Niqab Fard or Sunnah

26 Mar 2019 Ref-No#: 1485

Salam alaikum wrb
Ya shaykh if u could pls answer this question I’d really appreciate it. Is niqab Fard or sunnah? What about for a convert living in the west? Would it be permissible for them to unveil if it’s causing them a lot of stress due to veiling attracting unwanted attention due to the islamaphobia putting one at risk for harassment? Also I don’t know anyone else that wears it around me and even the sisters that just where the scarf think covering the face is “extreme” so it’s hard for me to make friends with these sisters I don’t feel comfortable around them if I’m veiled bc of they think this way

Answer

Wa’alaykum as Salam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu,

It is compulsory (Wajib) for a female to don the Niqab. Allah Ta’ala says:

Allah Ta’ala says in the Qur`an;

{ يَاأَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ قُلْ لِأَزْوَاجِكَ وَبَنَاتِكَ وَنِسَاءِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ يُدْنِينَ عَلَيْهِنَّ مِنْ جَلَابِيبِهِنَّ ذَلِكَ أَدْنَى أَنْ يُعْرَفْنَ فَلَا يُؤْذَيْنَ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ غَفُورًا رَحِيمًا} [الأحزاب: 59]

 “Oh Messenger! Tell your wives, your daughters and the wives of the believers that they should draw their “Jilbaab” over themselves. This is best for their recognition Allah is Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful”.(Sura Ahzaab, Verse 59)

The books of Ahadith are replete with narrations which depict how strict the Sahaabiyaat (honourable female companions) were in covering their faces.

Whilst doning the veil may draw attention and we do understand the Islamaphobia and harrassment which you face, that should not deter you from wearing a veil. There are numerous sisters who are covering themselves inspite of all the negativity. Throughout history and in many places even today, many Muslims were and are being persecuted for their beliefs, ways, and practises; but this did not deter them from practising on their faith.

A female in Niqab is not drawing unwanted attention; she is actually drawing the much needed attention to teach the world what is modesty and bashfulness.

Sister, wearing the Niqaab is also a form of Dawah. Everyone is aware of the immoralities in this era. Immorality begins with an evil and lustful glance. That ultimately leads to extra marital affairs, rape and stealing spouses etc.

How is it that many people cut or dye their hair in weird styles, dress like clowns, tattoo themselves in absurd ways, etc, and yet they are not concerned of what people feel or think. Yet we as Muslims hesitate to fulfill divine commands because of the assumptions of created beings.

In conclusion, keep in mind that this world is a test, and we have to show our dedication to Allah. Wear the Niqaab for the pleasure of Allah.

References

«أَمَرَ اللَّهُ نِسَاءَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ إِذَا خَرَجْنَ مِنْ بُيُوتِهِنَّ فِي حَاجَةٍ أَنْ يُغَطِّينَ وُجُوهَهُنَّ مِنْ فَوْقِ رُءُوسِهِنَّ بِالْجَلَابِيبِ (تفسير الطبري – 19/ 181)

عَنْ أُمِّ سَلَمَةَ قَالَتْ: لَمَّا نَزَلَتْ هَذِهِ الْآيَةُ: {يُدْنِينَ عَلَيْهِنَّ مِنْ جَلابِيبِهِنَّ} ، خَرَجَ نساء الأنصار كأن على رؤوسهن الْغِرْبَانُ مِنَ السَّكِينَةِ، وَعَلَيْهِنَّ أَكْسِيَةٌ سُودٌ يَلْبَسْنَهَا (تفسير ابن كثير – 6482)

The Niqab and its obligation in the Hanafi madhhab

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