By:Dr. Mawahib Al-Khatib
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
(“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [ordinarily] appears thereof and to wrap a portion of their headcovers over their chests and not expose their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands’ fathers, their sons, their husbands’ sons, their brothers, their brothers’ sons, their sisters’ sons, their women, those whom their right hands possess, or those male attendants who lack [sexual] desire, or children who are not yet aware of the private aspects of women. And let them not strike their feet to make known what they conceal of their adornment. And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you might succeed.”) [Quran 24:30-31]
“And stay in your houses and do not display yourselves as [was] the display of the former times of ignorance. And establish prayer and give zakah and obey Allah and His Messenger. Indeed, Allah intends to remove all impurity from you, O People of the Family, and to purify you with [extensive] purification.” [Quran 33:33]
Imam Ali (peace be upon him) said: “We were with the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family), and he asked, ‘Tell me, what is the best thing for women?’ We were confused and could not answer. So I went back to Fatima (peace be upon her) and told her what the Messenger of Allah had said, and she responded, ‘The best thing for women is not to see men, nor for men to see them.’” I returned to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family) and said, “O Messenger of Allah, we were asked about the best thing for women, and Fatima (peace be upon her) responded: ‘The best thing for women is not to see men, nor for men to see them.’” He replied, “Did you not know this when you were with me? It was Fatima (peace be upon her) who told you.” He added, “Fatima is a part of me.”
Imam Ali (peace be upon him) also stated in a letter to Imam Hasan (peace be upon him): “And protect them from the gaze of men through your hijab. Verily, the strict hijab is better for you and for them, as it protects them from suspicion.”
1. Hijab and Psychological Health of Family and Society
The philosophy of hijab in Islam is to protect the family unit from disintegration and to safeguard individuals from the psychological harm that stems from unconstrained behavior. A woman’s freedom to display her beauty can have destructive effects, particularly on the family. Exposure of beauty and adornment leads to competition and pressure on women, causing psychological distress. Hijab safeguards a woman from lecherous gazes that may lead her into inappropriate relationships, ultimately threatening her commitment to chastity. The widespread disregard for hijab can result in a lack of discipline, where men, instead of loving their wives, seek pleasure elsewhere, undermining the family structure.
Certainly, a society is only as healthy as the family units that compose it. If families are strong, the entire society will be strong. Therefore, protecting the family from destructive influences such as immodesty and allure is crucial to the preservation of society as a whole. The failure to observe modesty often leads to divorce and separation, ultimately dismantling the family unit.
2. Hijab’s Role in Sexual Health
Studies have shown that the more women dress immodestly in public, the colder sexual relationships between married couples become. Research by Roger on the effect of women’s attractiveness on men’s perceptions concludes that disregarding hijab and displaying women excessively alters men’s perceptions of female beauty. According to researcher Bakhnjad, as more women dress immodestly, men’s sexual awareness diminishes, leading to a decline in passion and affection. Loss of sexual satisfaction within a marriage can lead to tension and separation.
Islam promotes the idea of keeping sexual pleasures within the bounds of marriage, with hijab being a means to purify the social environment. Sexual pleasures should only be within the family and in accordance with legitimate marriage.
3. Hijab’s Economic Impact on Family and Society
One of the consequences of not wearing hijab is the obsession with fashion, excessive use of cosmetics, and resorting to cosmetic surgery to enhance one’s appearance. This results in significant financial expenditures, often beyond what many husbands can afford. Such expenses lead to constant conflict between spouses, as husbands may struggle to pay for these lavish costs, and wives feel frustrated by not being able to afford them. This financial strain puts psychological pressure on the family.
Hijab plays an important role in reducing these costs by encouraging simpler clothing choices for women and limiting the display of luxury and extravagance.
4. Hijab and Identity in the Globalized World
Hijab serves as a means of asserting one’s identity in the age of globalization. Whether in religious, secular, Christian, or Muslim societies, the hijab has become a symbol of cultural and religious expression. It is no longer just a traditional garment; it has been turned into a global topic of debate, and its purpose is often misunderstood.
In the digital age, activists create websites and online forums to provide advice on how to wear hijab. Fashion designers have begun to create stylish hijabs. However, according to contemporary social scientists, this new view of hijab is linked to globalization.
Hijab is an optional practice in many countries. However, there is a growing trend towards consumer-driven hijab, which aligns with fashion trends, leading to the commercialization of a religious garment. This new type of hijab serves as a form of adaptation to the prevailing global materialistic culture. Women may find themselves trying to keep up with beauty standards dictated by fashion, even at the cost of their own values and cultural heritage.
Conclusio
As shown above, the hijab has a significant and positive impact on improving the family and societal life. Adherence to hijab promotes family health, societal well-being, and the preservation of values. It is a vital tool in safeguarding the integrity of families and society, ensuring that both thrive in a healthy, stable environment.
Sources:
- Al-Hurr al-‘Amili in his “Tafseer al-Wasa’il”, Qom: Al-Bait Institute, 1416 AH, Vol. 2.
- Bakhnjad, Seyed Reza, “The First University”, Shahid Baqnejad Cultural Publications, 1365.
- Haddad, Ali, “Cultural Nudity”, Soroush Publications, 1363.
- Al-Rajabi, Abbas, “Hijab and Its Role in Mental Health”, Research Publications, 1390.
