Hijab In The Era Of Prophecy

Many a time people have argued whether Sahaabiyaat (the female Companions of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam used to observe Hijaab or not. Such arguments are predominantly centered around the actual veiling of the face, proclaiming that such an act was not alive within the Sahabiyaat.This argument however, is merely false consolation and bears little or no weight. 

There are many evidential ahadith and incidents which reinforce the observance of Hijaab and actual veiling of the female face within the era of the glorious prophecy. 

Hazrat Ali (R.A) narrates that once he was in the presence of the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam when the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam questioned, "Tell me what is the most worthy act of a woman?" Upon hearing this all the Companions of the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam remained silent. Hazrat Ali (R.A) further reports that when I returned to my house I forwarded the same question to Hazrat Fatimah (R.A). She replied, "A woman should not see any man nor should a man see her." Hazrat Ali (R.A) says, "I then related this to the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam and he stated that Fatimah is my beloved child, for this reason she has understood properly." (Musnad-e-Bazzaar) 

From this hadith we have learnt that Hijaab is the most important item in a woman’s life. The whole aim for a woman is to keep her beauty hidden so that it is not revealed to a ‘non-mehram’ (to whom marriage is permissible) which could finally lead to evil acts. 

Hazrat Aa’isha (R.A) narrates that on one occasion a female fellow Muslim wanted to give a letter to the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, the letter was delivered to the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam from behind a curtain. (Abu Dawood, Nasai and Mishkaat) 

Considering the fact that all female believers are the daughters of the Prophet Sallallahu Alahi Wasallam and that the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam himself was flawless, the above incident is evidence enough of the fact that the Sahaabiyaat were observers of Hijaab. 

Hazrat Umme Atiyyah (R.A) has narrated that the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam once ordered that upon the day of Eid,that even the menstruating women and the veiled girls should also join the Eid congregation (in order that the congregation may project a greater number of Muslims for onlooking non-Muslims). 

Some Muslim women questioned, "If one of us does not have a veil should we still attend the congregation?"

The Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam answered, 

"Her (Muslim) sister should cover her in her cloak." (Mishkaat)