Hijab is Iman: A Micro Seires

This "Micro-Series" is written by an SFC Guest Contributor, Khi'dah Nayar

Al-Hayaa + Hijab = Iman

Al-Haya is an expression of shyness, a natural and conscious inclination to practice restraint before Allah(SWT).  It causes us to feel a sense of guilt or shame before committing a sin.  An example of shyness is not initiating conversations, participating in vain talk, touching or shaking hands, or allowing ourselves to be touched by men, even though they may be acquaintances, neighbors or distant male relatives.

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And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband's fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers or their brothers' sons, or their sisters' sons, or their women, or the slaves whom their right hands possess, or male servants free of physical needs, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex; and that they should not strike their feet in order to draw attention to their hidden ornaments. And O ye Believers! turn ye all together towards Allah, that ye may attain Bliss." Qur'an 24:31

When we become parents, our obligation as Muslims is to nurture the minds and souls of our children. With the help and mercy of Allah (SWT), we are entrusted with their care. We must prepare them for school by teaching them how to socialize with others. Throughout their lives we teach them appropriate manners, morals and etiquette as practiced in Islam.  We cover their heads, dress them modestly and give them the benefit of understanding the importance of al-haya (shyness) and the virtue of hijab. And most importantly we teach them the reason why . . .”Because we are Muslim.”

To Understand Why Muslim Women Cover (or Veil), we must study the Holy Qur’an.
Allah(SWT) commanded Muslim women to cover (head to toe) so that people are able to distinguish them as upright citizens from pious and respectable families. No one will stand in their way, follow them or make sexual advances toward them, due to their higher social status. The heart of a Muslim woman cannot be corrupt. Islam restored full rights of women to lead noble and productive lives in a civilized and ethical system

 Stay tuned for the next part of this Micro-Series. ​