The hijab is a key symbol of modesty and faith for Muslim women. Beyond its role as a physical covering, it reflects important cultural and spiritual values.
This article outlines when do Muslim girls start wearing a hijab, the proper way to wear the hijab, based on Islamic teachings, and offers practical advice for maintaining modesty.
When Do Muslim Girls Start Wearing A Hijab?
In Islam, a person is not held accountable for their actions until they reach puberty. Before puberty, accountability is not applied. This is the simple answer to when do Muslim girls start wearing a hijab.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“The Pen has been lifted from three: the child until he reaches puberty, the sleeper until he wakes up, and the one who has lost his mind until he recovers.”
(Narrated by Abu Dawud, 4402)
Based on this, a girl is required to wear a full hijab once she reaches puberty.
Signs of Puberty in Islam Females
There are three general signs of puberty that apply to both males and females in which females learn when do Muslim girls start wearing a hijab:
- Nocturnal emissions (wet dreams)
- The growth of coarse hair around the private parts
- Reaching the age of fifteen
- Additional Sign of Puberty for Females: menstruation is a fourth sign of reaching puberty.
When a girl shows any of these signs of puberty, she becomes obligated to fulfill all required duties and abstain from prohibited (haram) acts. One of these duties is wearing the hijab.
It is the responsibility of parents or guardians to train girls to perform obligatory duties and avoid haram acts before puberty, so that when they reach maturity, these practices become natural and easy for them.
This is a fundamental principle of Islamic upbringing.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“Train your children to pray when they are seven years old, and discipline them if they do not do so when they are ten, and separate them in their beds.”
(Narrated by Abu Dawud, 495; Ahmad, 2/187, from the hadith of ‘Amr ibn Shu’ayb, narrated from his father and grandfather.)
After learning when do Muslim girls start wearing a hijab you should learn the Importance of Hijab for a Girl Approaching Puberty:
When a girl nears puberty, there is concern that not wearing the hijab could lead to temptation for young men or vice versa.
In such cases, it becomes necessary for the parent or guardian to ensure the girl wears hijab to prevent situations that could lead to immorality or improper behavior.
What Age Can A Woman Stop Wearing Hijab
Allah has allowed elderly women to uncover their faces before non-mahram men, but only if they do not display any adornment that could cause temptation (fitnah). They should avoid wearing attractive clothing or cosmetics.
Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
وَٱلْقَوَٰعِدُ مِنَ ٱلنِّسَآءِ ٱلَّـٰتِى لَا يَرْجُونَ نِكَاحًۭا فَلَيْسَ عَلَيْهِنَّ جُنَاحٌ أَن يَضَعْنَ ثِيَابَهُنَّ غَيْرَ مُتَبَرِّجَـٰتٍۭ بِزِينَةٍۢ ۖ وَأَن يَسْتَعْفِفْنَ خَيْرٌۭ لَّهُنَّ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌۭ
As for elderly women past the age of marriage, there is no blame on them if they take off their ˹outer˺ garments, without revealing their adornments. But it is better for them if they avoid this ˹altogether˺. And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.
Surah An-Nur (24:60)
Scholars, such as Abu Bakr al-Jassaas, Ibn al-‘Arabi, and al-Sa’di, explained that this verse applies to elderly women who are no longer desirable for marriage.
They are permitted to uncover their faces and hands but are encouraged to maintain full covering as a better option.
This ruling is specific to older women who do not beautify themselves.
Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allah have mercy on him) clarified that while it is permissible for elderly women to uncover their faces, it is preferable and safer for them to maintain a hijab, as it avoids potential temptation.
If they wear any adornment, such as makeup, hijab becomes mandatory.
After Learning when does a muslim girl start wearing a hijab, Let’s talk about how to wear the good Hijab:
How To Wear Hijab Step By Step
The hijab is a meaningful symbol for Muslim women, representing modesty, privacy, and moral values.
Wearing it correctly follows both religious guidelines and practical considerations. Here’s a brief guide:
Islamic Hijab Guidelines:
- Cover the head, hair, neck, and chest entirely.
- Use opaque fabric, avoiding thin or decorative materials.
- Wear loose, non-form-fitting clothing to cover your body shape.
- Avoid bright, attention-grabbing colors or styles.
Shaykh al-Albani’s Conditions for Proper Hijab:
1. Complete Coverage:
The hijab must cover the whole body, except for what is exempted (e.g., hands and face).
Allah says in the Quran (interpretation of the meaning):
“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)
2. Not an Adornment Itself:
The outer garment should not attract attention, and clothing must not resemble those worn during times of ignorance.
3. Non-Transparent:
The fabric must be thick, not see-through. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) warned about clothing that reveals a woman’s figure.
4. Loose and Non-Fitting:
Tight clothes that outline the body are not allowed. Clothing must prevent fitnah (temptation) by being wide and loose.
5. No Perfume:
Women are forbidden from wearing perfume when outside. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Any woman who applies perfume and passes by people so they can smell her fragrance is an adulteress.”
6. Avoid Resembling Men’s or Non-Muslims’ Clothing:
Women should avoid wearing garments similar to men’s or disbelievers’ clothing.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) cursed women who imitate men and vice versa.
7. Avoid Vanity:
Clothing should not be worn for fame or vanity. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever wears a garment of fame and vanity in this world, Allah will clothe them in a garment of humiliation on the Day of Resurrection.”
By following these guidelines, Muslim women can ensure their hijab is worn in accordance with Islamic teachings.
Conclusion
Wearing the hijab properly is an expression of faith and modesty, and learning when do Muslim girls start wearing a hijab is so important.
By following Islamic guidelines, Muslim women can uphold the spiritual and social significance of the hijab, fulfilling religious duties while embracing their identity with dignity.
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FAQs To When Do Muslim Girls Start Wearing A Hijab
What does it mean when a girl starts wearing a hijab?
When a girl starts wearing a hijab, it signifies modesty and privacy, often in public or around non-family men.
When must a woman wear a hijab?
A woman must wear a hijab when in the presence of non-mahram men, but she does not need to cover in all-female settings, though some may choose to do so.
What age is hijab compulsory in Islam?
The hijab becomes compulsory once a girl reaches her first menstruation, although some may start wearing it earlier to ease the transition.
