Alhamdulillah wa salatu wa salam ala rasulullah (SAW) amma ba'd..Assalamualikum
This is one of the most commonly talked about topic among Non-Muslims and Muslims. There are many misconceptions regarding among Non-Muslims and suprisingly among Muslims. I would like to begin with an Ayah from the Holy Quran before further explanation.
“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies. That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allah is Ever Oft‑Forgiving, Most Merciful” [al-Ahzaab 33:59]
Hijab for women is clearly mentioned in the Quran unlike some people who think otherwise.
My sisters, I need you to pay very clear atention to this. The awrah of a women is to cover her entire body except her hands and her face. So it is crystal clear that the feet has to be covered. It disturbed me to see many women who dont cover their feet. The reason, I think, why it has never been emphasized is because the abaya is supposed to cover your feet. But many a times it does not cover the feet. So it is recommended to wear socks. Although socks give out the shape of your leg, it covers it.
There are mainly two misconceptions regarding this topic among people(both Muslims and Non-Muslims). In Sha Allah I will discuss this topic in 'Misconceptions-Hijab for women'.
I would like to end with a Hadith to make apparent the importance of Hijab:
Narrated by Abu Hurayrah: Allah's Messenger (SAW) said: ‘There are two types, amongst the denizens of Hell, I have yet not seen them! One possessing whips like the tail of an ox and they flog people with them. (The second one) the women who would be naked in spite of their being dressed, who are seduced (to wrong paths) and seduce others with their hair high like humps. These women would not get into Paradise and they would not even perceive the odor (fragrance) of Paradise, although its fragrance can be perceived from such and such distance!’ [Sahih Muslim Hadith 6840].
A message:
~For Non-Hijabi sisters-Please reflect upon the above Ayah and Hadith and start wearing your Hijab. It wont draw the attention of the world, but certainly it would please Allah which is more important. People will judge by who you are and not how you look or how you dress.
~For Hijabi sisters-Please dont look down on those who dont wear Hijab. Rather help them and make them aware of it with politeness as some may not even know how important it is. And please dont judge other sisters if they dont have proper hijab. You dont know what struggle they are going through. Your judgement will help them to get closer or away from Islam.
If I made any mistakes, it was from Shaytan and my own mistakes. If anything you find is useful, is from Allah as He guides whom He wills.
JazakAllahu Khairan. BarakAllah Fekkum and Salam...