The topic of what does the Quran say about hijab has been the subject of much debate, with discussions ranging from it being a form of oppression to claims that the Qur’an does not mention it at all.
The fact that the hijab is obligatory for women, but not for men, has raised many questions regarding its importance and the true purpose behind it.
Such discussions have also fueled movements rejecting the practice of wearing the hijab.
To better understand the concept of hijab and its role in Islam, it’s essential to explore what does the Quran say about hijab.
What Does the Quran Say About Hijab
The term “hijab” is often used to refer to the headscarf worn by Muslim women, the word “hijab” itself in the Qur’an doesn’t specifically refer to clothing.
In its literal sense, “hijab” means “barrier” or “partition.” In the Qur’an, the word is used in various contexts to describe a physical or metaphorical separation, not necessarily related to women’s clothing.
The Quran’s emphasis on modesty applies to both men and women. The focus is more on modest behavior and dress rather than mandating a particular style of clothing.
What is clear from the Quran is the importance of modesty, both in actions and attire and the principle of maintaining dignity and respect.
However, the requirement for wearing a headscarf has been interpreted differently across Islamic traditions and cultures, with many scholars advocating for it as a way to adhere to the broader Islamic guidelines on modesty.
Quran Verses About Hijab In Arabic
Verses concerning the hijab in the Qur’an emphasize modesty, which was institutionalized through Shari’a, the religious law of Islam.
The obligation for Muslim women to wear the hijab is rooted in two key Qur’anic passages: Surah 24:30-31 and Surah 33:59.
Surah 24 (An-Nur), Verses 30-31:
“قُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَغُضُّوا۟ مِنْ أَبْصَـٰرِهِمْ وَيَحْفَظُوا۟ فُرُوجَهُمْ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ أَزْكَىٰ لَهُمْ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ خَبِيرٌۢ بِمَا يَصْنَعُونَ ٣٠ وَقُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنَـٰتِ يَغْضُضْنَ مِنْ أَبْصَـٰرِهِنَّ وَيَحْفَظْنَ فُرُوجَهُنَّ وَلَا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا ۖ وَلْيَضْرِبْنَ بِخُمُرِهِنَّ عَلَىٰ جُيُوبِهِنَّ ۖ وَلَا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا لِبُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ ءَابَآئِهِنَّ أَوْ ءَابَآءِ بُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ أَبْنَآئِهِنَّ أَوْ أَبْنَآءِ بُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ إِخْوَٰنِهِنَّ أَوْ بَنِىٓ إِخْوَٰنِهِنَّ أَوْ بَنِىٓ أَخَوَٰتِهِنَّ أَوْ نِسَآئِهِنَّ أَوْ مَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَـٰنُهُنَّ أَوِ ٱلتَّـٰبِعِينَ غَيْرِ أُو۟لِى ٱلْإِرْبَةِ مِنَ ٱلرِّجَالِ أَوِ ٱلطِّفْلِ ٱلَّذِينَ لَمْ يَظْهَرُوا۟ عَلَىٰ عَوْرَٰتِ ٱلنِّسَآءِ ۖ وَلَا يَضْرِبْنَ بِأَرْجُلِهِنَّ لِيُعْلَمَ مَا يُخْفِينَ مِن زِينَتِهِنَّ ۚ وَتُوبُوٓا۟ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ جَمِيعًا أَيُّهَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ ٣١”
“O Prophet! Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their chastity. That is purer for them. Surely Allah is All-Aware of what they do. 30
And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their chastity, and not to reveal their adornments1 except what normally appears.
Let them draw their veils over their chests, and not reveal their ˹hidden˺ adornments3 except to their husbands, their fathers, their fathers-in-law, their sons, their stepsons, their brothers, their brothers’ sons or sisters’ sons, their fellow women, those bond women in their possession, male attendants with no desire, or children who are still unaware of women’s nakedness.
Let them not stomp their feet, drawing attention to their hidden adornments. Turn to Allah in repentance all together, O believers, so that you may be successful.31”
The principle of modesty is directed towards both Muslim men and women:
- Verse 24:30:
instructs believing men to “lower their gaze and guard their modesty,” promoting purity and self-discipline.
- Verse 24:31:
similarly commands believing women to “lower their gaze and guard their modesty.” It specifically instructs women to cover their bosoms, but it does not elaborate further on the nature of the covering.
Importantly, the Qur’an does not prescribe any penalty for women who do not veil.
Scholar Muhammad Asad clarifies that the word khimar a head covering worn by Arabian women before Islam was primarily ornamental and not necessarily a requirement for head covering.
The instruction to cover the bosom reflects modesty, not an obligation for a specific type of covering.
The Prophet Muhammad also taught that personal conscience should guide such matters.
Surah 33 (Al-Ahzab), Verses 58-59:
“يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّبِىُّ قُل لِّأَزْوَٰجِكَ وَبَنَاتِكَ وَنِسَآءِ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يُدْنِينَ عَلَيْهِنَّ مِن جَلَـٰبِيبِهِنَّ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ أَدْنَىٰٓ أَن يُعْرَفْنَ فَلَا يُؤْذَيْنَ ۗ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ غَفُورًۭا رَّحِيمًۭا”
“O Prophet! Ask your wives, daughters, and believing women to draw their cloaks over their bodies. In this way it is more likely that they will be recognized ˹as virtuous˺ and not be harassed. And Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
Surah Al-Ahzab (33 : 73)
These verses address the harassment faced by both Muslim men and women at the time.
Muslim women were advised to wear an outer garment when going out to distinguish themselves and avoid harassment:
- Verse 59:
advises the Prophet’s wives, daughters, and believing women to cast their outer garments over themselves when in public.
This was intended to protect them from harassment and not to confine them indoors.
The garment served as a marker of identity, ensuring their safety and respect in society.
However, in societies where such harassment is not prevalent or where an outer garment is not a symbol of religious identity, wearing it may not serve its original purpose.
Hijab Hadith Bukhari
To supplement what does the Quran say about hijab, we should mention Hadith talks about the Hijab:
In chapter (10) called: The Divine Verse of Al-HijabNarrated `Aisha (RA):
(the wife of the Prophet) `Umar bin Al-Khattab used to say to Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) “Let your wives be veiled” But he did not do so. The wives of the Prophet (ﷺ) used to go out to answer the call of nature at night only at Al-Manasi.’ Once Sauda, the daughter of Zam`a went out and she was a tall woman.
`Umar bin Al-Khattab saw her while he was in a gathering, and said, “I have recognized you, O Sauda!” He (`Umar) said so as he was anxious for some Divine orders regarding the veil (the veiling of women.) So Allah revealed the Verse of veiling. (Al-Hijab; a complete body cover excluding the eyes).
(Sahih al-Bukhari 79, Hadith 14)
Does The Hijab Prevent A Woman From Performing Her Duties?
A woman typically does not wear a hijab in her home, so it doesn’t interfere with her household tasks.
In professional settings like factories or laboratories, where safety is a concern, she can opt for a different style of hijab that doesn’t have long, loose ends.
Wearing practical attire, such as a long shirt or dress, allows for greater ease of movement whether bending, lifting, or climbing stairs while still maintaining modesty.
Interestingly, the same critics who oppose the Islamic dress code for women often do not object to similar attire worn by nuns.
Yet, some of these critics claim that the hijab impedes Muslim women from participating in public life, whether in schools or workplaces, revealing a double standard that is troubling and hypocritical.
Is the hijab oppressive? It could be if a woman is forced to wear it. But in the same way, forcing a woman to dress in revealing clothing can also be a form of oppression.
If women in the West or elsewhere are free to dress as they choose, why shouldn’t Muslim women have the same freedom to opt for more modest attire?
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Qur’an emphasizes modesty for both men and women but does not explicitly mandate the headscarf.
Interpretations of modest dress have varied, but the core message is about maintaining dignity and modesty, not prescribing specific clothing.
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FAQs On What Does the Quran Say About Hijab
Does The Quran Say To Wear A Hijab?
The Qur’an includes about seven verses that address how women should dress in public. Scholars differ in their interpretations, with some saying hijab is required and others disagreeing.
Where In The Quran Does It Say To Cover Your Hair?
Qur’an 24:31 mentions that women should “draw their headscarves over their chests,” which some scholars interpret as an obligation to cover their hair in public.
Is It Ok To Not Wear a Hijab In Islam?
Islamic law generally requires women to wear the hijab in the presence of men who are not close family. However, it is not required in settings where only women or close male relatives are present.
en or close male relatives are present.
