold the statement. Alhamdulillah we have many brothers and sisters who have done so and if you read the comments properly you can see the primary reason is because the sheikh (regardless of who he is) has just stated something from the shariah- about how to observe correct hijab so comments in favour of this article is to uphold the statement of shariah! Then it comes down to preserving the Sheikh's honour, as Allah has blessed the scholars of being inheritors of the Prophets so they are to be respected. There are etiquettes in disagreeing with people and the ways some comments are posed, is just not right.
Oh yeh and I wouldn't know why brothers and sisters will feel the need to be hiding their genders when writing a comment, so take it that a 'shocked sister' is a shocked SISTER and Umm khadijah is UMM khadijah!!!

I understand the point of the article and completely agree with Ummi's comment. Where are the guidelines to the men? Surely the men from the days of Prophet SAAS wore attire that was also long and free flowing and modest? None of this 3/4 length bottoms and vests exposing their bits? We need to identify the gaps in our knowledge and try to understand why young girls wear a hijab with unsuitable attire. We need a solution not an 'Slap on the wrist' article ...

And please can we avoid terms like 'enticing men.... fornication' etc. because I hate to break it to you but Muslim and non-Muslim men alike with bursting biceps and exposed flesh can have much the same effect on us women(!)

So yes, let's address attire for the modern Muslim in the West, but let's make it for BOTH genders PLEASE!

May Allah reward you for your efforts.

To ukht:
If I'm not mistaken the sheikh didn't say anything about the correct hijab being all black and colourless. Wallahu'alam, I think his point was how sisters nowadays are not observing correct hijab, i.e. as he pointed out wearing a head scarf with tight jeans etc. This is contrary to the shariah as explained in the article. I myself and other sisters I know do not always wear black jilbabs (but dark shades e.g. grey, blue, brown) no one said it has to be all black, its just alot of sisters prefer it to be. I personally feel more comfortable wearing dark colours then I would if i was to buss out in red or pink. I think as long as the hijab is observed according to shariah and the colour is not attention seeking its fine. Wallahu'alam everything good I said was from Allah, everything bad was from myself and the shaytaan.

I have to say some of the stuff written on here is absolutely appalling. Truly you should be ashamed for even if you don't agree with the Shaykh manners should not be abandoned. Itakullaah (fear Allaah).
What shocked me the most is that the comments make points like once again a man is going into a women's wardrobe and telling her what to wear... SubhanAllaah, this 'man', a well respected Shaykh (may Allaah(swt) preserve him Aameen) is only reminding us of the obligation and importance of the correct hijab and you sit here and act as if you are being personally attacked. Does it say anywhere is the article that my opinion is... No! The information on hijab is taken from the Qu'ran.
And the example that the Shaykh doesn’t understand because we are living in the West. Aside from the fact he lives here in the West we need to remember Islam is one religion prescribed for all, it is not modified for different parts of the world. When you do something to attain the pleasure of Allaah, He will help InshaAllaah (If Allaah wills). So even if it may be difficult, place your trust in Allaah, be sincere in you intentions and with those sincere intentions your limbs will follow with actions. We are not here to say but muslims do this and do that and so because they do it, its justified that I do it too. No, you are going to be accountable for your own deeds not theirs. Whenever you make a decision in your life don’t look at the muslims but look at what Islam has prescribed for you. I pray that it leads to success in this life and the next for us all Aameen
When someone gives a reminder the way forward in developing this ummah, is to sit and listen, take on board the advice, even if you don’t agree. Not to point fingers and say but the brothers haven’t been addressed. Who is the reminder going to benefit, you? Right? No one else. It is a reminder to all us to correct our intentions when adorning the Hijab and also to understand the true purpose of the Hijab.
Brilliant reminder on the importance of wearing the correct Hijab. JazakAllaahu Khayrun ya Shaykh.

Subhanallah Shaykh Haitham is a respected Scholar! The reward of a mans or a woman's deeds are solely with ALLAH ALONE! Brothers and sisters don't take these opportunities to let your whims and desires overwhelm you. Learn, respect and understand what our Shuyukhs are calling for. We cant just react heatedly because we find it difficult to accept and comprehend the truth Allah swt has bestowed to us which the Shuyukhs enjoin! If you find yourself in disagreement then refer to Allah (swt) and His Messenger (saw). If we have sincerity in Allah and Islam then we would be in obedience to words of the Quran and Sunnah. Fear Allah and follow what Allah has perfected for you if you truly believe. N respect our Shuyukhs who only strive to guide us and what the best for us in the hereafter! Your Sister in Islam

Sh Al-Albaani- Rahimahullaah - said, "And know that it is not at all a case of adornment that the covering garment of women is coloured with a colour other than white or black, as some practicing women falsely think."

-----

Hadith - Sahih Al-Bukhari 7.715
...'Aisha said that the lady (came), wearing a green veil ...

Hadith - Sahih Al-Bukhari 7.733
that he had seen Um Kulthum, the daughter of Allah's Apostle (saws), wearing a red silk garment.

Hadith - Sunan of Abu Dawood #4055, Narrated Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-'As
We came down with the Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) from a turning of a valley. He turned his attention to me and I was wearing a garment dyed with a reddish yellow dye. He asked: What is this garment over you? I recognised what he disliked. I then came to my family who were burning their oven. I threw it (the garment) in it and came to him the next day. He asked: Abdullah, what have you done with the garment? I informed him about it. He said: Why did you not give it to one of your family to wear, for there is no harm in it for women.

From Ibraheem - who is an-Nakha'ee: “That he used to enter, along with 'Alqamah and al-Aswad, upon the wives of the Prophet saas, and he would see them wearing red covered garments.”

From Ibn Abee Mulaykah who said: “I saw upon Umm Salamah a gown and a covering garment that were both dyed yellow.”

From al-Qasim - who is Ibn Muhammad ibn Abee Bakr as Siddiq: “That 'Aaishah used to wear clothes dyed yellow whilst she was in a state of Ihraam.”

And in one narration from al-qaasim: “That 'Aaishah used to wear rosy coloured clothes dyed with yellow dye whilst she was in a state of ihraam”

From Hibbaan: from Faatimah bint al-Mundir: “That Asmaa used to wear yellow coloured clothes whilst in a state of ihraam.”

From Sa'eed ibn Jubair: “That he saw one of the wives of the prophet performing Tawaaf around the house and she was wearing yellow coloured clothes.”

The point I am making is that from the point of the shari'ah, colours are perfectly acceptable as we can see from the culture (urf) that was practicised at the time of the salaf. Similarly, in our society a woman may wear colours without her chastity being called into question, or tempting men. The culture of 'black' is one that pervades Gulf states, but Salafis should get over their khaliji/Saudi-phile tendencies and understand the sharia as comprehensive for all lands, not a law that restricts 'urf to that of a particular region (including those who wish to make Islam very S.Asian).

If a man argues that he finds 'colours' enticing, then I suggest a trip to a psychiatrist as that is clearly a fetish and not the norm. For others, please do not conflate the fact that you are 'used' to black clad niqabi women with colours being 'enticing', what you are not used to is different from what is sexually enticing. Furthermore, if you argue that black is then the urf (to you), it maybe so, but only for you and not for the MAJORITY - your urf is in essence transported from elsewhere and not reflective of the prevailing customs in the west which in no way contravene the law of God.

Subhanallah - I thought that by having worked towards and having earned the deserving title of Sheikh would ensure some credibility and room for benefit of doubt (lots of dubious scholars out there) amongst the readers of this article. The Sheikh is a man of knowledge, part of the trusted ullema, keepers and guardians of the deen. If we cannot accept advice from our scholars we are in a very troubled place. The ethnicity or nationality of the Sheikh and whether this entitles him to speak about European Muslims etc is absurd. Islam was revealed for all nations for all times. Any form of compromise is just that. We are no less mocked and ridiculed than the early Muslims, so fitting in, not standing out – making excuses for workplace etc are irrelevant.

SubhanAllah I'm embarrassed to be a sister after reading the comments following this article. The article was pertinent and pressing - the times we're living in call for awareness on such a topic and who better to address the issue than a shaykh who has a right over us in knowledge, so who are we to criticize in such a rude manner? Humility and respect should be observed - instead we have sisters who can't handle being told the truth of the matter.

Also to discard such a topic as irrelevant on the basis that 'there are more important things going on in the Muslim world' is equal to saying 'lets ignore the every day problems around us and wait for big things to happen first.'

The sad fact is that this article raised a few home truths and people don't like being told they're doing it wrong, especially by a male! We need to let go of this female empowerment attitude and ask ourselves 'does our hijab/covering meet the conditions required or are we dressed to imress, or to make ourselves feel better.' A sincere answer will bring us to the reality of the matter.

Lastly, there are etiquettes in differing - we should observe them inshaAllah. Not that this article called for any as the shaykh didn't say anything unheard of by other scholars. May Allah guide us all and cause us to be strong enough to adhere to the true dress code of al-Islam and not to depend on our nafs. Ameen

The shaykh highlighted the issue of Hijab amongst Muslim women. Whether he comes from Saudi and is a resident in Britain a number of years does it mean he does not know the current sad state of affairs of Muslim women? It is generally known and observed that a lot of women are wearing the head scarf with trousers, tops or even showing their arms and knecks. This is what the shaykh is addressing. These sisters are not religous or educated, they are just wearing out of a political statement or fashion or because of pressure from parents, husbands etc... . And these muslimah you see them mixing with boys, singing, dancing, listening to music, even in their cars, even smoking. With regards to colourful Jilbab, than Islam allows it, many of the Sahabiyyah wore colourful Jilbabs. So long as it does not attract the eyes of men. IOn this regard it is better to wear dark colours such, as black, dark blue, dark brown, dark gray etc.

Have you ever seen an educated, practising, religous young Muslim men with full long beard, garment/trousers above the ancle, wearing the Toub, smoking, listening to music, free mixing etc??? NO. Whereas the men that the feminist Muslimah and the proud and arrogant Muslima is mentioning are muslim men those who dont pray, smoke, free mix, wear tight jeans and tops....so please make a distinction between religous educated brothers and sisters and those who are not...Obviously we have issues of family problems etc that are dealth with separately

Those sisters who are going on about muslim men wearing tight jeans, tops, no berad than seek knowledge of the deen. There are practisong, religous men and not practising non religous men. Make a distinction. To advice a muslim men? who doe snot pray, may not even fast, to stop wearing tight jeans and grow the beard is not th emethod of dawah that we are to use. Priorities. Learn Tawheed, Aqeedah, sunnah etc. The Shaykh gave an advice, be humble and accept it. If you dont agree make dua for yourself.

Observing Hijab is an ibadah, its a commandmant from Allah and therefore we should do it to seek His (Swt) pleasure and not follow our nafs. The creator knows whats best for His creation. As Allah says in the Quran:

'Perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not.' (Surah Baqarah: 215)

So since obseving Hijab is an ibadah, shouldn't we observe it the way the best of women (the Prophets (saw) wives) and the sahibyat (ra) did? They were the best of women, and THEY ARE OUR ROLE MODELS!!!

"clearly some Muslimahs have very strong views on the hues of their scarf but have yet to develop the maturity and wisdom of the greatest women that wore it." - MashaAllah very well said!!!

And just to finsh, some comments are just doen right rude, how can we sit here and talk about the hijab or anything from the deen, when we don't even have the right manners to do so??? May Allah perfect our mannerisms in speech and other actions, May we fear Him (Swt) as He should be feared and May Allah have mercy on our sheikh and guide us all to the right path. Aameen Ya Rabb

Nowadays people dont want advvice, they wish to live according to their understanding of Islam and NOT Allah and His messenger. For most wearing the head scarf is a licence to go out of their homes unnessarily, or licence to work,go to college, to free mix with boys etc. It is not based upon knowledge nor fear of Allah. But to please others, parents, husband or it is mere culture and tradition. If you ask them why they are wearing it they dont know. Those who highlight this evil phenominar, especially the Muslim men are labelled as being impatient, hasty, hard, judgemental.
Is it not better that this sister does not wear the head scarfe as she does not fullfill the condition of the Hijab and top of that commits open sins, in front of your eyes, free mixing, smoking, dancing, singing etc???

Hijaab is an Ibadah, NOT A FASHION

First, we must understand that wearing Hijaab is worship (Ibaadah). We also have to differentiate between Hijab/Jilbab (the outer long garment that covers a woman’s body) and Khimar (head scarf). Today many sisters think that just wearing a Khimar (head scarf) is sufficient and they wear tight tops, shirts, blazers and trousers. Some even show their skins, exposing their arms, neck, feet and ankles. They come out of their houses and even pray Salah like this. This is not permissible. Many do it out of ignorance, not bothering to learn. Others due to pressure from parents etc, others due to custom and culture and yet others really think that this is correct obtaining Fatawah from Scholars not grounded in Knowledge of the Quran and the Sunnah upon the understanding of the Companions. If we want to please Allaah – our Creator and sustainer- by worshipping Him alone and gain reward, then every act of worship and good deeds that we do has to fulfil three very essential, fundamental conditions and principles so that Allaah accepts it from us. And they are; first and foremost; we must have the correct Islamic Aqeedah in Allah, His Tawheed, Names & Attributes and all the six pillars of eemaan and all other aspects of Aqeedah such as; the bliss and punishment in the grave, jannah, jahannam, Prophet Eesaa coming back, etc. etc. and secondly; we have to do all acts of worship and good deeds for the sake of Allaah, not to show off, for fashion, for fame, for money, nor due to custom and culture, not because of parents and community telling us to do it but for Allaah’s sake and thirdly; do worship and good deeds according to the Sunnah of the Messenger, Muhammad sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam. Exactly how he has related to us in doing a certain Ibaadah. Salah, saum, Zaqah. Haj, enjoining the good and forbidding the evil, giving Da’wah, how to wear the Hijab/Jilbab. If one, two or all of these conditions are missing it will not be accepted from us. If someone wears Hijab for Allah’s sake, yet NOT according to the Sunnah, it will NOT be accepted. Likewise, if someone wears it according to the Sunnah yet NOT for Allah’s sake, it will NOT be accepted.
So as Muslim, believing Women covering ourselves is also worship, Ibaadah and it has conditions that we need to fulfil. We will not know these conditions, except by learning and educating ourselves. www.islamicknowledge.co.uk

For an act to be accepted in Islam, it has to fulfill two conditions:
1. Sincerety in the heart (i.e. it is done solely for the sake of Allah)
2. Concordance with the sunnah (i.e. it has to be done in the way the Prophet pbuh instructed)

When we wear the hijab, we should ask ourselves whether or not it fulfills those two conditions. If either condition is absent, the act is NOT accepted by Allah.

So if we wear the hijab for the sake of Allah but not the way we have been instructed to wear it in the Qur'an and Sunnah, we are only wasting our time. It doesn't matter how sincere our intentions are or how much suffering we bear in its path. This ensures that the definition of the hijab is not left to the individual.

Similarly if we wear the hijab the way Allah and His Messenger instructed but not for Allah's sake, the action is still invalid.

And on this rubric let us judge all of our actions.

The evidence for the above statements can be drawn from the Qur'an:
"...and whatever the Messenger gives you take it; and whatever he forbids you abstain from it" surah Hashr verse 7
"whosoever obeys the Messenger has indeed obeyed Allah..." surah Nisaa verse 80

and the Sunnah:
"verily actions are but by intentions" the first hadith of Nawawi, the hadith of intentions narrated by Umar (r.a)

"whoever does a good act which is not of our way (i.e deen) then it is rejected" recorded by Muslim

Assalaamualaikum,

for sister 'sadaqa' and others who keep on questioning our respected Shaykh's right to advise us - Shaykh Haitham al Haddad is an amazing scholar mashaAllaah who has lived in the UK for many years, his children have been born here, grown up here and he himself has studied here and attained his Doctorate just recently. He lives in London, the capital of Britain, amongst all of us, and as we witness he does too, the flashy waves of the fashionable hijabs adorning our streets.

So DONT say that he is a foreign scholar and has no right to advise the western women. DONT say he has no idea what we western women experience, he has daughters and a wife you know, and yes they live here too..

Also, remember that the Scholars are the inheritors of the Prophets.

So, where is your respect?

SubhanAllaah hold your tongues please and fear your Creator!

that one of the reasons that this article has prompted such negativity is that there alway seems to be bountiful articles about women; their behaviour, dress, attitude towards their husbands etc. but next to nothing about the behaviour of the men etc. As one poster pointed out we have seen many of our sisters being abused in many different ways by their Muslim husbands but the brothers don't seem to be addressing thiese issues. For example, we had a local scholar who did attempt to address this issue by holding 2 talks; one about the rights of the husband and one about the rights of the wife. Guess what...the first saw the brothers squeezing into every available gap and the second was empty...a handful of brothers turned up. I think this speaks volumes about what some of the real issues are out there and we need more scholars, like this brother, who are prepared to face it head on and try to make a difference. And just in case you were wondering, I have no problems with what the shaykh has said in this article.

You know I really feel sorry for the Sheikh if he has to read through all these comments lol, let's not get offended and criticise the article for what it may/may not be implying and how a person could get offended if they saw it in a certain light, let's just try and improve ourselves in any way we can insha'Allah, and remember the sheikh doesn't know us personally he isn't picking on anyone.

Assalaamualaikum

Keeping it short as longer comments are difficult to graze over:
I personally found the article very empowering as a woman as it instructs women to a principle but leaves the application of that principle to them: that is, when you wear hijab do you feel that it fulfils (the conditions of covering as stipulated by the shariah) and is therefore pleasing to Allah? You decide whether your attire ticks that checklist. No lectures, no ‘talking down’ or ‘telling off’, just a simple principle for you, dear sister to apply. In the least it is an excellent reminder of checking your intention and therefore a chance to gain more reward.
Jazakamullahukairun for it.

Wasalaam
Umm Safiyyah

Assalamu Alaikum

Firtly, mashaAllah, I was relieved that finally someone of knowledge wrote an article about this issue. I am shocked and actually quite disgusted at the way in which this has been received by many sisters. SubhanaAllah, as Sheikh Haitham said recently, 'Being a Muslim is now only connected to the Muslim identity. Muslims have forgotten that being a Muslim is about saving ourselves from the naar'. If sisters had this in mind, then surely they would have read the article and said alhamdulillah that they were given the opportunity to read this whilst their hearts are still beating..

I find rather astonoshing to say the least but not least surprising seeing the way the sisters are reacting; it is true what one commentator had said earlier that sisters do not like to be told what to do! And yes, men should also be told about oberving hijab and lowering gaze etc but on a different article maybe.

I think a lot of people have not understood the real essence of this article as it is directed towards eliminating fitna at the forefront root of the problem which is why the Sheikh has noted about scarves, perfume and actions of a woman that attract attention. And I think it couldn't be a better time for the article to be written as the phenomenon of the fashion in our society has hit new levels i.e. scarves and hijabs with knee-length skirts etc etc.
And I agree this does lead to the bigger fitna; if you will research on the abortion rates and teenage pregnancies amongst Muslims in the UK (especially in one city) it beats any other race in topping for the most number of abortions and teenage pregnancy and the numbers are rising. A lot of people do not know this because these statistics are not readily available, but the issue needs to be addressed; and I will again stress here and agree strongly that the Sheikh has done the right thing to raise the issue at root level instead of dwelling into other matters.

JazakAllahu khair for your efforts, may Allah help us and guide us.

Great reminder for all the sisters.. may Allaah reward the shaykh abundantly. The Hijaab is not and should not be a decoration in of itself, women are perfectly permitted to where whatever within their own homes. The hijab is obedience to Allaah ta'ala and its purpose has been clearly defined thus anything that is contrary to that should be left. i find that once you start delving into different hijabs and of different patterns and colours then often a person can get carried away although i am not saying this is the case...with girls it happens. People need to start remembering what the hijab is for, it is not for fitting into your work, social lifestyles, it is independent of this society for it has been legistlated by Allaah therefore it is something that stands for much more and can never be regarded as a "minor" issue as it reflects the mindset of the muslim women of this ummah, who we all know have a key role within society.

People should not make excuses and they should not try to make things acceptable in accordance to what THEY think. i did not direct this to anyone or intend any offence...this article is positively neccessary and the comments on this page have been surprising to say the least.
May Allaah have forgive us for our deficiencies. aameen

MashaAllaah, JazaakAllaahu Khayran Shaykh for the post

I begin with the name of Allaah, the Most Merciful, the One who bestows his Mercy

Firstly, I find it rather astonishing the way some people on this post are acting towards the Shaykh for writing the article. Even if you do not seem to agree to what is being portrayed, does not mean to say that you are disrespectful to someone who is merely portraying the deen of Allaah to you. To say that a Shaykh of such esteem, may Allaah preserve him, has no knowledge truly shows the ignorance and arrogance of a person. Therefore, when speaking to your 'opposition' do so in a polite manner, just the way the Prophet salAllaahu 'alayhi wa Sallam did.

Secondly, to some it may be a big thing not to adorn yourself in colourful Hijaab. But why do we not put the question forth to ourselves the reasons why we wear the hijaab? It is so that we are following the commands of Allaah, that we are not beautifying ourselves and preserving our beauty only for our families.

Now one of the conditions of the Hijaab, is that it should not show off your adornment and it should not attract attention and look beautiful. Now you tell me, my beloved brothers and sisters, when you see a sister dressed in black hijaab and a sister in a pretty one with flowers, which sister looks more attractive? Which sister are you more likely to look at?

Furthermore, many sisters have taken hijaab to the extremes these days, trying to have it 'conform' to '21st Century fashion'. But why does the hijaab need to be something of beautification? Why is there the need for us to wear such bright hijaabs? And brooches? And sequins, etc?

Do you honestly think that the mothers of the believers, the female companions of the beloved Rasool salAllaahu 'Alayhi wa Sallam would be seen to be wearing colourful hijaab, flowery hijaabs, etc. I do not think so. Are these not our role models?

Ultimatley, what it comes down to is the fact that you need to assess which hijaab will be more pleasing to Allaah. Which hijaab will look less attractive and beautiful. For is it not true that even if a small thing is beautiful in something that you wear outside, be it a brooche or a sparkly scarf, Shaytaan will do its best to beautify that item to the people thus making it a 'zeenah', a beautfication which Allaah Jalla wa'ala has told us to conceal.

Wear the hijaab, honour the hijaab, but do not insult the hijaab by making it into an item that is both shari'ah compliant and fashion compliant. Im sure it will not hurt us sisters to just wear dark colours. I mean I myself have seen many a time how when sisters who normally wear dark coloured hijaab such as black or navy, once they put on a colourful scarf, it brings out the beauty of their faces even more, something which the hijaab should not do

And Allaah knows best

Allaah says in Surah Nur, Ayah 30:

And tell the believing women to lower their gaze, and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like both eyes for necessity to see the way or outer dress like veil, gloves, head-cover, apron, etc.), and to draw their veils all over Juyubihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms,) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband's fathers, or their sons, or their husband's sons, or their brothers or their brother's sons, or their sister's sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islâm), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of the feminine sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allâh to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful"

May this ayah be a reminder for us all.

Assalamu'alaykum wa rahmatullah

Bismillah

I dont think a person can justify that men wearing haraam clothing such as tight jeans justifies a women wearing an attractive hijaab. The article is aimed and sisters, and men can be dealt with in another article. I am a women, myself, but what I hate to see is sisters who are influenced by feminism. Why do we always have to feel whenever some advice is given to us we cant stand it. Why cant we accept that this article was sincere advice from the shiekh, May Allah preserve him. Where our manners? "Shaytan causes discord between the believers" Feminism is arrogance in a disguise and many sisters do not recognise it.

Subhanallah the sheikh is giving advice and we are wanting to know about the brothers. It is as if we are not concerned of ourselves and this is a deception of shaytan, he causes people to look towards others causing to forget themselves

The issue of attraction that black attracts attention,yes that may be correct at certain times, however there is different types of attraction. 1)a person stands out which beautifies oneself, wearing certain bright colours, 2)one may stand out, does not beautify a person as such. So the safer option would be to wear darker colours and a women should do what she can do to conceal herself, and Allah knows best.

Lastly, subhanallah we have lost the humilty that we should have with our scholars and shiekhs, today we feel we know best as opposed to a scholar, (obviously Allah knows best) the right opinion lies in what a lay person says. and this is a sign of the hour, ignorance will increase.

"It is the people of knowledge whom fear Allah the most" (surah Fatir: 2

I ask Allah to preserve the sheikh, and reward him, and to raise his ranks in the hereafter aameen. May Allah guide us, soften our hearts and replace our arrogance with humility Aameen

Asalamoalaykum warahmatullah,

Alhamdolilah for this article because it brought to surface what the actual issues of sisters are in terms of wearing the proper hijab. It’s not that they don’t know what’s right and wrong. We’re dealing with a disease of heart here in that they will have a list of excuses which will cloud their vision from the Haqq (truth). This disease of heart is that just because I wear hijab etc. I’m doing the world a favour by adorning it. So I can’t endow this world with any more favours such as giving up my self-proclaimed right to wear certain inappropriate types of attire.

Wallahi I’m disappointed with the sisters of our times. Brothers’ desires are another issue and believe it or not, they are constantly being addressed in Halaqaat. Just because you weren’t there listening to them being advised by the ‘Ulema doesn’t mean that efforts aren’t being put to make them better Muslims. Umar bin al Khattab RA used to rejoice when somebody used to point out his mistake. He was one of those promised Paradise and still didn’t think that he was doing enough. He didn’t say that ‘O Allah my heart is pure, my intention was correct..’ and just go on with life without rectifying things.Look at us! We are ready to burn a person alive with our rude comments just because he/she cared enough to remind us to fear Allah SWT. How despicable!

We, as Muslims (and NOT scholars), should be concerned about what we can do to become better Muslims. What the Shaykh said is in regards to tight clothes etc. Let’s not let our desires forget the real issue here. Can anyone point out any community in the West OR the East devoid of such a dilemma? What can we do to help educate sisters and motivate them to become Muslimahs who wear proper Hijab? How can we make them love Allah SWT more so that whatever prevents them from wearing proper Hijab becomes insignificant? Did any of us sit down and think positively like that?

Do you want the Shaykh or any God-fearing brother to have the following attitude: ‘Who cares what you wear! You are going to face Allah SWT alone! Why should I waste my words on you?!’

Remember sisters, you may cry and complain all you want…but don’t forget you are a slave of Allah SWT and not a free woman. You heard that right! A SLAVE! How should a slave behave then? Should she allow her desires come before the Commands of her Master?

At the end of the day we do need guidance because we all yearn for His Pleasure now, don’t we? So let’s not stop people from telling the truth because there are hardly any people speaking the truth nowadays. Of course this world is hard to live in for a practising Muslimah. Do you think the pious women of the past got it all easy? They had trials of their own. Let’s not forget that.

I do agree that we as sisters are very sensitive. But that doesn’t mean we forget Allah SWT in the process. Colourful hijabs or not, that’s not the issue here. The issue is that is our attire according to the verses of Suratul Noor?

May Allah SWT make it easy for us to follow His Commands in the manner that Pleases Him.Ameen.

And Allah SWT knows best.

Jazakumullah khair to the Sheikh and for all involved in posting this article. This is a very common problem regarding hijab and it is important to clarify.
However, I would like to give a couple of points of feedback regarding what has been written. I feel that though the majority of points made are correct, there are a few opinions here that i feel should be omitted. I feel that title of "colourful" hijab here is rather misplaced. The Respected Sheikh has listed the conditions of hijab -
"In discussing the hijab, Islamic jurists have stipulated a number of conditions for it to be a hijab in the Islamic sense. In brief, these conditions are that one’s clothing must cover the entire body in a way that the shape of the body is not apparent and the material must not be so thin that one can see through it. Clothing should not resemble that which is specific to men nor the disbelievers. It should not be attractive to men, nor should women be perfumed in public". One of the conditions of hijab is not that it must be black! So to focus on the colour of ones hijab really is a bit of a distraction, rather to focus on correcting sisters on where they are breaching the conditions of hijab
Secondly, to assume that sisters who do not wear correct hijab are trying to entice brothers may be quite offensive. There are many sisters who wear a headscarf but will wear attractive, fitted, clothes and make up - they may even be married, so to say they are trying to trying to entice other men is not having husn adh-dhun regarding their intentions. Rather, ignorance about the conditions of hijab is a factor, which inshallah this article will help towards eradicating. However, why do women wear such clothes out in public? it is the nature of a woman to want to beautify herself, and I do not mean for the purpose of attracting men. This is how Allah has created all women, you will even see little young girls with this desire to look pretty, its a womans fitra. And hijab is really a test of ones nafs - for every woman - to suppress her desire to beautify herself in public. Of course sisters are at varying levels in their imaan so their understanding and ability, if you like, are not always at the level where they will be able to suppress their desire to look pretty. so they will try and beautify themselves as much as they can whilst technically being covered. SO the issue here is a taribiyyah issue.
I hope inshallah this feedback is useful to those involved. I feel that some of these opinions will offend and will put people off taking heed from an otherwise excellent and beneficial article.

I believe that the overall message he is writing has some validity , but he has definitly missed his audience, and obviously his words have encited a lot of negative feedback including my own. He has no idea, like so many of the "scholars", any idea what is going on here in the west.

We keep hearing this misconception that all western born women are evil and desire to seduce every man they see. But their eyes seem to be blind to all the mistreatment of american revert sisters. Rampant green card marriages that end in divorce. American sisters who have been passed around like food on a plate having been married 6-10 times. American revert women are taken as second, third, and fourth wives often being lied to about wives back in arab lands. American revert sisters get beaten or abused and when they go to the masjid they are only told "sabr".

The "western salafi dawah" thing from the 1990's until even now led to such a harshness and many of the american sisters, wanting to please Allah, accepted that for years until they simply had enough.

The sheer numbers of american women who abandoned their faiths, families, careers, homes, even left their husbands to accept Islam in the last 25 years is amazing! We have been met with many obstacles and mistreatment. There are some individual happily ever after stories, but the vast majority of us have simply gone through too much - not at the hands of non muslims but from our own sisters and brothers in Islam.

That's why, I believe you hear such a harsh reaction back to this article. Many women have simply had enough and we just cannot sit back an let one more arab judge and criticize and complain from saudi arabia. There is an american saying - walk a mile in my shoes before you judge me.

American revert sisters love Islam. We were not deranged sex maniacs before we accepted Islam. Many of us were devout christians attenting church regularly who read and know the Bible and loved God. Thus, Allah guides us in such a large multitude out of his mercy to save us from jahannum.

Analyze your audience. We will probably gladly accept guidance from someone who understands what we as sisters have been through collectively in the past two decades. You are speaking to second and thrid generation muslims who have grown up watching the mistreatment of their mothers, and have built up some strong dislike for anything they see as oppressive. You are speaking to thousands of african american sisters who have, alhamdullillah, come from Nation of Islam to Sunni Islam in the past two decades. You are speaking to sisters who have been so beaten down abused and used that many of them are fighting a war with Shayton to keep their smallest faith alive. You are speaking to sisters who are being taught Islam by arab women, and are copying them in dress.

I mean no disrespect to our arab sisters(you suffer your own battles), but all these colourful hijaabs aren't MADE IN AMERICA. This current style of dress was imported from arab lands.

In order to address this problem, so many other problems need to be addressed first. We need to hit a reset button and start back with tawheed. If you can correct the heart, the rest of the body will follow. The trust issue between alot of american reverts and arab scholars has been broken by decades of bickering within the ummah and the mistreatment. So the eyes and ears have closed and walls have been built up. To break through will take years of hard work,dedication, apologies and forgiving.

The same messages -haraaam, haraam, haraam, and then claiming you are are only giving naseehah and your burden is only to pass on the message just isn't going to cut it anymore. And it was not the sunnah of the prophet(SAWS) to do things that way either. When he sent emmissaries to foreign lands to spread dawah he commanded them to be easy with the people, to know their audience and speak to them in words they would understand, to start with basics and move gradually from there.

Yes, alhamdullillah, they are many highly educated and knowledgeable sisters in Islam here in america. But that isn't your audience for the type of message you were sending. And you need to address the root causes before you can address the outward manifestation. Why are they dressing like this? HINT: It isn't the evil west and a desire to copy non muslims or go after ande seduce muslim brothers. That is your assumption based on a cultural misconception you have about another society. This issue comes from within our own ummah.

Western muslim women are more than willing to accept guidance. They are amazing really. I am constantly inspired by women who have gone through so much for the sake of Islam.

Assalaam alaykum, I see this article has caused quite a stir for some reason...to be honest I don't see why it has.

The article never said anything about women having to wear black 24/7 and if she wears an ounce of colour she is sinful. Its well known that if Islam you can wear ANY colours for hijab AS LONG AS THEY ARE NOT BRIGHT AND ATTRACTIVE. I wear jilbab and niqab but I wear a variety of colours from full black, navy blue, dark brown etc. Haitham Al Hadad is clearly speaking about the bright colours that some sisters wear today as hijab such as bright purple with colourful sequins, bright pink etc. I as a Muslim women living in the West try to wear colours other than black but I know there is a limit, I would never wear a bright pink niqab and jilbab as thats not hijab, however like I said other colours are permissible as long as they are not bright and attractive.

He didn't limited the topic to colour, rather he spoke fully about other aspects such as skinny jeans, tight shirts, make-up etc which also defeats the purpose of hijab altogether. I honestly feel there is too much bashing going on, he clearly stated that this article wasn't to dismiss those sisters who already wear "hijab" in this manner, but rather to encourage them to progress further such as wearing skinny jeans to baggy jeans to skirts to abayah insha'Allaah.

Obviously we all can't jump and wear niqab and jilbab in one go (I didn't) and neither is the author suggesting so, he clearly states that hijab in the shari'ah is specific and therefore should be treated as such without Western/cultural influence.

Furthermore, when he states that the hijab shouldn't imitate the clothing of the disbelievers the statement is very clear. He doesn't mean wearing Nike shoes etc but for our clothing to not actually look like the clothing of non-muslims. For example, Catholic nuns wear hijab in the form of a habit however we as Muslim women cannot wear habits as it is a clothing associated with Christians and not Muslims.

The article at hand is CLEARLY about Muslim women and their dress, so why would he be speaking about Muslim men? And no, I am not suggesting hijab is limited for women only, there is also hijab for men as well so please don't think I do not acknowledge this. Definitely it hurts me to see a clean shaven brother or a brother wearing his garments below the ankles or who wearing extravagant clothing. And yes I would LOVE to see brothers taking their responsibility to wear correct hijab also.

I'm sure Haitham Al Hadad would be great at writing an article aimed at brother's hijab too. But when that happens insha'Allaah, please don't feel he is picking on sisters. The topic is clearly hijab for sisters and not brothers.

Anything I've said is correct is from Allaah and anything incorrect is from myself and the Shaytaan. And may the peace and blessings of Allaah be upon the Prophet Muhammad, his family, companions and the believers ameen.

assalamu alaikum

Fifteen years ago when I first started to wear the hijab in London, it was all very different. Back then there was a zeal for doing things properly. We also had to struggle to wear it in the first place- I was the only one wearing it at my state school .We felt that it was an honour to wear it and as it was a struggle- it meant a lot to us and took on a level of seriousness. Although I don't agree with the extreme sentiments of 'asmaa' and 'colourful revert', discussion on hijab does evoke strong feeling.
I don't entirely blame the youth of today, many of whom wear it as a fashion statement more than a simple covering devoid of decoration and beauty.We need to educate them on this topic along with all the other things they need guidance and help with.Hijaab does usually evolve with knowledge.
However, the older sisters who have been practicing a while and should know better are another matter. Increasing I hear- 'I used to wear abayah, but I think a skirt and blouse is ok' or 'I don't think the colour matters'. Why do these opinionated sisters insist on shouting out their incorrect views on loudspeakers? Insulting and belittling the correct opinion that the vast majority of scholars have ageed upon and perhaps they themselves advocated not too long ago!
Sh.Haitham never said that we all need to wear black. He is just saying 'tone it down' and make sure you know what the conditions for your outer garment is. The truth is most of us all too easily pick up a beautiful hijaab without thought for whether it qualifies as an outer garment. The problem is compounded by the ever increasing market of sister's selling bright, decorated scarves and decorated hijab pins which are all too easily passed off as acceptable hijab but do not qualify.It seems it's just as hard to find a suitable hijaab as it was fifteen years ago!
To say that Sh. Haitham cannot advise on this topic is absurd. He is writing about a contemporary topic that needs discussing. What right have sisters as lay people got to shout out their own opinions but to silence scholars that do not agree with them? Is this not arrogant? To say that we have more important things to discuss- Sh. Haitham has written a wide variety of articles on contemporary topics, if you would care to look on this site.As for the comment that men should not advise us what to wear- what did the Prophet (saw) do then?!

Dear sisters, do not let your desires overtake you. Allaah swt defined our hijaab in the Qur'aan and our Mothers showed us its clear interpretation. Though our respected Shaikh didnot even mention black in his article, it is important for us to be reminded, - Yes, Black is the best colour, as this is what our Mothers wore, and they are our true role models. Allaah swt is pleased with them and this is what we should hope for ourselves, as attaining His pleasure (and not that of those in this world) is our true purpose in this life.
I am a 'British' sister, born and bred you could say, and I have worn a black niqaab, abaya and scarf for over 7 years. Yes I get distasteful comments, hatred and of course abuse, but its okay girls. As our respected Shaykh reminded us, our hijaab is our ibaadah, we wear it for the primary purpose of obeying our Creator and pleasing Him alone. Therefore, any difficulty we experience from wearing our hijaab in the truly correct way, will inshaAllaah increase us in our reward in the hereafter.
We will never be able to blend in and become anonymous in the crowds of a non-muslim country today, That is impossible. We are easy targets these days. The non-muslims will never accept us fully for who we are, as they cannot understand the tawheed we follow in our actions.
Sisters, can you honestly say you do not like to look good outside in your diamante trimmed shaylas and your brightly coloured jilbabs ? Please dont try to prove to others reading your comments, that the thought of your shiny magenta scarf donned with jewelled pins causing a man to turn his head, never crossed your mind. You are only fooling yourselves. Every woman wants to look good and we are only following our satan fuelled desires, if we actually dress up like this to go out. SubhanAllaah. How naive do you think people are?
Please, let us be sincere to Allaah swt and our own selves. If we didnt know it was incorrect before, then let us correct ourselves now. If inside our hearts we know it isnt correct but still try to defend our actions based on what our desires tell us (fitting in, urf, identity, safer etc etc) then please dont go about claiming our respected shaykh is incorrect and his opinion is a minority. No it is not, and we all know it. Keep your sins to yourself please and dont entice other weaker sisters to follow you.

Sisters, remember your purpose - ibaadah of your Creator, so obey Him and not your nafs.

Salamalaiukm. SHAME ON SOME OF THOSE WHO HAVE POSTED COMMENTS HERE, and others who would say the same. Brothers and sisters, the demise of the Muslim character is really shocking.

Is this behaviour representative of Islamic character and the Islamic personality? Are these the manners that we were (or seemingly, weren't ) taught by our parents in our homes? Are these the examples of Muslim ettiquette that we are going to teach our children towards Islamic teachers and those who carry the Quran and knowledge of Islam? Rude, 'feisty', arrogant comments that smack of racism and prejudice - the sort we would never accept from someone non-Muslim towards ourselves. We would not use this language for our 'British' compatriots. As is usual for Msulims, we reserve our venom for the best of us, - because they dared hurt the inflated pride of some. Subhan Allah.

An Islamic scholar, who dedicates all his time and efforts for the Muslims and Islam gives some advice that some Muslim women seem hypersensitive about, and this is the reaction: arrogant comments like, "Foreign scholars should really not open their mouths"

Of course these brothers or sisters would never have the courage to say this to a person directly, because they know it is lowly behaviour - but kuniyas on the internet are great to hide behind.But our words are not hidden from the angels that record our deeds or the One who knows what is hidden and apparent.

Yes, the shaikh should address some other issues. Like the manifestations of pride and arrogance (the 'who the hell do you think you are telling ME what to do or wear' ) ; how 'intelligent British' character has killed the noble Muslim ettiquette and humility in our hearts; mocking of Muslims and people of knowledge; racism bewtween Muslims ( of course, white intelligent British non-Muslims and their culture that you have grown up in is much superioir than lowly, sweaty, slipper wearing, shaggy bearded Arabs from the desert who can't speak English properly , right?) ; how western feminism.

It must be better to be infleunced by 'civilised' 'British' athiestic/liberal feminism than to be influenced by backward Arab Muslim 'Wahhabis', right?

It is a good thing we did not live at the time of Umar, radhi Allahu anhu


The shaikh gives some advice and refers to Quran and sunnah and scholarly positions. He is commenting on manifestations not judging intentions.

THE NIQAB GOES, THE BLACK HIJAB BECOMES THE COLORFUL HIJAB, THEN THE TRANSPARENT HIJAB, THEN THE NO-HIJAB. THE JILBAB GOES, THE LONG-SWEATER BECOMES SHORTER, THE TOP TIGHTER, ETC. It is right for the Shaikh to point out what he did . Sorry.




If you do not agree, learnn to differ respectfully.

Our beloved Prophet peace be upon him said, "I was not sent except to perfect the best of manners"

"No one will enter paradise who has an atom's weight of pride in their heart"

"Pride is rejecting the truth, and looking down on people"

Yes the problem of some of our sisters is not the colourful hijabs. It is the stiff back. Lower your noses sisters.

Anyway, let Muslims not make this another oppoertunity for mudslinging, differing and quarrelling.

wasalam alaikum wa Rahmatullah

Women are so Funny!!! they just dont like to be told.

May Allah forgive us for arrogance and pride.

It is a question of one's Eeman. Anyone striving to please Allah would welcome any recommendations on ways to obey Him.
Islam does not prohibit us from being colourful and pretty. It requires us to be modest and not to show our beauty to non mehrem men. So simple! Express your colour and beauty in the protection of your homes and cover appropriately outside. It is not a shaykh or any man who has asked this, but it is ALLAH who does not want men checking us out. That should be celebrated not criticised. How honoured and protected it makes me feel.

btw, why bring up men's beards and gazes etc...those are seperate topics and can be dealt with seperately. mentioning them here does not validate the topic at hand more. The evidence provided did that nicely

Brothers and sisters,

Sincere request:

Let each of us ask ourselves, if we were to meet the Prophet sallahu alaihi wa sallam today in his mosque, how would be deem it appropriate to present ourselves such that he would feel pleased with our state?

So what then about Allah.


Anas b. Malik radiallahu anhu was shocked, towards the end of his life, to see how far the Muslims had drifted from the deen; he said the only thinkg he could recognise was the salah!

Would they recognise the hijab of clinging garments?

It is absurd to imply that only a female is entitled to express her opinion on what hijab should constitute.

We are here to worship Allah! We need to save one another, with Allah's help.

The people with most knowledge should speak, for they speak from the texts of revelation : the Quran and Sunnah with the understandingf of the ulama.

The fact that we speak so easily from personal opinion in opposition to those speaking with knowledge of Quran and Sunnah, should be something quite alarming for each and everyone of us, and is the biggest social ill amongst our muslim community, as demonstrated by some of the acrimonious comments.

ultimately we all need to also recognise that a man speaking from the Quran and sunnah should be deemed well qualified to speak on this matter because amongst other things, that is the gender that ic biologically positioned to speak from experience of attraction to women.



Finally, standing back from the issue, it is amazing to see how far we are ready to go just to defend 'our right to wear colourful attire' in the form of hijab.

as-salaamu alaikum
I didn't read anywhere in the article that Sh Haitham has stipulated women must wear all black, Saudi style. Rather, he has explicitly spoken about "fancy headscarves" and tight clothing. It would appear that many of the commentators to this article have either misunderstood what the Shaykh is saying, or are out to deliberately attack him by reading into his words that which he never said. We need to refer back to the classical opinions of the scholars of Islam, which have been accepted by the Ummah for centuries, before formulating our own definitions of Hijab based on our whim. Islam in the 21st Century does not need to be different from what it has been upto the 20th Century.

assalamu alaikum

The volume of negative comments here leads me to conclude that an organised group of sisters who like their colourful hijaabs or better still like to attack Sh. Haitham have decided to air their ignorant comments in public. Noone's against a discussion on the topic but seeing the wording of some of the comments even I would agree that we should focus more on other topics like MANNERS- clearly some Muslimahs have very strong views on the hues of their scarf but have yet to develop the maturity and wisdom of the greatest women that wore it.

Assalam alikum

To the likes of 'ricic' writing about 'broken records', or others who seem to be blinded by indignant rage into suggesting that the dress of the Muslim women is all that may be discussed by the Shaikh or others with 'Saudi influence', or that there are more important issues the Shaikh should write about, please refer to the following articles written by the Shaikh on this site - I went through them , and this seems to be the only one, excluding those supporting the right of Muslim women wearing the hijaab:
Cooperation in Da’wah ; Encouraging Qunoot for Muslims in Libya and Syria ; Principles of Fiqh: Its Meanings & Benefits ; Open Letter: Supporting Aafia Siddiqui ; Consensus & Ijtihad ; Threatening the Stability of an ‘Enlightened’ Europe - The Anti Niqab Law ; Supporting the Campaign Against Tuition Fees Rises ; A Call for Muslims to Support the Integration of Parts of Shari’ah into the British Judicial System ; Revolution in Libya: A proof for the Ummah ; Post 9/11 or Post Mubarak Freedom? ; Open Letter to Mr Cameron ; In Memory of the Gaza Massacre
Who are We and are We Proud to be British? ; The Hypocrites of our Community ; Comment: Discussing Terrorism and Jihad ; Advice To British Muslims Regarding The Coming Elections ; A Fatwa concerning the Cordoba Gold Card ; The Islamic Mortgage: Paradigm Shift or Trojan Horse? ; Islamic Ijara Mortgages by HSBC and Other Banks ; Keeping up with winter Prayer Times ; Zakah al-Fitr Q&A ; Fatwa: What Would the Iddah Period be? ; Is Voting Really Haram? ;
Music: A Prohibited and Fake Message of Love and Peace ; Summer Isha & Fajr Prayer Times ; A Simple Matter of Disagreement? ; Denying Inheritance to Unworthy Offspring ; An insight into Moon sighting ; Hanafi Salafism: An Oxymoron? ; Fatwa: A Civil Divorce is not a valid Islamic Divorce ; Inciting the Qunut for the Believers of Egypt ; Tarawih Recitation: A message to all Imams ; The Obligation to Support the Proposed New Mosque in East London ; Reasons Behind the Japanese Tsunami
Delaying Hajj could be your downfall ; The Prophet Adam and Human Evolution ; Ashoura, Fasting, and False Religions

Slms All,

The only reason why Brothers would refer to Sisters wearing Hijaab is because of the obligation of encouragement. Do you really think that we enjoy the ire of Sisters who responds that we don't have a womans mind and what do we know about a female lifestyle in the West? No.

Do you really think that we like being portrayed and controlling and lacking in self-control because we remind our sisters of the beautiful way? No.

So please, respect the fact that our responsibilities include reminding you about your personal obligations - we didn't choose then but we certainly have to discharge them. Are you going to take our burden off us when Allah asks "Why did you not remind and encourage your womenfolk?" - do you think we can simply answer because we didn't know what it felt like to be a woman?

I am no way encouraging brothers to go up to any random sister and say sister, "please sort it out". The responsibility is within your circle of influence. A brother/husband to his family, a Shaykh to his community. Telling us to mind our own business is like saying "drop the obligations".

Wa'slm

The Lady Fatimah was asked by Ali radiallahu anhuma what her greatest desire was:

"That no non-mahram man ever see me, and that I never glance upon a non mahram man"

This is at the core of the purity that made these people so great. Any attempt to help society excel , women or men, while ignoring the substantial obstacle of gender relationships, hijab, and taqwa - will all but bring the most limited og dividends

Allah knows best

Salam alaikum wa rahmatullah,

May Allah have mercy on us all and guide us to humbleness, honesty and modesty in all areas of our lives and actions, free from judging others Ameen.

"western women are very fond of attracting the interest and attention of men." (What a stereotypical and generalised statement!!! and hypocritical too!!!)

May Allah protect my eyes and ears from hearing and reading such things and speaking such lies myself Ameen.

The key to this issue of hijab is 'love for Allah and a sense of taqwah'. He'l bestow this upon whom he wills. Only then would we not make excuses for what our Lord has prescribed for us. The truth is that you are only fooling yourself when arguing or making excuses. On judgement day we will know if our hijab and other 'act of worship' have been acceptable. And yes, ofcourse, we need to see things in perspective...but the truth, sadly enough, is that hijab amongst 'many' of the sisters has become fashionable rather than an essence of modesty..

May Allah preserve our hijab (both men and women) and our dignity-AMEEEN!

Wallahu Alam

Do you know what is more funny on this? I have noticed more brothers staring at hijabis without make up because they are more "wifey material". Make up makes a hijabi look gross and ugly. Men will be more interested in a woman who is wife material rather than someone who has no self respect. Does that mean we women who do not wear make up and look pure should be blamed too?

How about the muslim world starts educating men about their responsiblities about lowering their gazes and covering their bodies and stop wearing the latest brand name clothes to attract the attention of women? surely we know muslim or non muslim women esspecially is more likely to date a guy who is dressed nice and has a nice body. as you can see we humans are THE SAME IN NATURE AND DESIRES. otherwise there would be no zina because women would not be willing (as most say its male nature to commit zina..will hun who are they commiting it with)

Men need to STOP making excuses for themselves and start taking action on their own dress and responsiblities.

I also want to add that it seems men are more concerned about making
it easy for them to control themselves rather than Sheikhs educating young men on how to dress because it is a fitnah for women as well. We women have feelings and yes a LOT, and I mean a LOT of women check out men, esspecially they way they dress, if it shows their muscular arms, body, or even thighs.

So Sir, I am sure women do not flaunt or talk about it but we are very much attracted to "pretty" things. So if men sit here and dress nicely and show their bodies, what does that say to them? Do they not get sin for that?

Maybe Sheikhs should address it more for young men as well as you all speak like women have no feelings infact we women judge things more on the way they look on the outside. We always want to buy pretty, good looking things that should tell you a lot about the nature of women being the same as men.

Now I agree more of a women is awrah to men so women have more covering to do, but if you sit here and compalin about covered women wearing colorful things what does that say about men? That they indeed do not have to worry about their dress?

How about men stop wearing tight guess or levis jeans and tight shirts and wife beater tank tops that show their bodies and muscles which are sexually attractive to women. I think Sheikhs should address this issue more so for brothers as well.

I dont think many men notice that women are sneaky and yes, they check out men a lot. I have seen and witnessed countless hijabi woman looking at brothers without taking their eyes off.

Imagine if the brother is half naked? It is the SAME amount of sin vice versa for a man looking at a woman so please start addressing the RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BROTHERS AS WELL.

I don't agree that all Muslim women dress nicely to attract attention from males! That is despicable. Sheikhs will sit here and blame all of Muslim women for the actions of some. I am married alhamdulilah and I certainely have no desire or intention to attract men outside by fully covering my body. However, I do like to dress nice and respectable esspecially when I am with my husband. It makes me feel good about myself and good that my husband enoys me.

I have no intention whatsoever to gain the attention of pervs. I do wear baggy dress pants and long shirts/tunics or ackets that cover below my knees so no body part is showing. I do however like to wear colorful scarves. Who wants to make their husband feel disgusted of them ? Some hijabs he enjoys on me. I cannot dress up for him at home as we have kids....When you go out there is fitnah for men everywhere and you want to make sure you look the best with your husband so he has his eyes on you. After all isnt Islam all about intentions?

and how come the verse states that to only the wives of the Prophet PBUH ie: they are not like other women?

As to be expected issues around women’s dress code is a very touchy one! Especially when women’s bodies are being policed and politicised in both the East and the West. The Muslim woman is a battleground of sorts. The women is the last line of defence for some Muslims/Muslim countries, thus leading to an imposition of extreme/oppressive measures to maintain the ‘honour’ and ‘dignity’ of not only the women herself but symbolically the nation state and the ummah at large. Whereas in the West the Muslim woman is used as a point of attack- an attack on Islam and an effort to undermine some of the values Islam propagates. What is needed is moderation on both sides so then such discussions can take place without such heightened sensitivities. However , whether we believe in the obligation of niqaab/ jlbaab or not, I think it’s safe to say that skinny jeans is definitely not hijaab!
By and large I am in complete agreement with the Sheikh and I think that this topic definitely needs to be addressed and should be discussed but I do take issue with the whole ‘fancy hijaab’ point. Now I know that Shaikh Haitham is a notable scholar so I am sure that he is aware of ahadeeth which point to the wearing of colours (other than black) and patterns by the sahaabiyaat, so perhaps the Sheikh is talking about very ornate/glitzy hijaabs?? I think if so clarification is needed.
I myself wear the niqaab, and getting to this point has been quite a journey and i went through many phases. Some of which I look back in horror! So i think its important to note that when having a discussion there should be some sensitivity as for many sisters hijaab develops and perfects by way of phases and transitions. Going back to the issue of style, I think by and large this depends on culture/custom (‘urf). As a ‘niqaabi’ myself I tend to wear a coloured scarf and accessorise with a coloured bag so as not to be too intimidating. I even prefer some niqaab styles over others for the very same reason. However I reside mostly in Saudi Arabia and when I am there i wear an overhead abaya and all black and would never dream of wearing a coloured scarf. All this because i am aware of my environment and i try my best to adapt to it as much as the shari’ah allows without contravening the laws of Allah azza wa jal. The issue of the role of custom/culture also extends to what a sister wears at home in front of womenfolk and her mahrams. I have found some sisters very dogmatic about this and try to impose their own ideas about what is acceptable on other sisters. I myself am a revert and in my home amongst my mahrams it would be perfectly suitable to wear skinny jeans/ jeans/trousers/skirts in front of them. However some south Asian sisters have instructed that a shawl should be draped (dupatta style ) around the chest area or wear a long top worn over the bum to conceal it. Or even that one should try to conceal her pregnant belly from fathers and brothers. This is all very fine and well if this is the sisters custom but it is NOT MY custom. In short ‘urf plays a big role and allows a space for sisters to dictate her style and colour as deemed appropriate. Of course it should be within the framework set down in the shari’ah.
In saying all of this I am against the whole ‘we shouldn’t judge’ routine. Allah has prescribed the mode of dress for both men and women and we all have a responsibility to call our Sisters AND Brothers to it. Furthermore, i think its wrong to assume that Muslim men are not entitled to discuss issues surrounding women’s attire. After all it is an aspect of faith, ibaadah and part of the responsibility of us all to enjoin the good and forbid the bad. However, undoubtedly wisdom and tact should be exercised, and due measure of proportionality – it seems that nearly all matters pertaining to Muslim women, either in book or speech form, tend to boil down to female dress. The overemphasis is hard to ignore. What is evident though is that more sisters are wearing hijaab/jilbab/niqaab than ever before. But unfortunately still too few brothers sporting the beard!

I think the editor has taken out the shaikh's statement about colourful hijabs - how deceitful!! If you take out something then you must tell us MR Editor.

assalam o alaikum,

I agree with many points rasied in the comment section by different people. But we all have to ask the folowing questions or clarifications:

1. What is the dress of non-believers ((for men and women)? is it limited to trousers, shirts, long skirts, blouses, etc? does it mean muslims should only wear long throbes for men and jilbabs for women? is jilbab really necessary for women if they wear simple loose clothes with head scrafs?

2. why there is so much stress on women hijab, their colored scarf etc? why does it matter so much? is it only coz it suits the thinking or 'interpretations' of some sheikhs/scholras?

3. What about niqab (face covering)? why there is so much stress esp in saudi when there is clear hadith about face and hands being allowed to be seen? why then making it so difficult for women? should not this be left to the woman to decide? why making it a law?

4. why so much stress on black jilbabs/scarfs esp in sauid? dont the scholars know that there are so many women in muslim world who suffer with vitamion D deficiency even when they have plenty of sunshine in their countries? especially those women who live in flats with no exposure to sunlight. The black colour reflect most of the sunlight? why not wear other simple colours like brown, blue etc?

5. isn't it true that men find women with shiny colorful scarves more attractive than women whow are fully covered with simple jilbabs/scarf (not necessarily black)? its true that men have to lower their gaze, absolutely, but a woman can't just rely on that. Not all men have same level of faith.

6. Why some women just get angry when such topics are being discussed? whether there is war elsewhere in the Muslim world or not?? We should not find reasons to avoid such issues. As mentioned in the article people with knowledge have to comment when they see some wrong actions among muslims. But the sheikhs should try to give a broader answer agreed upon by most scholars. Once it is done then we ordinary muslims should accept it and should not try to follow our own 'understandings' of issues.

Isn't this true that Allah SWT knows the nature of man more than any of us. He SWT knows how any part of woman's body can be a source of attraction for a man, generally speaking, (ask your husbands and brothers about this for an honest opinion)Do we also want to challenge the difference in aura for man and woman? why man only has to cover from navel to knees and woman has to cover whole of her body (except face and hands?

I agree with the sheikh that Muslims of today try to be like the non-believers. I just came back from Saudi and I was shocked to see the women and men clothes on display in the shops. Yes its true that all women in Saudi are clad in black from top to bottom and there is literally no finah at least to the eyes in the surroundings but I kept on wondering why the muslim women in Saudi would like to wear such a dress in front of their mahrams or even just infront of other women? clothes like long necks with open chests, spaghetti strap blouses and much worst and very tight shirts and jeans for men? why? if they really want to show that they are 'not behind' the western women and men they can choose to wear many decent western style clothes!

I think this issue is very simple but made very complicated, by both the ordinary muslims men and women and by the scholars themselves sometimes. We, men and women, should all ask ourselves before we put on some clothes for goig out of the house what is the purpose of what and how i am wearing any certain dress. Am I pleasing Allah or attracting others around me?

AssalamuAlaikum Warhamatuallah Wabarakatuah Wabarakatuh Sheikh,

Is it permissible to wear plain coloured hijabs e.g., light blue, pink etc

As some commentators have pointed out there is far too much emphasis on msulim women's clothing and less on the real issues of the dire state of the muslim ummah today. In the UK, pakistanis are the lowest achieving in terms of education, many cultural ignorant practises such as forced marriages are prominent and yet we talk about glitter on one's hijab?!

we need to focus on the big issues before targetting women's hijab. Also what about men and their hijab and the need for men to lower their gaze?

In order to get back to the real role of the muslim women, we need to read the historical facts about the great women scholars, as provided in this excellent book by Sheikh Mohammed Akram Nadwi-

Al-Muhaddithat: The Women Scholars in Islam

As he pointed out, during pre-islamic times girls were killed and now we are killing muslim women through a lack of education, not giving them their due rights and suppressing them. This should be where our focus lies-on the betterment of the muslim ummah in particular the women!

I totally agree what a hijab is used for, women are naturally beautiful and are beautiful not just in the face but also bodily too. I've lived in saudia arabia where women are completely covered but the men still look for bits of uncovered flesh, I've seen them gorping at womens feet when she wears her sandals, I've seen them rush to look at her hands the moment she removes her gloves, iam sorry,I've had a man follow me and try and get me into his car and I was completely covered in black including a face veil so what's the rationale behind that then. I live in the U.K and I see so much brothers wearing jeans, jean shorts, those grandad style hats, T-shirts, tight tops that define their muscles, the latest trainers but noone says nothing about that. The prophet (peace be upon him) use to address women kindly not like the learned men now a days who address us women harshly and blame us women for mens sins. I understand skinny jeans and revealing clothing is not from islam but hijabs with a bit of colour, I can't see how's that's gonna make a man go and commit adultery and if he does, well he is the one who needs reprimanding.

Assalamu alaikoum,

Interesting article and enlightening masha'Allah. I understand the point. However, I would like to ask the writer of this note if he has questioned those sisters himself? Has research been done to understand the "why" of things? I think that a judgement has been madde way too quickly and it is unfair, and haram to do so. We are not allowed to judge people without knowing their realities. Allah knows best. We live in a multicultural world and those of us who live in Western countries must face different challenges that in Muslim states. I am a convert to Islam. I have been wearing hijab for 6 years. I agree, tight jeans and sleeveless shirts defy the purpose of hijab which is to hide a person's body shape (let us not forget men also have an awrah to hide and must dress appropriately). But we must put ourselves in those "colorful" sisters. Have you tried to understand life in their point of view? It doesn't seem so from what I read. Let me say this: I have met a lot of sisters from all backgrounds, all cultures, all nationalities. Some cover up completely, I raise my hat at them masha'Allah, if they feel they want to do more than Allah has required from us. Some cover their hair with a scarf, and some cover down to the knees and wear pants. Firstly, let's not forget that it is the intention in a person's heart that matters. Only Allah knows our intentions. He knows why we decide to wear hijab. In all the sisters I have met who wear nice colors, including me, it was never to attract men's attention. But to fit in better in a society where unfortunately, the attention is all on us Muslims. We are perceived as terrorists, and honestly, I can understand the people who see us this way, especially when they see women wearing dark clothes. It can be scary for people who do not know our beautiful religion. However, when those same people see women wearing bright lively colored hijabs, they are less afraid. Heck, they even feel attracted to talk to them and ask them about their religion. A sister who wears bright colors and has a smile of confidence on her face is a great invitation to Islam my brothers and sisters. It is dawah. I have seen it all. I am speaking from experience. We are representatives of our faith, we are ambassadors of Islam. We are responsible for giving a good impression of Islam because we never know who will accept Islam for his Faith. I was one of them before. I wasn't attracted to talk to women who covered up completely, I still am not very comfortable because I do not know who I am talking to and most of my experiences with these women were negative. Except for a few who were fantastic. But speaking for others, I can say that putting a little bit of life in a hijab only gives a good message about Islam and it is about showing that we are not mistreated and forced to wear hijab, but our choice, and we are proud of it. It is a part of our personality. Not two people are the same. It is natural that sisters wearing hijab will not want to look the same. As long as the purpose of hiding body shapes is served, then that's it. Sisters do not wear bright hijabs to attract men's attention. Their intentions are not so, I can guarantee that. If a man feels this is the reason, then it is time this brother learns to lower his gaze and stops looking at those sisters with bright hijabs. The issue might be with him, not with the sisters... with all due respect. The real hijab is modesty of personality FIRST and foremost. Physical hijab comes next. There is no point hiding one's body when the attitude is despicable. I see this everyday unfortunately. Bad tempers, talking too loud, shouting at other sisters in the masjid. Never smiling... The clothing just looks superficial. Real hijab is in personality. One must be kind and gentle and offer good deeds such as a smile. Only then will the purpose of hijab have a positive effect on the person wearing it, and most of all, others outside looking in... Islam is a beautiful religion and we are so blessed to be Muslim. Let us thank Allah for that. Let us stop judging others and look at ourselves first and fix our own mistakes before we try to fix others. That is our duty as Muslims. And Allah knows best...

"When France banned the hijab they looked at it as a religious symbol..."

France banned the niqab or burka publicly and the hijab in schools whilst it's allowed to wear it in public.

my take on what Sheikh Haytham is saying is this:

so in this sentence we can see a few items of clothing that the sheikh is talking about:
skinny jeans
high heel boots
tight form fitting tops which are worn with the hijab
and he also mentions adornment of the hijab

it seems to me he is mentioning the way many youth dress these days and this is indeed the case, what he is saying is true. often this is also combined with a face full of makeup - i see this on a daily basis with people at my own college! surely this defeats the purpose of the hijab in the first place? but.. the point is this.. experience is learned, and most of the people that dress this way are in transition of learning to wear the hijab.. i look at myself as an example. i have progressed in the manner that i used to dress.. before i used to wear jeans and dresses and slowly i have come to more modesty. the importance of this article is to make sure that people do know what theyre doing is wrong, but i dont think that the sheikh does this effectively. he does not give detail about what the modest dress actually, but rather stresses on making people see 'your doing wrong!!!!!!!!'.

also, on another note there are other important issues which often need to be more focussed on that just outward appearance. there is ALWAYS a reason for outward appearance; often the out is a reflection of what is on the inside. a vessel can only pour out what is contained in it. this therefore suggests that the reason for these muslims to dress this way is some weakness in their faith and other issues of aqeedah and strengthening iman which need to be worked upon first before just focusing on hijab hijab hijab!!! it seems that men can easily sit there and dictate and yet they have no experience of what it is like to be covered in the west!!! we muslim sisters hardly see men following the dress code themselves amongst the youth... the boys have all manner of western dress,, you wouldn't even know they were muslim, and yet they can easily say to the muslim sister 'you must dress in a non sexually appealing way!!!!! >:|' . my point is that it will come as people progress with their islam and reach the stage where they are ready to take it to the next level.

also, i can see the reason for you taking in interest to this article; you addressed it to me to look at the issue of my 'colourful hijabs'. my answer is that Allah knows my niyyah for wearing the hijabs i wear; i like to express my arty love for the patterns/colours/textures i wear and i do it for none other than myself. my feeling is that even though we have to dress modestly and in a way which follows the rules Allah has given us, that doesn't necessarily mean we have to wear things we don't like! if i like a flower pattern on my hijab i do not think that is going to make me 'sexually appealing' if i wear it with a jalabah and loose clothing. wearing colour on my head does not make a billboard for sin unless i am combining it with tight form fitting clothes, which i do not think i am doing. i am doing my best to wear flowy clothes and i feel i have progressed and become more decent than i used to be.

finally, i just want to point out and reiterate that behaviour is the most important aspect in modesty. it doesn't matter what you wear, if you don't have the behaviour to match your appearance there is no way you can coat it. wearing the hijab is a responsibility as well as a blessing, and we need to make sure that when we wear it we behave in a way which puts the muslims in a good light as you are representing Islam. this should not be the case , people should be able to distinguish individuals from the religion , but sadly we must accept this as what is happening today in the world. therefore we should make sure people are ready before they just begin to wear something they are not fit for- as i said the inside is more important than the out. we have to be praying and obeying allah first before wearing the hijab (this is not the case in many people i know, they wear it for other reasons,, only allah knows their niyyah). sadly it seems fathers and sheikhs especially focus on the outward rather than the inward simply because it is distracting the men and because they feel the need to be doing their duty. fathers tell their daughters to wear hijab and they have hardly spent moments talking to them about salah!! but yet when they see their daughters coming to an age where she could be 'fitnah' they are quick to enforce that rule... when all other rules pertaining to islam have been neglected till that moment.

anyway, we ask Allah to give us knowledge health and guide us to Jannah,, thank you for this interesting topic

Thauban reported that the messenger of Allah said: "It is near that the nations will call one another against you just as the eaters call one another to their dishes." Somebody asked: "Is this because we will be few in numbers that day?" He said: "Nay, but that day you shall be numerous, but you will be like the foam of the sea, and Allah will take the fear of you away from your enemies and will place weakness into your hearts." Somebody asked: "What is this weakness?" He said: "The love of the world and the dislike of death."

(Abu Daud)

The issue of muslim women (and men) wearing provacative and revealing attire is infact something not physical, as we all know, actions are but by intentions, and a woman or man who leaves their house, wearing make up/perfume/clothes for the sake of showing off or otherwise is wrong... these are infact a manifestation of something more sinister within the heart... this is usually related to low self-esteem/confidence, fear of non-acceptance, lack of moral values placed their by lack of islamic education... all these factors amongst an array of other's... point back to the society we live in, its values and what is considered "normal"... its the way the wind is blowing im afraid, homosexuality/lesbianism/perversion/prostitution(amsterdam)... normal... magic/satanism/paganism... normal, music/drugs/sex... normal... breaking family ties/put elderly in homes/let schools and tv raise kids...normal... is it me or does someone else see a pattern emergening?...

I suppose, i could start typing and never stop, as to what problems exist within the muslim ummah, the irony is that despite the multitude of perplexingly complex problems manifest in the muslim ummah, it has one simple solution... which most of us know... a rightly guided khilafah... don't get me wrong, im not saying, let just all sit twiddling our thumbs waiting around for the knight in shining armour... far from it infact!

We all know, it will come, with great sacrifice, soon inshallah, whether we believe it or not, whether we want it to or not, like the passing of time, it is in the wind, we should all be feeling it, and more importantly we should all be preparing for it... how?... in any way we can, obsessively, with our minds, with our bodies, with our wealth, with our health, these are the tools which we have been lent by our creator and surely he will account us for how we used them, we he takes them back from us, on the day when we are raised.

Anyway, to the writer/editor, Shukran Jazeelan, and I hope you continue providing us with educational and insightful literature...

Just another brother in Islam...

Im sorry if this sounds lame, but this is just another one of those "lets bash them articles" 'you should'nt do this, and can't do that' articles... which is all fine and dandy... BUT it's just another to add to the countless thousands already out there, im not saying stop writing them, but i do think the editors and writers of these articles should put a little more thought and practical advice into them... and being somewhat more balanced as to who the articles are directed to (i.e. to men or women, or both)...You could mention some practical ideas on how to address yet another "problem" within the muslim ummah... and not just slap ayet nother band aid onto the deep cuts we as a nation have been and are presently enduring, intellectually, physically, spiritually, economically, socially, academically and any other way you can imagine...

Sincereley, without starting to make this sound like "another, lets bash that, bash them article"... I would like to add the following...

Im sure most people agree the issue of hijab is like a double edged blade, in that it involves both the man and woman to observe "hijab" and without the man,a woman would not have to worry about the hijab (in the context we are discussing), and without the woman a man would not need to observe hijab? In my humble view...The man has an equal 'burden of effort' to observe hijab as the woman does to ensure she does not entice a man to look at her in a negative way... (i.e. a way which leads to fitnah... whether that has been initiated by the man or woman).

The truth is that the issue that has been raised in this article has its roots buried deep within the cancerous growth expanding day by day within the muslim community, the western ideals and values have infiltrated and diluted the muslim perception of Islam to the point of no return except through divine intervention, We have absorbed, adopted and been raised with knowledge that we should accept or work towards acceptance of the western values, such as freedom of expression/speech/belief, materialism etc... I mean lets get real, forget about high heels and skinny jeans, we have the likes of Sila Sahin, a 'turkish muslim girl', who has posed nude for playboy magazine... So you might say it's statistically an outlier, how many muslim girls are gonna find their way onto the cover of a magazine?... Well, does it really matter, whether its one or a hundred? NO, it doesnt, what matter's is that there is not one single person or organisation who is representing the "Islamic Instituion" who can stand up for the law of Allah and say, yes or no, halal or haram, and the ones that do... well, they are either branded extreme, criminal or off side... reminds me of a hadith...

Dear Sister Ridley,


There is a learned Muslim sister who in an article on our uni webpage pointed to common inappropriate male attire, and alhamdulillah I don't think any brothes objected to it.

There is, perhaps, a reason for the above, and it is - and Allah knows best - amongst other things, that we believe that when a Muslim speaks of something which they see lacking in us, it is because they want good for us; and ultimately their gender difference won't excuse them from advising me and you. Furthermore it (the gender difference) won't make us not chastise them on the Day of Judgement for not having advised me/you on anything (including what we do or don't wear).

This is especially the case with a scholar of islam - who by virue of being a person of sacred knowledge has a binding covenant with Allah that he will not keep his knowledge from the people.

Finally, the scholars are, according to the prophetic tradition, the best of this Ummah - in opposition to Bani Israeel's scholars. Our scholars, we have to assume, have the most compassion for us.... as if in the position of one's father. If he cannot give a word of advice out of concern for the hea;th of the ummah - beginning with locall/nationally, then we are in a wretched state - Allah forbid.


Our aim in hijab or any other ibadah, is not to avoid unwanted attention etc. - but is to be as close as we can to being slaves of Allah, and earning His Pleasure for our Akhirah; if that means difficulty at times by being mocked....then that is what Aisha, Fatimah, Khadeejah, Asiyah (wife of Firawn) andd others alll did. May Allah grant us their company. And grant us the ability to practise Islam for realising its aim : to be in exact servitude to our creator, ignoring the compliments or ricle of the created.

One wonders, after reading this article, when the Sheikh will arrive in France, with thousands of other pious brothers, to protest, fight, protect, and ensure that the sisters can practice proper hijaab? Certainly the French sisters, who the brothers are commanded to protect and maintain, will be left alone to fight and go to jail for observing proper hijaab. I am certain that this Sheikh had, before ever writing this article, taken action to go himself to France to aid the sisters and protect them at whatever cost may befall him for the sake of Allah. As would any and all brothers around the world who knew of their plight. Right? The outcry and demand to ensure that French sisters be allowed to observe proper hijaab should be defenning. But it's not, and it never will be. Because the brothers are so busy looking at sisters and worrying about what we are wearing that they have forgotten any sense of their bigger obligations to muslim women.
To manage and control.
While denying the rights owed.
What a superior position.
To maintain and hold.

Whenever and wherever I see a muslim sister implementing a hijaab, I say Alhamdullillah. It immediatly identifies them for what they are - GOD FEARING WOMEN WHO WORSHIP ALLAH. I probably pass by dozens of brothers everyday but would never know it. Because they don't have the burden or pressure from anyone to publically show they are muslim. Brother's wear whatever they want - FREE PASS? I don't get it. You want muslim women living in the west to wear black burqahs because it will attract less attention to them, keep men from looking at them, and stop them from immitating non muslims in dress - BUT - brothers in their Levis, Nike, and Polo shirts no problem? Several points - 1) The sister in the black burqah is going to attract more attention than everyone else where ever she is. Not to mention the comments, insults, and threats. 2) Everyone will stare non-stop at her including the brothers. Wanna know the western secret for getting a marriage proposal? Wear niqaab to the masjid for a couple months. They won't be able to resist you. 3) How is she going to maintain a job and support her family? Seriously, tell me who I can write to get all my bills paid so I can sit in my home and observe your definition of "proper hijaab". I would estimate more than half the sisters in the west have gone through divorce or are single. Even of those who are married, more than half of them have to work to pay bills and help support their family. When the brothers start fulfilling their position as "supporters and maintainers of the women", then you can start advising us about shariah rulings on hijaab. In addition, you guys start wearing your thobes and riyadh for a month, then tell me how I can and can't dress.

Yes, we do have to correct what is wrong. Besides that, for the weak men there are many of opportunities in both Muslim countries - per say - and the in the West to engage in unislamic acts i.e. fornicating with their eyes. Speaking as a selfish man, I see lots of opportunities in reaping reward living in the West, the land of opportunity as it's said. When men are attracted to someone and shaitan has come to them whispering, it's an ample opportunity for the man to lower his gaze and say "La hawla wala qoowata illah billah" (There is no greater power besides Allah).

But overall, tight jeans and tight shirts don't go well with head scarfs.

I don't think men have a very specific requirement in terms of clothing but wearing a tight jeans is condemnable rather the focus in terms of hijab is that they control what they see.

These days men have given their part(ie looking down) in maintaining the modesty in a community and are concerned with the colour of the head scarf of women!

The article is 100%. Majority of the muslim women and young ones, especially in UK wear clothes that are shiny, often worn on top of some levi tight jeans and make up like a catwalk drag queen. Who are they trying fool?..Allah S.W.T..The blame should goes to their parents as they are the ones who paid for most of these haram clothes. As for the sins, it goes to the shop retailers,buyers,who pays for it,who wears it and who commits sin because of it..Allah S.W.T and Hellfire awaits..By the way, if people want to criticise me and give me their good deeds(if you got any that is)..please go ahead...salam

Assalaamu Aliekum --

I get frequent e-mails and newsletters harping on the subject of how women should dress. Would that half so many articles were on subjects of the importance of charity, or of living in a principled way at peace with one's neighbors (especially in non-Muslim countries and communities) or on challenging the racism that quite sadly does exist within our Ummah.
What could we accomplish if we devote all this attention and energy to the problems of poverty, prejudice, and war?

Can we just let the sisters dress themselves, treat them more like human beings and less like fetish dolls that have to be properly covered? Can we let men be responsible for handling their own desires rather than blame a sister when some clown looks at her the wrong way? This habit of making women responsible for the thoughts and actions of men becomes truly horrible in situations as we see in Pakistan where men gangrape a woman and go free "for lack of evidence" while she is executed for "adultery." Sure, it's a huge difference of proportion, but the same principle that blames women for what men think and do.

Barry, "not wearing clothing specific to non-believers" refers to clothing specific to other religious communities through which their religion can be identified e.g. a priest's collar, a monks outfit, a nun's clothes etc. It does not refer to all clothing worn by non-Muslims in general which has no religious significance whatsoever.

If we brothers were to actually lower the gaze as instructed we wouldn't be noticing the things written about in the article: "On the streets of London, Amsterdam and other big cities in Europe we witness various types of un-Islamic hijabs. Tight Jeans (also known as ‘skinny jeans’), long leather high heeled boots and tight shirts with a head scarf are all typical representations of the kind of hijab that is now being promoted by many young and middle aged Muslim women."

I can hardly blame the sisters for something that I'm just as guilty of simply because my lack of halal behavior is harder to identify.

Muslim woman cannot dress themselves with the goal of making themselves less attractive to men. That is absurd. Men cannot be allowed to control what women wear. They need to lower their gaze just like the woman do. Wearing colors does not warrant the extra looks, lower your gaze brothers. Islam does say how woman are not to dress and that is clear but as far as wearing colorful hijabs, lets not make things up that sound right to certain people. For that matter, we can justify not letting woman drive. Stop making things harram that arent and putting a hardship on the women. This is really disturbing that we have to keep having this discussion with the more pressing issues going on with Muslims in the world right now. Who cares if a sisters hijab is pink when 5 homes have just been bombed and Muslim woman are being abducted and raped everyday. May Allah have mercy on our Ummah!

Salaams,

Excellent article - a reminder much needed for all us. Having said that, I've just spent a small fortune on the Spring collection of my hijaabs :-).

I am no scholar and alhamdulillah i respect the Shaykh tremendously...alhamdulillah he was one of few reasons i started wearing the hijaab in the first place. i do understand the premise that Muslim women should ensure their clothing does not show off their figures in order to protect themselves from 'weak men' ... but im not so sure that adding a bit of colour to our outfits is what necessarily may bring about this unwanted attention.

its the way the woman herself interacts with the opposite sex and clothing, to some extent may play a part in that, but more important is her personality and her islamic adab (manners) around men not related to her.

I think Barry has a point too - non-Muslim attire /western clothing is part of out identity now. although i do wear the hijaab and jilbaab ...being born and bred in London i am accutely aware of the effect these both have on non-Muslims around me, it is not part of their culture, and when i used to wear black all the time, i would stick out more rather than blend in.

now i have added a bit of colour, and have kept the elements of the 'abaya (long flowing dress) incorporated in the way i dress - but this includes loose fitting dresses and different coloured hijaabs to go with the seasons.

It makes me stick out less (i understand we will always stick out for wearing the hijaab and jilbab in the first place - but its less severe) and it still allows us to be obedient to Allah and protect ourselves from losing our hayah (modesty).

I hope no offence is caused from this post inshaALlah. I truly enjoy your articles and think you are doing a fantastic job alhamdulillah.

Wa 'alaykum salaam

Most people reading this thread go along willy nilly with the statement that the hijab is meant to stop "fitnah", or temptation. This is then transformed into a statement such as "females who are attractive by nature attract the gaze of males which then leads to other greater sins such as fornication and adultery."

The statement by Allah (God) is that women should conceal their physical form and ornaments, should flip down (the ends of)their head scarves over their cleavage and not put down their feet in such a way as to not attract attention to what is hidden below the outer clothing (i.e. not walk in such a way as to make their anklets tinkle or hips sway) except what is apparent (i.e. what can be seen normally - like their faces and hands). Indeed, this is a barrier, or screen, to the lustful gaze and helps both the woman dressed in such a way to consciously "lower their gaze", and cause men also to do so. However, this objective is secondary to the main purpose of wearing "hijab" [its not called "hijab" anywhere in the Quran, as far as I know - though MEN are ordered to raise a "hijab" (screen) between them and a woman (specifically the Prophet's wives) they approach to seek knowledge from] is to identify the wearer as a free Muslim lady. Some people have explained (I cannot remember the source, presently) that it was to distinguish them from slave women when the women (slaves and free women) went out to the communal toilet trench to see to their needs in the twilight. The slaves were customarily teased, and sometimes such teasing was directed at free women because they were difficult to distinguish in the twilight. However, a "jilbab" (outer cloak or overcoat) drawn around them allowed men to make the distinction and avoid annoying them.

If I have made a mistake, please correct me. If not, please amend the article to make it more complete.

As long as the sisters are not wearing an LED light hijab saying "look at me" or "read the advertistment of my hijab", then there is no need to go extreme. There is a saying in Islam about taking the middle ground - no too relaxed, not to extreme.

The manners of these hijab wearing ladies is of more concern than the pattern or colour of the hijab.

Assalamu'alaykum wr. Wb.

I was born and raised in the US and converted to Islam in the Fall of "2001". I just wanted to say that even before my conversion to Islam, I never flaunted my body and always wore clothing that was baggy and never tight, being a female who wanted to be known for her mind and not her shape. As for colorful hijabs, I like variety and tend to be the one that gets upset with other sisters for wearing a wrap when going into the local masjid and taking it off when they leave. I am proud to be an American hijabi.

i think it's important that muslimahs wear hijab according to Islam, which is basically loose garmets, covering of the hair and modesty in walking and speaking (meaning, not drawing attention to oneself on purpose e.g. talking really loud to get a brother's attention etc).

i dont think there is anything wrong with wearing colour. colour is everywhere, from nature to our skin pigmentation. Colour is Allah's gift and I don't see any problem with it. What I do think is a problem is tight clothing when covering the hair - this draws attention.

hijab is a different kind of beauty; it is not legs, bust and flesh. It is the beauty in modesty, the type that forces others (men and women) to judge the hijabi for their mind, not their looks. wearing colourful loose clothing is not "attractice", it's just presentable. The muslimah should look presentable and always remember that they clothing shold represent her faith.

Also, I appreciate the sheik write such an important topic, but what about the brother's? As the non-muslim above commented, what is the brother's Islamic clothing code? I don't think brothers know. There is too much unnecessary written material on the muslimah's hijab. so much focus takes the pressure of the brothers to go about wearing whatever they want. A lot of brothers had adopted the skinny jean look too, as it looks 'emo'/rock-ish. When will these issues be addressed?

Any sister choosing to cover while living in the West is immediately propelled into the spotlight and attracts attention. That is the reality. In some cases, sisters choosing to wear traditional Arab dress acceptable in Saudi, will draw even more attention to themselves in downtown Luton!
While many of us wear hijabs and scarves that blend in with our surroundings it is impossible to blend in wherever you live outside of the Arab and Muslim world.
Therefore I think it unfair to criticise those sisters who choose to wear brightly covered scarves and hijabs as they go about their legitimate business - ironically they are less likely to attract attention than a sister who wears all black and/or a nikab. I know, I've tried it and experimented with all styles of dress to avoid all sorts of attention, hostile or otherwise.
Unwanted attention for a Muslim woman living in the West can be anything from violent, abusive, aggressive to sexual attention from both men and women. it's not a case of looking less attractive, it's a case of blending in and becoming anonymous.
This is not a case of 'one size fits all' - what works for sisters in Saudi might not work for those living in Malaysia, Pakistan, France, UK or America.
I also wish, with the greatest respect to brothers, that they would focus on their own dress and keep out of our wardrobes. Sadly many have absolutely no idea what challenges sisters face living in the West, especially reverts to Islam.

im starting to find frustrating the level of aggressive advocation of hijab by the muslim voice. the emphasis is on women covering So much - there are many many ills in the world and i don't think women wearing long black cloaks is necessarily the first urgent need for muslims. fixating on this issue doesnt bring ppl closer to the beauty of islam, just makes them think islam is all abt strict rules and tht they r a 'bad' muslim. with muslims representing 9% of the prison population (3 times more than it statistically should), bengalis n pakistanis being pretty low on the eucational table, etc etc i think we would b better off concentrating on the other important issues than some glitter on a hijab. telling muslim women to cover is an easy target. lets get r teeth into something more challenging and rewarding.

Assalamu alaikum ya Sheikh,

I take the point being made and agree with the importance of seeking knowledge when it comes to any act of worship. I thank you also for being so bold as to take on this issue at a time when there is much ambient media hostility and hope that people respect the Taqwa this takes.

However the limitation to being a male scholar is of course not having a female mind (and with the paucity of female scholars now compared to previously)  I think it important god fearing women also respond in order to get across another perspective.

In essence I think it needs to be recognised that part of why women like to wear attractive hijabs is a love for pretty things and creativity. In much the same way that some men enjoy looking at the angles of cars and football, some women are drawn to beauty and design and this is a blessing of Allah.

 I believe if we are to be effective in channelling sisters towards the Halal we must at the same time advocate Halal alternatives for self expression and design in female only environments. Perhaps we can think of ways in which feminine creativity could be encouraged at the same time as suggesting it avoid the public platform?

Looking forwards to hearing your thoughts,

Ws

I'm not a Muslim so forgive me if I have overlooked something obvious here, I mean no offence.
To me it seems the sentance "Clothing should not resemble that which is specific to men nor the disbelievers" is not very valid. Perhaps there is a dress code for Muslim men, but I have not noticed it. In fact if there were to be an item of clothing that I would most associate with Muslim men it would be a loose, flowing robe, which it seems is the very type of clothing which would be correct as hijab.
The biggest problem I had with the sentance though was the idea that dressing like non believers should be discouraged as a matter of course. I feel that from a Muslim point of view it should be completely irrelevant what non belivers wear. By intentionally avoiding the clothing of non believers (if such a thing could be identified, which it almost certainly can't be as it covers such a wide spectrum) you would be allowing the non believers to dictate what is hijab. Wester fashion changes with time, so avoiding fashion would therefore mean what is hijab would have to change with time. If there is a specific style of hijab then it should be timeless and unchanging.
If Muslim women in the west are choosing to wear decorative headscarves is that really a bad thing? It seems at its core the idea of hijab is to prevent sexual thoughts. I've never seen a scarf which provoked sexual thoughts in me, there is no floral pattern which could change this. The idea of hijab as I understand from this article is not to make Muslim women unpleasent to look at, but to remove the sexual element. So why can't Muslim women wear clothes which they think look nice? So long as the intention of wearing them is not to attact male sexual interest, but simply because they like the pattern on a particular scarf then why is this a big problem?
I'm not trying to be confrontational with this post, that wasn't why I wrote it. I just don't understand some of the things in the article I guess.

assalamu alaikum,

Is the 'jilbab' or outer garment that covers the regular clothes a condition of hijab?