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The
term “¦ijăb—الحجاب”
literally means a cover, curtain or screen. It
is not a technical term used in Islamic
jurisprudence for the dress code of women. The term
used in Islamic jurisprudence that denotes the
conduct of unrelated men and women towards one
another, and their dress code, is “satr or
sătir—الستر،
الساتر”.In
the last two decades however, the Muslims in the
west, as well as the media, use the term “¦ijăb” to
define the headdress and the overall clothing of
Muslim women.
Islam has strongly emphasized the concept of decency
and modesty in the interaction between members of
the opposite sex. Dress code is part of that overall
teaching.
(Qur'an: Chapter 24an-Nur (the Light),, Verses 30-31) says “And tell the
believing men to lower their gaze and be
modest. That is purer for them. Lo! Allah is
aware of what they do. And tell the
believing women to lower their gaze and be
modest, and to display of their adornment
only that which is apparent, and to draw
their veils over their bosoms, and not to
reveal their adornment save to [those
relatives who fall within bounds of close
relationship explained in the Qur’an]...”
This is a
command to Muslim men that they should not
lustfully look at women (other than their own
wives); and in order to prevent any possibility
of temptation, they are required to cast their
glances downwards. It is also a command to
Muslim Women to lower their eyes... |
