Why Do Muslim Women Wear the Hijab? 

The hijab most commonly refers to the veil or head covering worn by Muslim women, which covers the hair, ears, neck, and chest. Different terms have been used to describe varying versions of it, as it has also been referred to as the khimar and jilbab in the Quran. There is a consensus amongst Muslim scholars that the hijab is mandatory for Muslim women, and must be worn in front of non-mehram men (potential spouses to whom marriage would be lawful). So, why do Muslim women wear the hijab? 

1- The primary reason for donning a hijab is simple: it has been commanded by Allah (SWT) in the Quran. Wearing the hijab is a divine decree that must be followed if Allah (SWT) has been acknowledged as the supreme authority, and every Muslim must submit to His divine wisdom:
'And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their chastity, and not to reveal their adornments except what normally appears. Let them draw their veils over their chests, and not reveal their hidden adornments 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 bondwomen 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.' 24:31 

2- Islam deeply values modesty in both men and women, and this goes far beyond the way we dress. The hijab covers only one element of modesty - however, in addition to physical appearance, both Muslim men and women are required to be modest in their interactions and behaviour towards members of the opposite sex. For this reason, Allah (SWT) has limited the amount of physical contact allowed between unmarried men and women (i.e no touching or shaking hands). The hijab is merely an extension of this modest behaviour. In today's world, where unlimited exploitation of the female body has become the norm in much of Western society, a Muslim woman's hijab keeps her beauty sacred and treasured only by her loved ones. Here, it is essential to note that modesty in Islam is a requirement for both men and women: '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.' 24:30

3- The hijab acts as a source of protection for women. Today, where one in six girls in the USA have been sexually assaulted by the age of 18, the hijab is worn as a precaution by Muslim women against male predators and harassers in public spaces. (It is important to mention that while the fault lies with the harasser and not the victim, it is only prudent and wise to guard and protect oneself from such individuals). The Quran mentions: '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.' 

In conclusion, while the hijab may be painted by modern Western society as an oppressive means to control women and with no place in the 21st century, Muslim women take a different view of the matter. They consider the hijab instead to be a tool of empowerment given to them by Islam, that allows them to not only take control of who can access their sexuality but also allows them to be judged on the basis of their character rather than their outward appearance. The hijab rejects every modern beauty standard imposed on women, that promotes an open display of the female body and deceives woman into thinking that she will gain society's respect by objectifying herself. The hijab is an understanding that a woman is more than just her body. The hijab is a sign of a woman's self-respect, and it likewise demands society's respect for her as an individual.