Concept of Hijab
The word Islam means voluntary “Submission” or “Surrender” to the Will of God. It derives from the root word “Salam,” meaning peace. Islam is the religious faith of Muslims, based on the words and religious system founded by the prophet Muhammad and taught by the Quran, the basic principle of which is absolute submission to a unique and personal god, Allah. In the Quran Allah state that he created mankind for only one purpose which is to worship him. Islam also recognizes that mankind has free choice to obey or disobey Allah but mankind will be held accountable to Allah in the next life (life after death) for the choices they have made in this life.
Hijab is an Arabic word which means veil, barrier, or curtain. In Islam the Hijab is the traditional head, face or body covering of women in the Middle East and the Islamic world. Hijab was made compulsory as far back as 1600 years ago. In general Hijab stands for a modest way of dressing for Muslim women but it has to come to signify the headscarf a covering many Muslim women use to hide their hair, neck and bosom. It is compulsory for Muslim women to wear hijab when they reach their puberty.
The proper way of wearing hijab is that the woman whole body should be covered but her hand and face may be exposed. Some women also wear gloves and a face veil which is known as niqaab. The outer garment the burqah or abaya should be of loose fitting so that the shape of the women’s body is not outlined . Muslim women can wear any type of clothes under the abaya. The color and style of the abaya should be very simple so it does not draw any unnecessary attention. Muslim women can wear jewelry but under the headscarf so that it is not visible from outside. Perfume is also prohibited for women when leaving the house or in the presence of a unknown man.
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