The Commandments Of Hijaab

The commandments of Hijaab are of great importance. Though it is true that they are in fact somewhat difficult to follow. But one thing is true beyond doubt, and that is whosoever succeeds in following these commandments will have less difficulty in obeying other commandments of Allah Sub'haana'hu wa Ta'aalaa. This is the most bitter pill to swallow, in terms of obedience, but it is most beneficial in that it makes it quick and easy for a Muslim to be close to Allah.

Today, our standards of piety have become limited to reciting endless incantations and rosaries, praying extra Salaat, reciting the books of prayers, fasting when possible, giving alms and charity and obeying those commands which may be followed with ease. But we readily ignore and reject all those rules and prohibitions which interfere in any way with our lifestyle, Nafs and desires. We profess deep love for Allah, but do not refrain from disobeying Him, even though it is obligatory on us to refrain from all that He has declared Haraam. The foundation of piety is built on seeking Allah's forgiveness for all our disobedience and rebelliousness against Him.
Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wasallam has said,
"Refrain from sinning and you will become the most pious of worshippers."

The sin of refusing to observe Hijaab is more severe than other sins, which is why it is critical to immediately desist from it and to sincerely resolve not to repeat it. The reasons for this are as follows:

  1. It is a sin which is committed in the open for all to see. The one committing this sin, without saying a word, is openly declaring to everyone that she / he has no regard for Allah's commands, and that she / he has revolted against Allah Sub'haana'hu wa Ta'aalaa. Our Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam has said:

  2. "All of my Ummah is worthy of forgiveness, except those who have openly sinned "
    This is true not only for religion, but even under the laws of any government of this world, those who openly betray their governments are not forgiven, and what is the punishment for betrayal, but death?
  3. The sinful consequences of refusing to observe Hijaab are not limited only to the one committing this sin; since it encourages and spreads lewd and shameful behaviour, it ultimately affects the entire society which thus gets caught in Allah's punishment in this world and in the hereafter. It is commonly observed that such a sin also paves the way for all kinds of other mischiefs, even murder.
  4. Those women who do not observe Purdah should ask themselves why are they doing so. Is it the temporary pleasures and fulfilment of desires which is keeping them from it? They should realize that life in this world is short while life in the hereafter is forever. They should also realize that by not observing Hijaab they are embittering their lives here as well as condemning themselves to the punishment of hellfire in the hereafter. We are not able to bear, even for a second, the heat of a burning coal placed on the palm of our hand. And yet we never think, how will we be able to bear the severe torment and fires of hell? If we worry that our father or husband or other relatives will not approve and will be displeased with our following Allah's commands, then we should also think whether this will be an acceptable excuse to present to Allah Sub'haana'hu wa Ta'aalaa on the Day of Judgement. Will He forgive us if we say that we did not follow His orders because we feared displeasing our family and friends. Even though it is Allah's absolute and unalterable law that 'obeying anyone while disobeying Allah Sub'haana'hu wa Ta'aalaa is forbidden'.
    That is, if someone asks us to disobey Allah, we are forbidden to obey him. We should simply cast this person aside. We should consider whether this person whom we are pleasing by disobeying Allah Sub'haana'hu wa Ta'aalaa will be willing to receive and bear the punishment in our place on the Day of Judgement? Allah Sub'haana'hu wa Ta'aalaa clearly states in the Holy Qur'aan:

Then would those who are followed clear themselves of those who follow (them); they would see the penalty and all relations between them would be cut off And those who followed would say: "If only we had one more chance we would clear ourselves of them as they have cleared themselves of us. " Thus will Allah show them ( the fruits of) their deed as (nothing but) regrets nor will there be a way for them out of the fire. (2:166,167)

Ponder on this verse, and it becomes clear that on the Day of Judgement, those people who disregarded the commands of Allah and disobeyed Him to follow and please others, will be enemies unto each other and all relations between them will be severed. On that day, the young will blame their elders for not letting them obey Allah and observe Hijaab, while the elders will say that they had no control over them, they only asked them to disobey, but did not force them. Then, how frustrated and helpless will those feel who had disobeyed Allah to please others around them.
Continued