Thursday, July 5, 2012

IS WEARING THE NIQAB OBLIGATORY?




I know that so many people have so many doubts if the Niqab is Fardh or not. To start with, I sincerely ask Allah to enlighten everyone about the Niqab and show us its truth in the light of the Quran and Hadith. First, let us start with these Quranic verses:

And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; That they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what is apparent of it and that they should draw their veils over their bosoms.” (Surah Noor 24:31)

''O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks ("Jalabib") veils all over their bodies (screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way Tafseer Al-Qurtabi) that is most convenient that they should be known (as such) and not molested: and Allah is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful." (Surah Al-Ahzab: 59)

Now, read that 3 times to understand what it really means.

This verse tells us that our beauty and ornaments should not be displayed-except that which is apparent. Some people are of the opinion that this implies to the hands and face, but you tell me honestly. When you look at a woman, what is the first thing you would notice-what is the most apparent thing to be seen in her? Isn’t it her face? Her face is what attracts the attention of men, because the first thing men are naturally attracted to is the face of the woman. What is ‘apparent of it’ in this verse refers to the height of the woman and the way she carries herself. This is something that cannot be hidden. In Sha Allah, I hope this verse makes you’ll understand that the Niqab is Fardh (obligatory). If you are still not convinced, just read further.

If you say the Niqab is not Fardh, I’m sure you would all agree that it is Mustahab (highly recommended). If you don’t even agree that it’s Mustahab, answer this question. No one can dispute the fact that the wives, daughters and Sahabi women covered their faces. If you don’t believe in that too, read these Sahih Hadith:

Narrated Safiya bint Shaiba:
‘Aisha used to say: “When (the Verse): “They should draw their veils over their necks and bosoms,” was revealed, (the ladies) cut their waist sheets at the edges and covered their faces with the cut pieces.”
Volume 6, Book 60, Number 282: (Sahih Bukhari)
It was narrated that ‘Aa’ishah said: “The riders used to pass by us when we were with the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) in ihraam.When they came near, each of us would lower her jilbaab from her head over her face, and when they passed by we would uncover (our faces).” [Narrated by Abu Dawood, 1833; Ahmad, 24067]

Narrated ‘Aisha:
Allah’s Apostle used to offer the Fajr prayer and some believing women covered with their veiling sheets used to attend the Fajr prayer with him and then they would return to their homes UNRECOGNIZED.
Volume 1, Book 8, Number 368: (Sahih Bukhari)
Aisha (RA) mentioned the women of Ansar, praised them and said good words about them. She then said: “When Surat an-Nur came down, they took the curtains, tore them and made veils from them.” [Sunann Abi Dawud Hadith No. 3577]

These Hadith will clarify the fact that Sahabi women and the Ummahtul Mu’mineen covered their faces. Now tell me, if the wives and daughters of Prophet Muhammad (SAL), whom we have to follow in order to be true believing women, covered their faces, isn’t that something highly recommended? And if it’s highly recommended, shouldn’t we all be following it?

Now, you’ll have either agreed that the Niqab is Fardh or Mustahab. Either way, wouldn’t that fact alone make the Niqab something that should be practised strictly? All of us yearn to earn closeness to our Beloved Creator and the best way to attain His Pleasure and Nearness is by doing Mustahab (superegatory) acts.

Abu Huraira reported that the Prophet Muhammad (SAL) said, "Allah said: My servant draws not near to Me with anything more loved by Me than the religious duties I have enjoined upon him, and My servant continues to draw near to Me with supererogatory works so that I shall love him" (Sahih Bukhari)

Now, think of the Day when you stand before Allah (SWT) and He questions you about each and every deed and action. What if He asks you why you didn’t practise something that was ‘Mustahab’? What will you tell him? Are you going to tell Him that the pleasures and demands of the world stopped you from wearing the Niqab? Stop for a while and think about how you are going to answer Allah, the Lord of the Worlds!

We are supposed to earn as much good deeds as possible in this world so that we get its rewards in the Hereafter and that itself would raise our status in Jannah! Tell me my dear sisters, what is it to sacrifice in this world that is only 2 days in comparison to the eternal Akhira? What are the clothes and pleasures of this world when a single shawl on the head of a woman in Jannah is better than the world and all it contains! Subhanallah, what honour and delights Allah has prepared for us and the only way we can attain this is by following the orders of Allah and collect as much deeds in this world as we possibly can In Sha Allah.

Although there are a few differences in opinion as to whether the Niqab is Fardh or not among the Ulama (Islamic scholars), even those Ulama who have said it isn’t Fardh have ensured that their wives and daughters wear the Niqab because it is a huge shield for women when corruption in this world is continuing to run rampant at an unimaginable rate!

There are some people who say that the Niqab is just a custom that was brought about by people in the Arab countries. But tell me, do you think that Allah revealed the Quran as Guidance only for a certain period of time and only for a certain group of people? Do you think that the Ummahaathul Mu’mineen are only role models for the women in the Arab countries and not for us? The Quran is our Guide and will remain until the Day of Qiyamah! It’s our duty as Muslims to obey Allah’s Commands or stand before Him in front of the entire mankind. What are the answers you are going to give to Him?

In conclusion, these are not my personal opinions. It’s the Fatwa of a prominent Mufti Saab in our country. I pray to Allah that He enlightens each and every Muslim about the importance of the Niqab in the current times and I’m sure Allah will put its reality into your hearts!


25 comments:

  1. Very appropriate and current and anyone reading this should read it with an open mind

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  2. "When you look at a woman, what is the first thing you would notice-what is the most apparent thing to be seen in her? Isn’t it her face? Her face is what attracts the attention of men"

    That's why qur'an told u to "lower ur gaze" people

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    1. Exactly. And that's why wearing the Niqab helps so very much in lowering the gaze- both for men and for women too because looking at non-mahram men from under the Niqab is such a hypocritical thing to do...

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    2. You need to wake up sister your being misdirected and misguided, the niqab is not Fard and not wajib nor sunnah. I question niqabis sincerity because it seems they are out to please man as oppose to pleasing Allah swt. http://truthrevolt.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/100-clear-proof-niqab-is-not-from-islam.html

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    3. I'm very sorry sis, but what I have stated in this post is in the light of the Quran, Sunnah and Hadith. It is the opinion of the majority of scholars in Islam that the Niqab is actually necessary in Islam. Read here for more info: http://niqablovers.blogspot.com/2013/10/niqab-its-necessity-explained-by-sahaba.html

      And even if it is not obligatory, there is no doubt that it's a Sunnah because the wives and daughters of Prophet Muhammad Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam covered their faces, and us being the Ummah of our Prophet Salallalahu Alaihi Wasallam ought to be following the Ummahatul Mu'mineen.

      Saying that the Niqab is not part of Islam is a grave sin sister. And as for questioning the sincerity of us wearing the Niqab, we do it for Allah and not for anyone else. It's outrageous to state that we do it for man when we do it out of love for Allah and obedience to His Commands.
      If I am misguided, may Allah guide me and show the truth to all of us.

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    4. aber karhani, you are the one who needs to wake up. The niqab is from Islam, there is not a shred of doubt about it. All of the scholars from the sahaba, the tabieen, and itba altabieen, and those who came after agreed upon that. The only difference of opinion is wether niqab is an obligation or just a recommendation.

      You are claiming to be more knowledgeable and pious and godfearing than the sahaba and fourteen centuries worth of scholarship?? I think its pretty clear who needs to wake up here...

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    5. The whole of a womans body is awrah and must be covered (in front of non mahrams)...

      It was narrated from ‘Abd-Allaah that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The woman is ‘awrah and when she goes out the Shaytaan gets his hopes up.”

      (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 1173).

      Al-Albaani said in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi (936): It is saheeh.

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    6. i think niqab takes away the identity of a woman and also these scholars are men and what do they know they all dont have to be correct islam is simple an ayah in the quran thats says those who think have the answerr or solution so as wise individuals with an open mind we must think whether its right or wrong u who support niqab must think from the point of of those who dont and i must think from your point of view too. if u feel better in doing a certain thing do it but think wether its right or wrong loosing your identity no one not even your own family can reognise u. who are those who usualy cover their faces those who dont want to be recognised theives pickpockets u surel arent one of them then y cover your face?

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  3. and dont forget, there's hadith which told muslima to uncover their face during hajj.

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    1. Of course. This is the Hadith you've spoke about:

      The Prophet (saws) said: "A pilgrim woman must neither cover her face nor wear gloves."
      Related by Bukhari and Ahmad.

      Doesn't this in itself imply that women outside of their Ihram actually covered their faces?

      You might also want to read this Hadith:

      It was narrated that ‘Aa’ishah said: The riders used to pass by us when we were with the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) in ihraam. When they came near us we would lower our jilbaabs from our heads over our faces, and when they had passed by we would uncover our faces. Narrated by Abu Dawood, 1562.

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    2. I totally agree, at that time, men were much more pious and they weren't so scattered around like now, so that's why they used to cover their faces until the man passed. But now, with a population exceeding 7 billion, you've got men just about everywhere. So, instead of leaving your face uncovered when doing Hajj or Umra, some muntaqiba women wear something that's like a curtain, it's like a cape and the cloth falls down over the face, but not touching it, like a curtain.

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    3. "I totally agree, at that time, men were much more pious and they weren't so scattered around like now, so that's why they used to cover their faces until the man passed. But now, with a population exceeding 7 billion, you've got men just about everywhere."


      Islam is not over a certain period of time.

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  4. Asa....I love this article.I am encouraging my wife to wear it as well as another sister I want to.marry in the future to wear it as well.It really helps me because women are a HUGE test for me.So the less I see of them the better.I believe ALL women SHOULD WEAR NIQAB.shukrun

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    1. This pisses me off so much, I know this comment was made years ago but "It really helps me because women are a HUGE test for me. So the less I see of them the better"
      Isn't this your problem brother? You obviously cannot "contain" yourself hence why it's a test for you.


      Lower your gaze instead of covering all women.

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  5. I find it annoying how there are Muslim women who are like "Oh because of the Abu Dawood da'eef hadith they think we don't have to cover." Though I admit seeing various hadiths that have one thing and then another makes it confusing. I am of the belief that we should be like our mothers (RA) as is Phoenix. I've even read Tafseer in English (I forget where) that explained I think Sura 33:59 and it said something about 'and cloak yourselves' mean the women covered everything but one eye to see the way. This issue needs to be addressed in the Ummah.

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    1. Show me a single hadith from prophet peace be upon him saying that the Niqab is fard?

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  6. Masya Allah, I'm gonna share this. I'll credit to this link, of course. ;) Hope your efforts may help many other muslimah outside. Insya Allah.

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    1. Jazakallahu Khair sis! It really would be great to have more people read it. :) And Aameen to your Dua!

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  7. Assalamoalikum,
    I have started NIQAB just a week ago regardlesss of it, that it is wajib or Mustahib i am following it because i believe it is the greater level of Taqwa and may b i would be needed this* neeki in akhirat.
    But i am left with one confusion as in our "Quran every thing is so cleared Ahumdulillah, undoubtedly" why this only hadith says "The Prophet (saws) said: "A pilgrim woman must neither cover her face nor wear gloves." if it is there and it should be THERE for all the times.
    Just a question or a confusion @niqablover please give me an assistance in this :) may Allah guide us to righteous path . Ameen".

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  8. As Salamu Alaykum:
    Your article provides a weak explanation of the arabic words of the hadith and Quran. Instead, the article relies on the "interpretation" and "personal understanding" of "scholars". Often, people who translate, will insert their "personal" opinions or explanations on how a hadith or ayah should be understood or interpreted.
    I think there needs to be an analysis of the arabic words of the hadiths and the quran. Understanding the arabic root word and its definitions, is essential. Often, english translations do not provide the correct definition of the arabic word. Here is a link, that examines the arabic language of the hadiths and quran in relation to the issue of niqab being fard/highly recommended or not.
    http://www.muhajabah.com/niqabdalils.htm

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  9. Furthermore, I would recommend understanding the context of the hadith and the ayah. A tafseer is beneficial. To read it at face value, does not provide the full context.

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  10. Assalamu'alaykum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh, I have a question about covering the hands?

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    1. Covering the face hands and feet are not fard. For more details go to www.cjislam.weebly.com

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  11. Sorry, but I'm fact the majority of prominent scholars such as Ibn Abbas, Ibn Umar (رضي الله عنهما), Imam Malik, Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal have been reported to hold the belief that the face is not part of the awrah.
    An example of the refuting of the idea that the niqab is wajib is the hadith in Bukhari and Muslim in which (I'm paraphrasing here) Al-Fadl bin Abbas was riding with the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) around the time of Hajjat al Wada', where they passed by a group of women that grabbed the attention of Al-Fadl, so the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) turned his head away. If they had been covering their faces, there wouldn't have been anything to attract him.
    It's clear that your statement is biased upon your own culture and the your upbringing.

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