Hijaab is Beautiful

"Therefore, we see that the Hijab of the Muslim woman has a quality that comprises Hayaa (modesty).
Hayaa is what proceeds from Iman (belief)."



Indeed, all praises are due to Allaah, we praise Him, seek His Aid and beg for His Forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allaah from the evil in our souls and from the bad consequences of our deeds. Whomever Allaah guides, no one can lead that person astray and whomever Allaah leads astray no one can guide that person. I bear witness that there is nothing worthy of worship except Allaah Who is alone and without any partners and I bear witness that Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) is His slave and final Prophet and Messenger sent to mankind.

Certainly the most perfect speech is the Speech of Allaah and the finest guidance is the guidance of Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam). The worst of affairs are those that are innovated into this religion as every innovation is misguidance and every misguidance is astray and every going astray leads to the Hell Fire.

It often occurs to me that many of my sisters in Islam are not properly encouraged once they begin to observe the requirements of Hijab. It may be that a sister has been obliged to wear the Hijab without truly pondering over its superiority. Perhaps she has reached the age of puberty and her Wali (guardian) has instructed her to wear it. Perhaps she has recently re-verted to Islam and her close sisters have told her of its obligation. Or, perhaps her husband has commanded her to wear Hijab. A sister who does not truly know the superiority of Hijab will always remain envious of the women of the Kufar. Why? Because they see these misguided women looking beautiful for all to see. Hence, the Muslim woman then compares herself to that woman which causes her to feel ashamed of her own Hijab.

Therefore, what follows is a reminder for my sisters in Islam. It is a reminder of the true status of these so-called beautiful women. It is a reminder that Hijab will always reign supreme and that the true man (i.e. the Muslim man), will forever be dazzled by the beauty of the Muhijabah (woman who wears the Hijab).

Some Excellent Qualities of Those Who Wear Hijab

Al-Hamdulilah, it is well known that the Muslim woman is a creature of Hayaa (modesty). Allaah (SWT) loves for our Muslim women to be shielded by their Hijab. It is their outer protection from the decadence of this life. Allaah’s Messenger (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) has said:

"Verily! Allaah is Hayaa (modest, bashful) & Sitteer (i.e. the One Who Shields - from disobedient acts). He loves Hayaa (i.e. He loves for one to practice modesty and bashfulness) and Siter (shielding; covering)." (Collected by Abu Dawud; An-Nissa’ee; Al-Baihaqee; Ahmad; & in Saheeh An-Nissa’ee)

Thus, as possessing Hayaa is a quality that is beloved by Allaah (SWT) our sisters must feel comfort in knowing that they have this Hayaa and not the women who show themselves to the world; hence, such women will not be shielded from Allaah’s (SWT) Wrath.

Allaah’s Messenger (SAWS) said:

"Any woman who takes off her clothes in other than her husband’s home (to show off for unlawful purposes), has broken Allaah’s shield upon her." (Collected by Abu Dawud & At-Tirmidhi)

Therefore, we see that the Hijab of the Muslim woman has a quality that comprises Hayaa (modesty). Hayaa is what proceeds from Iman (belief). That is why when Allaah (SWT) commands the women to observe Hijab, Allaah (SWT) says:

"And tell the believing women..." (Surah An-Nur 24:31)

Allaah (SWT) also says:

"...And the women of the believers..." (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:59)

Furthermore, Allaah’s Messenger (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said:

"Al-Hayaa (modesty & bashfulness) is from Imam (belief) and Imam is in Al-Jannah (the Paradise)." (At-Tirmidhi - Saheeh)

He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) also said:

"Hayaa (modesty and bashfulness) and Imam (belief) are fully associated together, if one is lifted the other follows suit." (Narrated by ‘Abd Allaah bin ‘Umar; related by Al-Haakim in his "Mustadrak")

My dear sisters in Islam, know that these women who beautify themselves for the world to see possess no Hayaa; thus, they are void of any Iman. Instead of looking to the latest fashion models for guidance, you, my dear sisters, must look to the wives of the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam). Look at the extreme amount of Hayaa that ‘Aisha bint Abu Bakr (RA) possessed even in the presence of the deceased:

'Aisha (RA) said: "I used to enter the room where the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and my father (Abu Bakr) were later buried in without having my garment on me, saying it is only my husband and my father. But when ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA) was later buried in (the same place), I did not enter the room except that I had my garment on being shy from ‘Umar." (As-Simt Ath’ameen Fee Maniqib Ummahat Ul-Mu’mineen by Ibn As-Sakir. Al-Haakim brings a similar narration which he says is "good according the conditions of Imaam Bukhari and Imaam Muslim")

My dear sister in Islam, I know that it is quite difficult for you to go out wearing Hijab in a society that mocks and torments you. I know that you, indeed, feel strange and out of place. However, if you knew the status of those who are mocked by the Kufar as well as the status of the strangers, you will continue to wear your Hijab (i.e. to cover your entire body with a Khimar as commanded (24:31), as well as with a Jilbab (33:59), with the exception of the hands and face; however, knowing the recommendation to cover those parts (as well) with dignity. Allaah (SWT) says in His Book:

"Verily! (During the worldly life) those who committed crimes used to laugh at those who believed. And whenever they passed by them, used to wink one to another (in mockery); And when they returned to their own people, they would return jesting; and when they saw them, they said: ‘Verily! These have indeed gone astray!’ But they (disbelievers, sinners) had not been sent as watchers over them (the believers). But on this Day (the Day of Resurrection) those who believe will laugh at the disbelievers. On (high) thrones, looking (at all things). Are not the disbelievers paid (fully) for what they used to do?" (Surah Al-Mutaffifin 83:29-36)

Allaah’s (SWT) words should serve as a support for you my dear sisters. Also, take comfort in being a stranger among these lewd and sinful women. Allaah’s Messenger (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said:

"Islam began as something strange, and it would revert to its (old position) of being strange, so good tidings for the strangers." (Narrated by Abu Huraira and Reported Sahih Muslim)

As-Sufoor and It's Characteristics

As-Sufoor means to expose or to un-cover. Therefore, instead of practicing the Hijab (covering), the women of the Kufar practice As-Sufoor. As-Sufoor is sinful as it leads to At-Tabarooj (i.e. to make a dazzling display of oneself). Displaying oneself is a attribute of one who is Jaheel (ignorant). Allaah (SWT) says:

"And stay in your houses and do not display yourselves (At-Tabarooj) like that of the times of ignorance..." (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:33)

Allaah’s Messenger (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said:

"The best of your women is the affectionate, the fertile (in productivity), the propitious (favorable), the consultative if they fear Allaah. The most evil of your women are the Mutabar’rijat (those who do At-Tabarooj), the Mutakhayelat (who strut/swagger), and they are the hypocrites. Those who enter Al-Jannah (the Paradise) are like the Cough Crow." (Al-Baihaqi in his "As-Sunan")

My dear sisters in Islam, we see from the above Ayah and Hadith that displaying oneself is indeed Haram. Further, it is a quality of the most evil of women! Therefore, do not be envious of the women of the Kufar. They only have this life to enjoy while the believing women will have Al-Jannah. There is nothing in your Hijab whatsoever to be ashamed of as it is the garment of the righteous and pious female slaves of Allaah (SWT). In order to truly show you how evil those women who make As-Sufoor and At-Tabarooj are, let us ponder over the following statement of Allaah’s Messenger (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam):

"Of the people of Hell there are two types whom I have never seen, the one possessing whips like the tail of an Ox and they flog people with them. The second one, women who would be naked in spite of their being dressed, who are seduced (to wrong paths) and seduce others. Their hair is high like the humps (of camels). These women would not get into Al-Jannah (the Paradise) and they would not perceive its odor, although its fragrance can be perceived from such and such a distance." (Sahih Muslim)

Sisters in Islam, these women who practice At-Tabarooj are common among us today. These are women that even the Prophet (SAWS) did not see! Look around you and you will see those women who are clothed but naked! Look at the hair styles of the women who practice At-Tabarooj - are they not high like the camel’s hump? My dear sister, perhaps we are the first generation since the time of the Prophet Adam (AS) to witness such women. If one ponders over photos taken thirty to forty years ago, one will see that the women of the Kufar did not make At-Tabarooj as their offspring do today. These are women who will be in the Hell Fire, save Allaah (SWT) has mercy upon them by guiding them to Islam! Thus, how can you envy them? My brothers, how can you desire them over your creature of Hayaa? These filthy women will not even smell the fragrance of Paradise. This Hadith also shows us that what the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) came with (i.e. the Qur’an and the Sunnah) is the Haqq (truth)! This is a prophecy that has come to pass in front of our very eyes. Hence, will we continue to envy these evil women or be grateful to our Lord for your Hijab which brings Hayaa?

Whatever I have written that is true is from Allaah alone while anything that is false is from myself and shaytan. Subhanaka Allaahummah wa bihamdika, ash hadu an la illaha illa anta, astaghfiruka wa atuboo ilayk

Emansipasi Wanita dan Implikasinya, dalam sorotan Islam

Oleh: DRA. SRI SUSANTI, MA

Ketika kita bicara masalah wanita, hakikatnya tidak terlepas dari kacamata syariat dan sosial. Sebuah isu perbincangan yang banyak mendominasi forum diskusi adalah munculnya kaum wanita di tengah teknologi dan industri. Rupanya dengan telah dipukulnya gong emansipasi, kaum wanita karier mulai angkat bicara. Kendatipun John Stuart Mill, seorang ahli filsafat mengemukakan bahwa wanita tidk cenderung memaparkan dirinya.

Rupanya hal tersebut disebabkan karena kaum wanita hanyalah subordinasi kaum laki-laki. Wanita, lanjut Mill dalam bukunya “ the subjection of women “ justru menyelubungi dan mengisolasi diri.

Di Indonesia misalnya, di saat kunjungan Belanda dan Jepang, wanita hanyalah sebagai apa yang disebut “ sexual service “ yang orang jepang menyebutnya sebagai “ ianfu “ atau penghibur nafsu belaka. Maka muncullah RA. Kartini dengan gaung dan ajaran emansipasinya sebagai cetusan pemberontakan nasib kaum wanita tersebut. Kini, gaung emansipasi telah membawa dampak yang besar terhadap tatanan nilai-nilai norma peralihan budaya yang tidak dapat dikatakan wajar. Peristiwa ini tidak pernah lepas dari sorotan sejarah, yakni sebuh sorotan terhadap kaum wanita sejak jaman pra peradaban hingga era feminisme.

Gerakan feminisme yang menuntut kesejajaran antara kaum laki-laki dan perempuan dalam segala aspek kehidupan, lahir dari kaum sosialis Amerika Serikat yang kini sudah mendunia. Menurut Dra. Susilaningsih Kuntowijoyo, MA bahwa gerakan feminisme erat kaitanya dengan Women Liberation movement( gerakan pembebasan wanita ). Gerakan ini dikenal dengan sebutan “ Women’s Lib ( WL ) yang merupakan suatu gerakan sosial yang perduli terhadap perlunya perubahan peran dan status wanita. WL yang merebak di AS dan sekitarnya, kemunculannya dilatarbelakangi oleh adanya perlakuan yang diskrimintif atau tidak adil terhadap wanita, baik di bidang ekonomi, politik, pendidikan maupun segi kesempatan lain.

Gerakan feminisme, lanjut Susilaningsih mengandung dampak positif dan negatif. Segi negatifnya, bahwa kaum feminisme menginginkan kesetaraan antara laki-laki dan perempuan, maka cenderung menghapus kodrat wanita. Namun dampak positifnya, langsung atau tidak langsung secara internasional dapat menyadarkan beberapa pihak tentang keberdaan dan harga diri wanita.

Islam sendiri sebenarnya sama sekali tidak membelenggu kaum wanita dan tidak mengikatnya kecuali dengan tali moral, yang demikian dapat mengangkat derajat dan menambah kehormatan dirinya. Islam juga menarik tangan wanita lalu menyelamtkannya dari kedzalimn Jahiliyah. Ketika Allah mengangkat muhammad sebagai Rasul, maka pada sat itu Allah mengangkat tangan wanita dan memberikan kepadanya kebebasan yang benar serta rasional.Allah memberikan hak kepada wanita secara utuh tidak kurang sedikitpun, menjadikannya sebagai pendamping laki-laki dalam melaksanakan kewajiban dan penerapan hukum.

Wanita mempunyai kedudukan sama dengan laki-laki kecuali dalam beberapa hal yang harus disesuaikan dengan nalurinya. Karenanya, dalam hal ini wanita memperoleh prioritas untuk dimuliakan dan diperlakukan lemah lembut sebagimana layaknya. Keberadaan wanita dalam islam yang begitu sempurna ini tidak dijumpai dalam agama lain. Islam sebenarnya tidak melarang seorang wanita bekerja atu melalui kegitatan di luar rumah, asal tidak melampaui batas kodrat kewanitaannya.

Wanita dan Iptek

Pembangunan telah menolong kaum wanita untuk masuk ke sektor publik meninggalkan sektor rumah tangga, atau bahkan sebuah konsekuensi yang tidak dapat kita hindari dalam proses pembangunan. Sebagai akibat dari ajaran emansipasi, yang jika kita refleksikan merupakan keinginan dan cita-cita luhur serta mulia, adalah munculnya kaum wanita di tengah-tengah gelombang kepesatan sains dan tehnologi modern. Arus wanita dalam memasuki lapangan kerja, baik sebagai TKW di luar negeri, buruh pabrik, guru atau pegawai, sesungguhnya merupakan akibat dari cara pandang sosial mereka yang berubah akibat pendidikan yang semakin tinggi. Di samping cara pandang di sektor ekonomi, maka sektor industri dipandang lebih menjanjikan hasil yang lebih banyak dibandingkan dengan pertanian. Sementara itu, akibat lahan pertanian yang semakin sempit dan adanya arus mekanisasi menyebabkan kesempatan kerja dibidang pertanian juga menyempit. Ironisnya, pabrik di tempat-tempat industri selalu tidak ramah terhadap wanita.

Kenyataan ini sangat bertolak belakang terhadap ajaran islam yang selalu megajarkan pola hidup keluarga sakinah. Tugas seorang ibu rumah tangga, kata Al Gazhali seorang ulama Mesir konteporer adalah tugas yang amat mulia. Seorang istri dapat saja keluar untuk pekerjaan tertentu, tetapi betapa pun pentingnya pekerjaan itu ia tidak boleh meninggalkan serta mengalahkan tugas utamanya sebagai ibu rumah tangga yang tidak mungkin dapat di gantikan oleh orang lain. Tugas-tugas utama itu antara lain : wanita sebagai istri.

Kedudukan istri dalam keluarga dalah sangat penting, karena kebahagian atau kesengsaraan yang terjadi dalam keluarga banyak ditentukan oleh sikap istri.

Wanita juga diposisikan sebagai anggota keluarga. Kehadiran bayi wanita sebagai anggota kelurga pada jaman Jahiliyah, dianggap aib dan hina. Sehingga tak segan-segan ayah dan ibunya menyingkirkan dan bahkan mengubur hidup-hidup bayi wanitanya. Namun, sejalan dengan berjalannya perkembangan kebudayan dan peradaban manusia yang kian maju, tiada lagi perbedaan antar manusia laki-laki dan wanita. Bahkan islam memandang, justru wanita itu mempunyai kedudukan yang mulia dan terhormat. Begitulah gelombang perjalanan kehidupan wanita sebagaimana terukir dalam sejarah. Hanya masyarakat Jahiliyahlah yang menganggap kehadiran wanita sebagai aib, sehingga patut di singkirkan.

Wanita pun di posisikan sebagai ibu rumah tangga. Peranan wanita sebagai ibu rumah tangga menempati posisi yang sangat urgent, karena dari rahim ibulah bayi-bayi akan lahir. Dan kita tahu bahwa sejak di dalam kandungan proses pendidikan anak sudah di mulai. Perilaku ibu pada saat sedang mengandung sangat berpengaruh sekali terhadap perkembangan psikologi anak.. Ibu adalah sosok yang paling dekat dan akrab dengan anak-anak dalam lingkungan keluarga. Hal ini disebabkan kodrat seorang ibu sebagai wanita yang lemah lembut, penuh kasih sayang. Sehingga wajar jika anak-anak lebih banyak cenderung menurut terhadap imbauan ibu daripada seorang ayah. Maka dari itu fungsi dan tugas serta peran wanita baik sebagai istri, sebagai anggota keluarga maupun sebagai ibu rumah tangga harus lebih di utamakan daripada tugas dan aktivitas di luar kepentingan keluarga. Karena maju mundurnya suatu Negara tergantung pada pemudanya, sedangkan baik buruknya para pemuda banyak di tentukan oleh pendidikan keluarga, dan sosok yang paling berperan dalam pendidikan keluarga adalah ibu.

Dilema Wanita Karier

Soal wanita karier sudah banyak diperbincangkan dan diperdebatkan di mana-mana, yang pada kesimpulannya menempatkan wanita pada posisi yang dilematis. Dalam tinjauan syariat, Islam sebenarnya tidak melarang seorang wanita bekerja atau melakukan kegiatan di luar rumah. Hanya saja ada beberapa hal yang harus di perhatikan, yaitu:
1. pakaian harus sesuai dengan aturan islam
2. tidak melalaikan tugasnya sebagai ibu rumh tangga
3. tidak menurunkan martabatnya sebagai wanita dan sesuai dengan fitrah dan kejiwaan wanita pada umumnya
4. tidak melnggar ajaran islam mengenai hubungan antar pria dan wanita
5. dengan persetujuan suami.

Namun demikian, gerak wanita sesungguhnya lebih di batasi oleh kewajiban-kewajiban utama yang sulit dikerjakan pada saat bersamaan dengan kebolehan syara’ itu. Tetapi pada kenyataannya menunjukkan bahwa, wanita karier dalam segala levelnya cenderung kian mewabah. Baik dari posisi eksekutif perkantoran maupun yang menjadi sekrup roda-roda indutri.

Sebenarnya, kalau kita mau berfikir lebih cermat bahwasanya motif seorang wanita karier adalah karena faktor tekanan ekonomi. Akibat tuntutan kebutuhan itu, tidak ada alternatif lain baginya kecuali bekerja, walaupun itu sangat manusiawi. Keadaan yang demikin mengaharuskan wanita dihadapkan kepada persolan yang dilematis. Di satu sisi ia harus bekerja, sementara di sisi lain ia juga harus tahan menderita dalam pekerjannya. Karena persaingan kerja yang begitu ketat, maka ia tak punya pilihan lain. Sementara ada wanita berkrier karena faktor psikologis, ia ingin di akuieksistnsinya secara sosial, yang pada akhirnya muncullah gerakan emnsipasi yang menggiring mnusia terbentur pada pertentangan antara fitrah nurani dan obsesi. Nalurinya mengatakan, bahwa ia harus tinggal di rumah menjadi ibu yang baik bagi suami dan ank-anaknya dan juga terlindungi. Tapi pada kenyataanya ia menemukan dirinya berada ditengah belantara beton dan teriknya matahari. Sebuah pilihan yang dilematis memang, antra pekerjaan dan membela anak-anak.

Kebanyakan wanita yang sudah terlanjur menekuni kariernya, cenderung menyerahkan anak-anaknya kepada pembantu untuk membesarknnya dan mendidiknya. Emansipsi wanita karier menyebabkan meningkatnya kulitas dan kuantitas perjumpaan dan interaksi pria dan wanita. Hal ini sangat menyuburkan bibit fitnah dan skandal. Kondisi semacam inilah yang tidak diinginkan oleh syara’. Sebagaimana jauh sebelumnya Allah telah memperingtkan, bahwa istri adalah salah satu oknum- disamping anak-yang berpotensi menjadi fitnah bagi suami. Betapa tidak, seorang laki-laki karier begitu bersemangat bekerja bukan karena tuntutan amanah keluarga tetapi karena kenikmatan dan kepuasan berada di tengah-tengah wanita karier yang berpenmpilan dan berprilaku sangat erotis. Wanita kemudian menjadi obyek nafsu di pria yang berselera rendah, bahkan dapat mengancam stabilitas keimanan pria yang mencoba komit terhadap keIslamannya.

Akhirnya, kalaupun wanita karir itu mau mengindahkan apa kata syara’, maka sebenarnyalah tudingan terhadap kaum wanita tidak sekejam da sekeji itu. Wanita justru akan menjadi tonggak dan tiang Negara karena keshalehannya. Hanya saja karena ada beberapa dorongan wanita berkarier, yang ini dapt mengantarkan mereka pada pilihan yang dilematis; entah itu karena tekanan ekonomi, ataupun karena wanita ingin tetap eksis di tengah-tengah masyarakat yang pluralitas umat dan ideologi.

Mudah-mudahan saja kita sebagai wanita muslimah tetap berpegang dan berpijak diatas kodrat kewanitaan, yang terlepas dari virus-virus karierisasi yang semakin mengancam pudarnya fungsi dan kedudukan wanita. Semoga kaum wanita tidak semakin lengah oleh belaian harta yang siap menghimpit tangan-tangan halus wanita. Disaat itu jualah wanita akan terpana oleh gemerlapnya dunia dan melupakan kodratnya sebagai wanita.

Kutipan SUARA MUHAMMADIYAH edisi 9

Penulis adalah seorng dosen universitas muhammadiyah Ponorogo dan Sekretaris pada Lembaga Kajian dan pengembangan Al islam dan kemuhammadiyahan UNMUH Ponorogo.

Some Miscellaneous Authentic Ahaadeeth On Women Travelling

A selection of authentic ahaadeeth concerning the issue of whether or not women are to travel without a mahram (a man whom she is forbidden to marry)

"Release yourself so that you may perform Hajj with your woman."



[1] "Do not permit your women to travel, except that she has with her a mahram (Dhoo mahram)." [Reported by Aboo Hurayrah] [Related by Muslim]

Shaykh al-Albaanee declares it authentic in Saheehul Jaami’ (no. 7646).


[2] From Ibn ’Abbaas (radiyallaahu ’ánhu) who said, "I heard the Messenger of Allaah(sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) deliver a sermon saying, 'Do not leave a man alone with a woman, except that there is with her a mahram (Dhoo Mahram), and do not let a woman travel except that she has with her a mahram (Dhee Mahram).' So a man stood up and said, 'O Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)! Verily my woman has left for Hajj (pilgrimage), and verily I am enrolled in a battalion in the battle of such and such'. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, 'Release yourself so that you may perform Hajj with your woman.'"

[Related by Muslim (4/104)] [Mukhtasar Saheeh Muslim of Shaykh al-Albaanee (no. 647)]


NOTE: The statement "I am enrolled (aktutibtu) in a battalion." Shaykh al-Albaanee says about it, "It means 'My name has been affirmed among those who will leave for it.'"

The statement "I am enrolled (aktutibtu) in a battalion." Shaykh al-Albaanee says about it, "It means 'My name has been affirmed among those who will leave for it.'"


As for the term 'Dhoo Mahram' there is some disagreement about exactly what it means, as for the basic definition, Shaykh Safiyyur-Rahmaan al-Mubaarakfooree says, "Dhoo Mahram: with a fathah on the meem, and a raa between them, and an inactive Haa. He is from those who are close the the woman, from those who are not permissible for her in marriage, such as her father, and her son, and her brother. [Ithaaful-Karaam Ta’leeq ’alaa Bulooghul-Maraam (p. 200)]


An in-depth discussion of the term (Dhoo Mahram) will soon be available in the English translation of Shaykh Muhammad Moosaa Nasr's book on the subject of women travelling. Ja’d is still doing some research on it presently.


[3] "Do not permit for your women who believe in Allaah and the Last Day to travel a distance of three (days) except that she has with her a mahram (Dhoo Mahram)."

[Reported from Ibn ’Umar (radiyallaahu ’anhu)] [Related by Muslim]

Shaykh al-Albaanee declares it authentic in Saheehul-Jaami’ (no. 7561).


[4] "Do not permit for your women who believe in Allaah and the Last Day to travel on a journey being three days, or exceeding that, except that there is with her, her father, or her son, or her husband, or her brother, or that she has a mahram from her (Dhoo Mahram)."

[Reported by Abee Sa’eed] [Related by Ahmad, Muslim, Aboo Daawood, Tirmidthee and Ibn Maajah]

Shaykh Al Albaanee includes it in Mukhtasar Saheeh Muslim (no. 645).

He declares it authentic in Saheehul-Jaami’ (no. 7650).


[5] From Abee Sa’eed, and verily he fought with the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) in twelve battles. He said, "Four, when I heard them, they amazed me, and delighted me: that no woman can travel the distance of two days without being accompanied by her husband, or having a mahram." (Dhoo Mahram)...to the end of the hadeeth.

[Related by al-Bukhaaree, under the chapter title, The Hajj of Women]


[6] "Do not permit for your women who believe in Allaah and the Last Day to the distance of a day, and a night, except that there is with her a mahram. (Dhee Mahram)

[Reported by Abee Hurayrah] [Ahmad, Bukhaaree, Muslim, Abu Daawood and Tirmidthee]

Shaykh al-Albaanee declares it authentic in Saheehul-Jaami’ (no. 7653).


[7] "Do not permit for your women who believe in Allaah, and the Last Day, to travel a distance of a day, except that there is with her a mahram."

[Reported by Abee Hurayrah] [Ahmad, Muslim, Aboo Daawood, Ibn Maajah]

Shaykh al-Albaanee mentions it in Mukhtasar Saheeh Muslim (no. 646).

He makes authenticates it in Irwaa‘ul-Ghaleel (no. 567).

He declares it authentic in Saheehul-Jaami’ (no. 7651).

So this is what I was able to come up with, and I hope that it will suffice as a reply to your enquiry about ahaadeeth on women travelling.


Prepared by Maaz Qureshi

Why should I wear the Hijaab?

An oft-asked question by many Muslim woman! See the clear and simple answer!

"Dear Muslim sister! Come towards the gates of Paradise with us! Fulfill your duties towards Allaah, put on your adornment - put on your hijaab, and race towards Jannah (Paradise) by doing all good actions."



This is a good question and there is a beautiful answer! Allaah has commanded us with every action that is good for us and prohibited us from performing every action that is bad for us. Allaah orders the Muslim woman to wear the hijaab when she steps out of the security of her home or when in the presence of strange men. So to wear the hijaab is a source of great good for you – the Muslim woman - for many reasons. Among them:

1.


You please Allaah. You are obeying the commands of your Lord when you wear the hijaab and you can expect great rewards in return.
2.


It is Allaah’s protection of your natural beauty. You are too precious to be "on display" for each man to see.
3.


It is Allaah’s preservation of your chastity.
4.


Allaah purifies your heart and mind through the hijaab.
5.


Allaah beautifies your inner and outer countenance with hijaab. Outwardly your hijaab reflects innocence, purity, modesty, shyness, serenity, contentment and obedience to your Lord. Inwardly you cultivate the same.
6.


Allaah defines your femininity through the hijaab. You are a woman who respects her womanhood. Allaah wants you to be respected by others, and for you to respect yourself.
7.


Allaah raises your dignity through the hijaab. When a strange man looks at you, he respects you because he sees that you respect yourself.
8.


Allaah protects your honour 100% through your hijaab. Men do not gaze at you in a sensual way, they do not approach you in a sensual way, and neither do they speak to you in a sensual way. Rather, a man holds you in high esteem and that is just by one glance at you!
9.


Allaah gives you nobility through the hijaab. You are noble not degraded because you covered not naked.
10.


Allaah demonstrates your equality as a Muslim woman through the hijaab. Your Lord bestows upon you equal worth as your male counterpart, and gives you a host of beautiful rights and liberties. You express your acceptance of these unique rights by putting on the hijaab.
11.


Allaah defines your role as a Muslim woman through the hijaab. You are a someone with important duties. You are a reflection of a woman of action not idle pursuits. You display your sense of direction and purpose through your hijaab. You are someone that people take seriously.
12.


Allaah expresses your independence through the hijaab. You are stating clearly that you are an obedient servant of the Greatest Master. You will obey no one else and follow no other way. You are not a slave to any man, nor a slave to any nation. You are free and independent from all man-made systems.
13.


Allaah gives you the freedom of movement and expression through the hijaab. You are able to move about and communicate without fear of harassment. Your hijaab gives you a unique confidence.
14.


Allaah wants others to treat you – a Muslim woman - with kindness. And the hijaab brings about the best treatment of men towards you.
15.


Allaah wants your beauty to be preserved and saved for just one man to enjoy – your husband.
16.


Allaah helps you to enjoy a successful marriage through wearing hijaab. Because you reserve your beauty for one man alone, your husband’s love for you increases, he cherishes you more, he respects you more and he honours you more. So your hijaab contributes to a successful and lasting marriage relationship.
17.


Allaah brings about peace and stability in the society through the hijaab! Yes this is true! Men do not cause corruption by forming illegal relationships because you - the Muslim woman - calm their passions. When a man looks at you, he feels at ease, not tempted to fornicate…


So a Muslim woman in hijaab is dignified, not dishonoured, noble, not degraded, liberated, not subjugated, purified, not sullied, independent, not a slave, protected, not exposed, respected, not laughed at, confident, not insecure, obedient, not a sinner, a guarded pearl, not a prostitute…


Dear Muslim sister! Come towards the gates of Paradise with us! Fulfill your duties towards Allaah, put on your adornment - put on your hijaab, and race towards Jannah (Paradise) by doing all good actions. You should agree by now that wearing hijaab is extremely beneficial – it must be - because Allaah only commands what is good…


…and believe me dear sister, it is good to obey the commands of your Lord…


"Their reward is with their Lord: Gardens of Eden underneath which rivers flow wherein they will dwell for ever; Allaah is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him; this is (in store) for whoever fears his Lord." [Sooratul-Bayyinah 98:8]

The Reality of Hijaab, the Muslim Woman's dress

Contrary to the tales of the media, the Hijab provides an honour for the woman like no other garment does.

"Ever since the appearance of Hijaab in the west, there has been a constant crusade against this noble act."



Amidst the hustle and bustle of a teeming metropolis, a solitary figure traverses. She moves steadily in her black garment which shields her against the tyranny of this life. Whilst others around her rush frantically, she move with tranquillity and ease. The peace which she achieves beneath this veil of hers, is immense. It is a liberation beyond measure. Is this a princess of royal blood? No. Is she a head of state? No. So who is this woman of serenity? This is a woman of Hijaab. A woman amongst many women. A Muslim Woman.

The site of a woman covering from top to bottom, is not so rare anymore in the major cities of the West. For many Westerners it represents the oppression which Islam imposes upon women. For Muslims however, it is the realisation that Islam will eventually reach every corner of this planet. This is not surprising, considering that Islam is the fastest growing religion on Earth. What is surprising, for Westerners, is that 7 out of 10 (70%) people who become Muslim are Women! It is these same women who then go on to willingly observe the Hijab without coercion or force. The women of Hijaab in the cities of London, Paris, New York etc, are not all immigrants who have just stepped off the boat, as many people think. Rather, many of them tend to be women of high intellect and education. Women who have experienced the bitterness of western oppression. Women of diverse nationalities and races, who are brought together as one, under the banner of Islam.


An Islaamic Duty

Ever since the appearance of Hijaab in the west, there has been a constant crusade against this noble act. The hypocrisy[1] of the Western media has been evident for many years now, through its constant attacks on Islam and Hijaab. Despite these attempts, women in Hijaab are still on the increase. Thus, a new crusade had to be launched by the advocates of "liberation" and "freedom". For a while now, many Western critics have insisted that the Hijaab has nothing to do with Islaam. They claim that it is a cultural practice and not a religious one. This has been broadcast in the Western media with the aid of its puppets, the modernist Muslims. People such as Dr Zaki Badawi[2], have pushed this erroneous view for a number of years now. This has led to much confusion amongst ignorant Muslims, and many Muslim women are being led into depriving themselves of this great benefit. So what is the reality behind this issue? Is the Hijaab obligatory?
Hijab is an Arabic word which literally means a cover, a screen or a partition. Islamically it refers to the dress code of the Muslim woman. In answering the above question, as Muslims we unashamedly say, Yes!,the Hijaab IS OBLIGATORY!! The proofs for this obligation are many, but due to lack of space we will only quote two here. In the Qur’an Allaah says:



"And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their modesty, and not to display their adornment except that which appears ordinarily thereof, and to draw their veils over their necks and bosoms.." (Sura An-Noor 24:31)

About the words "..except that which appears ordinarily thereof..", then the scholars of Islam have explained that these words refer to the hands and face of a woman. This is supported by the hadith of the Prophet (saws) : "Aisha reported that Asmaa, the daughter of Abu Bakr, entered into the presence of the Messenger of Allaah wearing thin transparent clothing, So the Messenger of Allaah turned away from her saying : ‘O’ Asmaa, when a women reaches the age of menstruation, it is not allowed that any of her should be seen except this’ – and he pointed to his face and two hands."[3] The Hijaab is therefore something which MUST cover the entire body of a woman, except her face and hands.[4] It is NOT a simple headscarf which many women wear, because a piece of cloth on the head does not conceal the parts of a woman’s body, which when exposed, are the result of much strife. Besides covering the entire body, the Hijaab also has other conditions, such as not being tight, transparent, too colourful or resembling the clothes of a man. These conditions are also proven from Islaam.[5]


The Benefits of Hijaab


-Obedience- Whilst other women are subjected to the pressures and slavery of modern society, the Muslim woman is truly free from this. In the west, women are expected to conform to the liberal fashions which appear daily. These fashions and expectations are often shaped by men. In this way, women become the slaves of society and man. Hijab is the liberator of this slavery. It takes women away from the obedience of man, to the obedience of the Most Perfect, Allaah. This obedience will only bring about good, because we believe that Allaah is the Most Kind and the Most Just. Slavery to the one with such characteristics, is a slavery of reward and contentment. It is not a slavery from which your fellow human (the woman) is exploited and oppressed, just because your desires and lusts run wild.

As a command of Allaah, the Hijaab has united the hearts of so many. Hijaab knows no colour, nationality, race, height or weight. Through obedience to Allaah, it truly unites the women of the world. Thus, this unification has surpassed the ranks and shallowness of all female liberation movements. Christian nuns, Jews, Hindus, Sikhs, feminists, lesbians, women boxers and even female gang members, are all known to have become united under Islam and its Hijaab. It is truly a force to be reckoned with. It must be remembered that this obedience to Allaah is a voluntary act from most Muslim women. Many assume that those brought up as Muslims, have always been wearing Hijaab. However, this is not so. Many Muslim women (especially in the UK), who are Muslim by name, often know very little of Islam. When they discover its true meaning, most of them willingly adopt the Hijaab simply to obey their Creator, and not because of any external pressures.

Wearing the Hijaab is no futile action. A woman may go through much trial and tribulation[6] because she has obeyed Allaah. But the fulfilment of this action will never go unnoticed, as Allaah say :
Whilst other women are subjected to the pressures and slavery of modern society, the Muslim woman is truly free from this. In the west, women are expected to conform to the liberal fashions which appear daily. These fashions and expectations are often shaped by men. In this way, women become the slaves of society and man. Hijab is the liberator of this slavery. It takes women away from the obedience of man, to the obedience of the Most Perfect, Allaah. This obedience will only bring about good, because we believe that Allaah is the Most Kind and the Most Just. Slavery to the one with such characteristics, is a slavery of reward and contentment. It is not a slavery from which your fellow human (the woman) is exploited and oppressed, just because your desires and lusts run wild.

As a command of Allaah, the Hijaab has united the hearts of so many. Hijaab knows no colour, nationality, race, height or weight. Through obedience to Allaah, it truly unites the women of the world. Thus, this unification has surpassed the ranks and shallowness of all female liberation movements. Christian nuns, Jews, Hindus, Sikhs, feminists, lesbians, women boxers and even female gang members, are all known to have become united under Islam and its Hijaab. It is truly a force to be reckoned with. It must be remembered that this obedience to Allaah is a voluntary act from most Muslim women. Many assume that those brought up as Muslims, have always been wearing Hijaab. However, this is not so. Many Muslim women (especially in the UK), who are Muslim by name, often know very little of Islam. When they discover its true meaning, most of them willingly adopt the Hijaab simply to obey their Creator, and not because of any external pressures.

Wearing the Hijaab is no futile action. A woman may go through much trial and tribulation[6] because she has obeyed Allaah. But the fulfilment of this action will never go unnoticed, as Allaah say :



"Never will I allow to be lost the actions of any of you; whether male or female" (Surah Al-Imran 3:195)

The result of these obedient actions will be an everlasting reward. A reward which all Muslim women aspire for. A reward called paradise :


"And whosoever does righteous actions- whether male or female, and is a believer, will enter paradise" (Sura An-Nisa 4:124)


-A Shield- Allaah says :

Allaah says :


"O’ Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their veils over their bodies. That is most convenient that they should be recognised and not be molested" (Sura Al-Ahzab 33:59)





One of the greatest benefits of Hijaab, is the natural protection it gives to a woman. By wearing Hijaab, a woman shields herself from the rampant desires of man. By his very nature, man is a creature of intense desire. The Hijaab controls this desire and thus not only protects the woman, but also the man. Sexually motivated crimes in the west are on the increase. Rape, molestation and harassment are reaching epidemic levels. Undoubtedly the clothing of a woman has something to do with this. When women walk around with literally nothing on, some men see it as a signal to do as they please. This results in the honour of a woman being scarred for life. The Muslim woman does not have this problem. She knows that when she walks on the streets, the men will not look at her. Why? Because there is nothing for them to look at!! She feels like a princess who is shielded from the savages of her domain. Peace and security is felt beneath the veil. The woman of Hijaab does not have to reveal her body in order to gain respect. She does not have to have her ‘bits’ hanging out so that men can drool over her. If a man desires her, then it has to be for her religion and intellect. The Hijaab gives him no other choice. She is a woman who is truly shielded from the nature of man.[7]


-Nature- The nature of a woman is fundamentally different from man. Women are more timid, gentle and caring then men. This is the reason why they have been chosen (by Allaah) to be the perfect rearers of children. The Hijaab reinforces this nature of the woman. We praise Allaah that he has ordered this Hijaab, for the world that we live in seeks to change our very nature as human beings. Men try to be women and women try to be men. People are being led into confusion by the political correctness which is so popular in our societies. Many women have jumped onto the bandwagon of feminism and lesbianism, shouting how evil and oppressive men are. But when one looks at these sad creatures, their delusion is clear. While claiming to hate men, their attire suggests otherwise. Short hair, bomber jackets and steel toecapped boots, are the vogue for these women. Their hatred for men is so much, that their very appearance resembles the enemy!! Some of these women have even gone to the extreme of growing masses of facial hair. The hideous site of these bearded ladies, is enough to put anyone off their dinner!!! Such depravity is far from natural. The Hijab on the other hand, enables the woman to stay as a woman. Rather then being a monstrosity, a woman in Hijab is like an oyster with a beautiful pearl inside it. Her femininity has stayed feminine, without being altered into masculinity. There is no doubt about it, this is a TRUE WOMAN.


-Honour- Contrary to the tales of the media, the Hijab provides an honour for the woman like no other garment does. For many women, a dress designed by Versace[8] or Armani is all the honour they need. But the Hijaab carries far more honour then these worthless clothes. Whilst the dresses of the catwalks are designed by mere mortals, the Hijaab comes from the one who is immortal, Allaah. Through it a woman is held with the utmost respect. True Muslim men are obliged to keep their Muslim sisters away from the corruption of this world. Thus a Muslim will not allow for someone to ogle his wife, chat her up or harass her. The honour of a Muslim woman demands that this does not happen. How contrary this is to life in the west. Men in the west feel no obligation to protect women from the harms of society. This is why a man will allow his wife to be a stripper, call-girl and even a prostitute. Honour knows no place in the west. This honour will only be achieved from Islam and its Hijab.

The honour of a Muslim woman is so high, that we believe that the state of a society is dependent upon its women. If the women are corrupt and immoral, then the society will be corrupt and immoral. If the women are righteous and god-fearing, then the society will be righteous and god-fearing. Women are the educators of the nation. But if they have no honour and have been corrupted, then society will be void of education and steeped in ignorance. This is the predicament of a society which rejects Hijab. This is the predicament of all Western societies, which stubbornly cling onto their depressing ways of life.

Those who seek to reject Hijab after reading this, then their loss will eventually become apparent. But those who seek to please Allaah through this action, can be sure that this good can only bring more good:
Contrary to the tales of the media, the Hijab provides an honour for the woman like no other garment does. For many women, a dress designed by Versace[8] or Armani is all the honour they need. But the Hijaab carries far more honour then these worthless clothes. Whilst the dresses of the catwalks are designed by mere mortals, the Hijaab comes from the one who is immortal, Allaah. Through it a woman is held with the utmost respect. True Muslim men are obliged to keep their Muslim sisters away from the corruption of this world. Thus a Muslim will not allow for someone to ogle his wife, chat her up or harass her. The honour of a Muslim woman demands that this does not happen. How contrary this is to life in the west. Men in the west feel no obligation to protect women from the harms of society. This is why a man will allow his wife to be a stripper, call-girl and even a prostitute. Honour knows no place in the west. This honour will only be achieved from Islam and its Hijab.

The honour of a Muslim woman is so high, that we believe that the state of a society is dependent upon its women. If the women are corrupt and immoral, then the society will be corrupt and immoral. If the women are righteous and god-fearing, then the society will be righteous and god-fearing. Women are the educators of the nation. But if they have no honour and have been corrupted, then society will be void of education and steeped in ignorance. This is the predicament of a society which rejects Hijab. This is the predicament of all Western societies, which stubbornly cling onto their depressing ways of life.

Those who seek to reject Hijab after reading this, then their loss will eventually become apparent. But those who seek to please Allaah through this action, can be sure that this good can only bring more good:



"Is there any reward for good – other then goodness?" (Sura Ar-Rahman 55:60)


Footnotes:

1. The British media is an example of this. Whilst condemning the Hijaab as oppressive, it is well known that newspapers such as The Sun and The News of the World, often display pictures of naked women. This of course, is the liberation which the West claims to give women!
2. Dr Zaki Badawi is a self-styled mufti who is unfortunately seen as a public face of Islam. A number of years ago, Dr. Badawi appeared on Dutch T.V. proclaiming that Hijaab was not obligatory. This announcement caused much confusion and resulted in some women taking their Hijaab off.
3. Authentic – Reported by Al-Bayhaqee.
4. Even though it is not obligatory to cover the face and hands, it is without doubt recommended that the niqaab (the face veil) and/or gloves be worn. Such acts are seen as modesty and piety from the woman, and they can only bring her more reward.
5. The proofs for these conditions can be found in an excellent book entitled "The Islamic ruling regarding Women’s dress, according to the Qur’an and Sunnah" by Abu Bilal Mustafa Al-Kanadi.
6. Wearing Hijaab in the West can be a struggle for many women. The hypocrisy of the West is such, that it does not respect this choice which is made willingly, and subjects these women to much psychological pressure. 2 years ago, two Muslim girls were even expelled from a school in France because they wore Hijaab. Freedom has truly been given a new meaning!
7. "A view through Hijaab" is an informative account of life in Hijaab. Written by Khaula Nakata, it is the experience of Hijaab as seen through the eyes of a Japanese woman who embraced Islam.
8. There will be no more dresses designed by Gianni Versace!! The evils of Homosexuality ensured that this man (?) reaped the fruits of his unholy labour.

[Article taken from ‘Invitation to Islam’ newsletter, September 1997]