The Question of Hijab

The Question of Hijab: Suppression or Liberation?

Mary C. Ali

In the Name of Allāh, Most Gracious, Most Merciful;

All the praise and thanks are due to Allāh, and May Allāh’s blessings and peace be upon His Messenger.

1. “Say to the believing man that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that will make for greater purity for them; and Allāh is well acquainted with all that they do. And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; and 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…” [An-Nur, 24:30-31]

2. “O Prophet, tell your wives and daughters and the believing women to draw their outer garments around them (when they go out or are among men). That is better in order that they may be known (to be Muslims) and not annoyed…” [Al-Ahzāb, 33:59]

3. “Aishah (Radiallāhu`anha) reported that Asma the daughter of Abu Bakar as-Siddiq (Radiallāhu`anhu) came to the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam) while wearing thin clothing. He approached her and said: ‘O Asma! When a girl reaches the menstrual age, it is not proper that anything should remain exposed except this and this. He pointed to the face and hands.” [Abu Dawud]

1. Why Do Muslim Women Cover Their Heads?

“Why do Muslim women have to cover their heads?” This question is one which is asked by Muslim and non-Muslim alike. For many women it is the truest test of being a Muslim.

The answer to the question is very simple - Muslim women observe Hijab [covering the head and the body] because Allāh Subhanahu wa Ta’ala has told them to do so.

“O Prophet, tell your wives and daughters and the believing women to draw their outer garments around them (when they go out or are among men). That is better in order that they may be known (to be Muslims) and not annoyed…”

[Al-Ahzab, 33:59]

Other secondary reasons include the requirement for modesty in both men and women. Both will then be evaluated for intelligence and skills instead of looks and sexuality. An Iranian school girl is quoted as saying, “We want to stop men from treating us like sex objects, as they have always done. We want them to ignore our appearance and to be attentive to our personalities and mind. We want them to take us seriously and treat us as equals and not just chase us around for our bodies and physical looks.” A Muslim woman who covers her head is making a statement about her identity. Anyone who sees her will know that she is a Muslim and has a good moral character. Many Muslim women who cover are filled with dignity and self esteem; they are pleased to be identified as a Muslim woman. As a chaste, modest, pure woman, she does not want her sexuality to enter into interactions with men in the smallest degree. A woman who covers herself is concealing her sexuality but allowing her femininity to be brought out.

The question of hijab for Muslim women has been a controversy for centuries and will probably continue for many more. Some learned people do not consider the subject open to discussion and consider that covering the face is required, while a majority is of the opinion that it is not required.

A middle line position is taken by some who claim that the instructions are vague and open to individual discretion depending on the situation.

The wives of the Prophet (Sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam)  were required to cover their faces so that men would not think of them in sexual terms since they were the “Mothers of the Believers,” but this requirement was not extended to other women.

2. The Extent of the Covering.

The word “hijab” comes from the Arabic word “hajaba” meaning to hide from view or conceal. In the present time, the context of hijab is the modest covering of a Muslim woman. The question now is what is the extent of the covering? The Qurān says:

“(30).Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc.). That is purer for them. Verily, Allah is All-Aware of what they do. (31).And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc.) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like palms of hands or one eye or both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer dress like veil, gloves, head-cover, apron, etc.), and to draw their veils all over Juyubihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms, etc.) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband's fathers, their sons, their husband's sons, their brothers or their brother's sons, or their sister's sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islam), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful.“

[An-Nur, 24:30-31]

These verses from the Qurān contain two main injunctions:

A woman should not show her beauty or adornments except what appears by uncontrolled factors such as the wind blowing her clothes, and the head covers should be drawn so as to cover the hair, the neck and the bosom.

3. Requirements of the Hijab

Islam has no fixed standard as to the style of dress or type of clothing that Muslims must wear. However, some must be met.

The first of these requirements is the parts of the body which must be covered:

Islam has two sources for guidance and rulings: first, the Qurān, the revealed word of Allāh and secondly, the Hadith or the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam) who was chosen by Allāh to be the role model for mankind. The following is a Tradition of the Prophet:

“Aishah (Radiallāhu`anha) reported that Asma the daughter of Abu Bakar as-Siddiq (Radiallāhu`anhu) came to the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam) while wearing thin clothing. He approached her and said: ‘O Asma! When a girl reaches the menstrual age, it is not proper that anything should remain exposed except this and this. He pointed to the face and hands.” [Abu Dawud]

The second requirement is looseness:

The clothing must be loose enough so as not to describe the shape of the woman’s body. One desirable way to hide the shape of the body is to wear a cloak over other clothes. However, if the clothing is loose enough, an outer garment is not necessary.

Thickness is the third requirement:

The clothing must be thick enough so as not to show the color of the skin it covers or the shape of the body. The Prophet Muhammad (Sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam) stated that in later generations of his ummah there would be “women who would be dressed but naked and on top of their heads (what looks like) camel humps. Curse them for they are truly cursed.” [Muslim]

Another requirement is an over-all dignified appearance:

The clothing should not attract men’s attention to the woman. It should not be shiny and flashy so that everyone notices the dress and the woman.

In addition there are other requirements:

• Women must not dress so as to appear as men:

“Ibn Abbas (Radiallāhu`anhu) narrated: ‘The Prophet (Sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam) cursed the men who appear like women and the women who appear like men.’” [Bukhāri]

• Women should not dress in a way similar to the unbelievers.

• The clothing should be modest, not excessively fancy and also not excessively ragged to gain others admiration or sympathy.

Often forgotten is the fact that modern Western dress is a new invention. Looking at the clothing of women as recently as seventy years ago, we see clothing similar to hijab. These active and hard-working women of the West were not inhibited by their clothing which consisted of long, full dresses and various types of head covering.

Muslim women who wear hijab do not find it impractical or interfering with their activities in all levels and walks of life. Hijab is not merely a covering dress but more importantly, it is behavior, manners, speech and appearance in public. Dress is only one facet of the total being.

The basic requirement of the Muslim woman’s dress applies to the Muslim man’s clothing with the difference being mainly in degree. Modesty requires that the area between the navel and the knee be covered in front of all people except the wife. The clothing of men should not be like the dress of women, nor should it be tight or provocative. A Muslim should dress to show his identity as a Muslim. Men are not allowed to wear gold or silk. However, both are allowed for women.

Consequence of those women who expose themselves

In order to truly show how evil those women who expose themselves are, let us ponder over the following statement of Allāh’s Messenger (Sallallāhu ‘alaihi wassallam):

“Of the people of Hell, there are two types that I have never seen; the first are those holding whips like the tail of an ox with which they flog people. The second are women who would be naked despite being dressed (i.e. either paltry dressed or wearing translucent clothes), who are seduced and who seduce others. Their hair is high like the humps of a camel. These women will not enter Paradise, nor will they smell its fragrance, although its fragrance can be smelled from such and such a (very far) distance.”

[Muslim]

(The article was excerpted from IIIE Brochure Series published by The Institute of Islāmic Information and Education (IIIE) reproduced by Islamic Academy for Scientific Research and MSA.)

[Via MSA]

The Significance of Hijab

The Significance of Hijab

Ibn Abdallah

 

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful;
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

"And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest and to display of their ornaments only that which is apparent, and to draw their veils over their bosoms and not to display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands’ fathers, their sons, their husband’s son , their brothers or theirs brothers’ sons, or their sister’s son, or their women, or the slaves whom their right hands possess, or male servants free from physical needs, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex ;and that they should not strike their feet so as to reveal what is in their inner garments."

[Surah Nur, 24:31]

It often occurs that many of our sisters in Islam are not correctly enlightened once they begin to observe the requirements of Hijab (Islamic women's dress). It may be that they have been obliged to wear the Hijab without truly pondering over its superiority and uniqueness. Perhaps they have reached the age of puberty and their parents have instructed them to wear it. Perhaps they have recently accepted Islam and their close companions have told them of its obligation, or perhaps their husband has commanded them to wear it.

A sister who does not truly know the superiority of Hijāb will always remain envious of disbelieving women. It is simply because they observe the disbelievers attempting to look beautiful for all to see. Hence, the Muslim woman then compares herself to that woman, which causes her to feel ashamed of her own Hijab.

Therefore, what follows is a reminder for our sisters in Islam. It is a reminder of the true status of these so-called beautiful women. It is a reminder of the excellence of the women who wear Hijāb.

Excellent Qualities of Those who Wear Hijāb.

It is well known that the Muslim woman is a creature of modesty. Allāh loves for our Muslim women to be shielded by their Hijāb. It is their outer protection from the decadence of this life.

Allāh’s Messenger (Sallallāhu ‘alaihi wassallam) said:

“Allāh is modest and covering. He loves modesty and privacy.”

[Ahmad and Others]

Thus, as modesty is a quality that is loved by Allāh, our sisters must take comfort in knowing that they are modest and not like those women who show themselves off to the world. Such women will not be shielded from Allāh’s wrath. Allāh’s Messenger (Sallallāhu ‘alaihi wassallam) said:

“Any woman, who takes off her clothes in other than her husband’s home, has broken Allah’s shield upon her.”

[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidzi]

Therefore, the Hijāb of the Muslim woman is indeed part of modesty. Modesty accompanies Iman (faith); this is why the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alaihi wassallam) said:

“Modesty is part of Iman and Iman is in Paradise.” [At-Tirmidzi] and: “Modesty and Iman are (intimate) companions: when one departs, so does the other.” [Al-Hakim and Others]

The Muslim woman must know that the disbelieving women who beautify themselves for the whole world to see possess no modesty; thus, they are void of any Iman. Instead of looking to the latest fashion models for guidance, she should look to the wives of the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alaihi wassallam).

Look at the regard for modesty that ‘Aishah (radiallāhu1anhu) possessed, even in the presence of the deceased; she said:

“I used to enter the room where the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alaihi wassallam) and my father, Abu Bakar, were buried without wearing my (outer) garment, saying that it was only my husband and my father. But when ‘Umar bin Al-Khattāb was later buried (in the same place), I did not enter the room except that I had my outer garment on, due to being shy of ‘Umar.”

It could be quite difficult for the Muslim woman to go out wearing Hijāb in a society that mocks and torments her. She would certainly feel strange and incongruous. However, if she realizes the status of those who are mocked by the disbelievers, then she would continue to wear her Hijāb with dignity.

Allāh Says in the Al-Qurān:

“Indeed, those who committed crimes used to laugh at those who believed. And when they passed by them, they would exchange derisive glances. And when they returned to their people, they would return jesting. And when they saw them, they would say: 'Indeed, those are truly lost.' But they have not been sent as guardians over them. So Today [i.e., the Day of Judgement] those who believed are laughing at the disbelievers, on adorned couches, observing. Have the disbelievers [not] been rewarded [this Day] for what they used to do?”

 [Al-Mutaffifin, 83:29-36]

These words of Allāh should serve as a support for the sisters. Also, take comfort in being a stranger among these lewd and sinful women. Allāh’s Messenger (Sallallāhu ‘alaihi wassallam) said:

“Islam began as something strange, and it will revert to (its old position of) being strange, so good news is for the strangers.”

[Muslim]

The Characteristic of the Exposed.

Instead of wearing the Hijāb (covering), the disbelieving women expose themselves, making a dazzling display of themselves for others. Such a display is an attribute of ignorance.

Allah Says in His Book:

“And abide in your houses and do not display yourselves as [was] the display of the former times of ignorance…”

 [Al-Ahzab, 33:33]

Allāh’s Messenger (Sallallāhu ‘alaihi wassallam) said:

“The best of your women are the affectionate, the fertile, the comforting, and the agreeable – if they fear Allāh. The most evil of your women are those who expose and display themselves, and those who strut (to show off), and they are the hypocrites. Those who enter Paradise are like the red beaked crow.”

[Al-Baihaqi]

The mentioning of this kind of crow is to highlight that those who enter Paradise will be as rare as this kind of crow.

We see from the above verse and Hadith (prophetic statement) that it is certainly unlawful for a Muslim woman to make a display of herself. Further, it is a quality of the most evil of women. Therefore, do not be envious of the disbelieving women. They only have this life to enjoy, while the believing women will have Paradise. There is nothing in your Hijāb to be ashamed of as it is the garment of the righteous and pious female worshippers of Allāh.

In order to truly show how evil those women who expose themselves are, let us ponder over the following statement of Allāh’s Messenger (Sallallāhu ‘alaihi wassallam):

“Of the people of Hell, there are two types that I have never seen; the first are those holding whips like the tail of an ox with which they flog people. The second are women who would be naked despite being dressed (i.e. either paltry dressed or wearing translucent clothes), who are seduced and who seduce others. Their hair is high like the humps of a camel. These women will not enter Paradise, nor will they smell its fragrance, although its fragrance can be smelled from such and such a (very far) distance.”

[Muslim]

These women who expose themselves are common among us today. These are women that even the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alaihi wassallam) did not see! Look around you and you will see those women who are clothed but naked! Look at the hair styles of the women who expose themselves – are they not high like a camel’s hump?

Perhaps we are the first generation since the time of Adam (`alaihissalam) to witness such women. If one ponders over photographs taken thirty to fifty years ago, he will see that the disbelieving women did not expose themselves in the manner that their offspring do today! These women are among the people of the Fire! Thus, how can you envy them?

Therefore, the Muslim men should not let the people of the Fire affect the modesty of their wives, daughters and sisters. Such lewd women will not even smell the fragrance of Paradise, so our women must avoid their path.

Another lesson from the above Hadith is that it confirms that what the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alaihi wassallam) came with is indeed the truth! This is a prophecy that has come to pass in front of our very eyes. Hence, will we continue to envy these evil women, or should we be grateful to our Lord for the Hijab, which brings modesty which leads to Paradise?

On the whole, the Muslim woman should abandon all of the ways of the exposed, and adopt the ways of those who are modest through their love and practice of the proper Islamic Hijāb.

[Via Islam Web]

Memahami Erti Sebenar Menutup Awrat

Memahami Erti Sebenar Menutup Awrat

Oleh Masmawi Abdulāh

Dengan  Nama Allāh, Yang Maha Pemurah, lagi Maha Mengasihani;
Segala Pujian dan  Kesyukuran hanya kepada Allāh Subhanahu wa ta’ala;Selawat dan Salam keatas junjungan Nabi  Muhammad  

Dengan Nama Allāh, Yang Maha Pemurah, lagi Maha Mengasihani;

Segala Pujian dan Kesyukuran hanya kepada Allāh Subhanahu wa ta’ala; Selawat dan Salam keatas junjungan Nabi Muhammad

WANITA zaman pasca moden ini, pakaian dan cara berpakaian sebahagian wanita sekarang gagal mencapai matlamat menutup awrat seperti dituntut Islām. Pakaian mereka hanya berjaya menutup kulit badan, tetapi masih tetap mempamerkan kecantikan dan keistimewaan bentuk serta susuk hingga boleh dikatakan, sama ada mereka berpakaian atau tidak, sama saja.

Tetapi itulah hakikatnya, mereka terbabit dengan amalan tabarruj iaitu perbuatan mendedahkan kecantikan rupa paras, sama ada kecantikan itu di bahagian muka atau anggota badan lain. Menurut Al-Bakhari, tabarruj ialah wanita yang memperlihatkan kecantikan rupa parasnya.

Ketara sekali mereka yang berkenaan khususnya wanita yang mengakui Muslimat, tetapi sukar dikategorikan sebagai Mu’minat, terlalu ingin memperagakan kecantikan diri atau keistimewaan sifat fizikal kewanitaan mereka.

Mereka berpakaian untuk menambahkan kecantikan, bukan untuk menutup awrat. Di samping itu, mereka bersolek dan menggayakan gerak serta lagak yang menarik ketika berada di luar rumah, sedangkan tidak demikian apabila berada di rumah.

Untuk mendapat perhatian orang ramai itulah mereka menghiasi diri dengan pakaian fesyen baru yang mengikut aliran semasa, indah serta mahal, diserikan dengan barang kemas mewah bergemerlapan, manakala wajah disolek bahan mekap berwarna-warni.

Pakaian mereka tidak berfungsi sebagai penutup awrat lagi, bukan untuk melindungi kecantikan daripada pandangan lelaki bukan mahram, sebaliknya mendedahkan habis-habisan. Sedangkan amalan itu ditegah.

Allāh Subhanahu wa Ta`ala berfirman yang bermaksud:

"Dan hendaklah kalian (wanita Islam) tetap di rumah kalian berhias (bersolek) dan mendedahkannya (bertabarruj) seperti mereka lakukan oleh orang-orang jahiliah dulu." 

[Surah al Ahzab, 33: 33]

Selain terbabit amalan tabarruj, tradisi berpakaian dan bersolek kalangan wanita moden sekarang membuktikan umat manusia akhir zaman terutama wanitanya, sudah jauh berundur ke belakang untuk kembali ke zaman kuno dan mewarisi cara hidup kolot manusia primitif zaman batu, atau setidak-tidaknya mengamalkan cara hidup zaman jahiliah.

Hal ini jelas sekali kerana bukankah amalan menghiasi muka dengan tempelan bahan mekap pelbagai warna yang dilakukan wanita moden sekarang sama dengan amalan menconteng muka yang dilakukan manusia primitif zaman kuno dulu?

Bukankah amalan mendedahkan awrat depan khalayak ramai yang dilakukan wanita moden ini adalah amalan wanita zaman jahiliah. Tidakkah ini satu kesinambungan antara tradisi zaman jahiliah dan tradisi zaman pasca moden ini?

Memang berlaku perubahan positif dalam hal berpakaian untuk menutup aurat di kalangan wanita Islam di negara kita dalam dekad mutakhir ini. Tetapi malangnya, perubahan itu tidak menyeluruh kerana masih ramai yang tetap dengan tradisi berpakaian mereka.

Jika ada yang memenuhi kewajipan menutup awrat, tidak memenuhi tuntutan mengikut kehendak hukum syarak. Contohnya, memang sudah ramai wanita memakai tudung tetapi pada masa sama, memakai baju dan kain atau seluar ketat yang jelas memperlihatkan bahagian tertentu badan mereka.

Berpakaian seperti itu sudah tentu tidak diterima sebagai menutup awrat, kerana menutup awrat dalam Islam bukan sekadar menutup kulit badan, tetapi melindungi rupa bentuk kulit semua bahagian anggota badan.

Allāh Subhanahu wa Ta`ala  berfirman yang bermaksud:

"Dan katakanlah kepada perempuan-perempuan yang beriman supaya menyekat pandangan mereka (daripada memandang yang haram), dan memelihara kehormatan mereka; dan janganlah mereka memperlihatkan perhiasan tubuh mereka kecuali yang zahir daripadanya; dan hendaklah mereka menutup belahan leher bajunya dengan tudung kepala mereka. Dan janganlah mereka memperlihatkan perhiasan tubuh mereka melainkan kepada suami mereka, atau bapa mereka, atau bapa mertua mereka,atau anak-anak mereka,atau anak-anak tirir mereka,atau saudara-saudara mereka, atau anak bagi saudara-saudara mereka yang lelaki, atau anak bagi saudara-saudara mereka yang perempuan,atau perempuan-perempuan islam,atau hamba-hamba mereka atau orang gaji dari orang-orang lelaki yang telah tua dan tidak berkeinginan kepada perempuan, atau kanak-kanak yang belum mengerti lagi tentang aurat perempuan, dan janganlah mereka menghentakkan kaki untuk diketahui orang akan apa yang tersembunyi dari perhiasan mereka; dan bertaubatlah kamu sekalian kepada Allāh, wahai orang-orang yang beriman, suapaya kamu berjaya".

[ Surah An-Nur, 24:31].

Maksud ayat itu sangat jelas, namun seolah-olah belum dapat difahami wanita. Buktinya mereka tidak mematuhi arahan menutup awrat itu sepenuhnya. Malah, ramai yang langsung tidak menghiraukannya.

Mereka sebenarnya mempersendakan hukum Allāh Subhanahu wa Ta`ala apabila menutup kepala dan rambut sepenuhnya tetapi masih memperlihatkan bentuk anggota badan dalam pakaian yang ketat sendat atau mendedahkan bahagian anggota lain seperti kedua belah betis apabila memakai seluar, skirt atau sarung sempit yang berbelah di bawah.

Masih ramai lagi wanita yang enggan memakai tudung kepala, atau hanya menutup kepala dengan kelubung kecil, menampakkan bahagian depan dan ekor rambut. Ia juga adalah perbuatan yang boleh dianggap sebagai mempersendakan hukum Allāh Subhanahu wa Ta`ala.

Demikian juga dengan amalan memakai tudung kepala pelbagai bentuk dan fesyen. Walaupun mereka berjaya menutup kepala dan rambut, namun masih mendedahkan tengkuk, leher serta sebahagian dada atau memperlihatkan bentuk dada dalam baju yang ketat.

Semua fenomena mendedahkan aurat itu adalah ciri amalan tabarruj, amalan kaum zaman jahiliah. Selain tradisi berpakaian, tradisi bersolek yang termasuk dalam amalan tabarruj kurang diberi perhatian. Seolah-olah larangan dalam hal ini tidak diketahui.

Keadaan wanita yang tidak terbabit dengan tabarruj ialah wanita yang tidak keluar rumah, tidak bercampur-gaul dengan lelaki bukan muhrim dan apabila keluar, tetap memakai pakaian menutup aurat sepenuhnya dan wajah mereka tanpa bersolek.

Golongan terbabit dengan tabarruj ialah wanita yang keluar rumah dengan berpakaian tidak sopan atau berpakaian ala Barat, mendedahkan banyak bahagian aurat atau berpakaian sopan tetapi tidak menutup aurat sepenuhnya atau berpakaian moden, ketat, singkat dan berbelah.

Allāh mengetahui akibat baik dan buruk daripada segala tindak-tanduk hamba-Nya, termasuk akibat buruk daripada pendedahan awrat atau perlakuan tabarruj itu. Sehubungan itu, Allāh mewajibkan wanita menutup awrat mereka.

Firman Allāh Subhanahu wa Ta`ala bermaksud:

"Wahai Nabi, suruhlah isterimu dan anak perempuanmu serta wanita yang beriman, supaya melabuhkan jilbab mereka bagi menutup seluruh tubuh mereka (semasa mereka keluar). Cara yang demikian lebih mudah untuk mereka dikenali (sebagai wanita yang baik), maka dengan itu mereka tidak diganggu. (Ingatlah) Allāh adalah Maha Pengampun lagi Maha Penyayang." 

[Surah al-Ahzab, 33: 59]

Rasūlullāh (Sallallahu 'alaihi wassallam) bersabda:

"Sebaik-baik perempuan-perempuan kamu yang penyayang, subur, selesa, dan saling bersetuju - jika mereka takut pada Allāh. Perempuan-perempuan kamu yang paling jahat adalah orang-orang yang mendedahkan dan memaparkan diri (awrat) mereka, dan orang-orang yang berhentak kaki (untuk menunjuk-nunjuk), dan mereka adalah orang-orang munafik. Mereka yang masuk syurga adalah seperti burung gagak berparuh merah (ia-itu jarang terdapat)."

[Al-Baihaqi]

Rasūlullāh (Sallāllahu 'alaihi wassallam) juga telah bersabda:

"Dan di antara manusia neraka, terdapat dua jenis yang aku tidak pernah melihat, yang pertama adalah orang-orang yang memegang cambuk seperti ekor lembu yang mereka mencambuk orang. Yang kedua adalah wanita yang akan telanjang walaupun yang berpakaian (iaitu sama ada berpakaian remeh-temeh atau memakai pakaian jarang), yang derhaka dan yang menggoda orang lain. Rambut mereka adalah tinggi seperti bonggol unta yang. Wanita-wanita ini tidak akan masuk syurga, dan mereka tidak akan bau wangiannya, walaupun wangi boleh berbau dari itu dan jarak (sangat jauh). "

[Muslim]

Wallahu'alam

[Via BH]

Etika Berpakaian Menurut Islam

Etika Berpakaian Menurut Islam

Dengan  Nama Allāh, Yang Maha Pemurah, lagi Maha Mengasihani;
Segala Pujian dan  Kesyukuran hanya kepada Allāh; Selawat dan Salam keatas Muhammad Rasūllullāh.

 

Pakaian adalah salah satu diantara tiga keperluan asas dan terpenting yang perlu dimiliki dan dipenuhi oleh setiap manusia dalam menjalani kehidupan seharian. Selain sebagai keperluan asasi, pakaian juga boleh menjadi ekoran keperibadian seseorang, sebagai simbol atau tanda dan lain-lain perlembagaan.

Kriteria berpakaian itu tidak memadai hanya berdasarkan ukuran adat, kerana adat boleh berubah. Justeru itu, pakaian juga boleh berubah.

Oleh kerana itulah ukuran agama adalah yang paling tepat bagi menentukan etika atau kriteria berpakaian iaitu menutup awrat yang menepati kehendak hukum syarak.

Apabila berbicara mengenai pakaian, kita tidak dapat lari dari memperkatakan tentang awrat kerana dalam Islam pakaian dan awrat adalah sangat berkait rapat antara satu sama lain.

Dari segi bahasa, awrat itu berasal dari perkataan Arab yang bererti aib atau sesuatu yang memalukan.

 Menurut istilah syarak pula, awrat adalah bahagian tubuh manusia yang wajib ditutup dan dilindungi daripada pandangan orang lain.

Menutup awrat adalah wajib keatas setiap Muslim, tidak kira lelaki atau perempuan. Kewajipan ini berdasarkan kepada dalil-dalil daripada Al-Quran dan Hadis.

Diantaranya firman Allāh Subhanahu wa Ta’ala:

“Dan katakanlah kepada perempuan-perempuan yang beriman supaya menyekat pandangan mereka (daripada memandang yang haram), dan memelihara kehormatan mereka; dan janganlah mereka memperlihatkan perhiasan tubuh mereka kecuali yang zahir daripadanya; dan hendaklah mereka menutup belahan leher bajunya dengan tudung kepala mereka; dan janganlah mereka memperlihatkan perhiasan tubuh mereka melainkan kepada suami mereka, atau bapa mereka atau bapa mertua mereka atau anak-anak mereka, atau anak-anak tiri mereka, atau saudara-saudara mereka, atau anak bagi saudara-saudara mereka yang lelaki, atau anak bagi saudara-saudara mereka yang perempuan, atau perempuan-perempuan Islam, atau hamba-hamba mereka, atau orang gaji dari orang-orang lelaki yang telah tua dan tidak berkeinginan kepada perempuan, atau kanak-kanak yang belum mengerti lagi tentang aurat perempuan; dan janganlah mereka menghentakkan kaki untuk diketahui orang akan apa yang tersembunyi dari perhiasan mereka; dan bertaubatlah kamu sekalian kepada Allāh, wahai orang-orang yang beriman, supaya kamu berjaya.”  

[An-Nur 24:31]

Melalui dalil ini, jelaslah bahawa Islam amat mengambil berat terhadap masalah awrat sehingga diterangkan dengan penjelasan yang begitu terperinci sebagaimana disebutkan didalam Ayat 31 Surah An-Nur tadi, dan lebih daripada itu, kita juga digalakkan untuk menutup awrat dalam keadaan kita berseorangan ,meskipun ditempat yang sunyi dan tertutup.

Hukum wajib menutup awrat tidak boleh dipertikaikan lagi dan tidak boleh dimansuhkan dengan hujjah akal, walau sehebat mana logiknya hujjah itu. Ini kerana hukum itu telah ditetapkan dengan nas yang jelas yang tidak boleh diijtihadkan.

Nas yang terang dan jelas mengatasi akal rasional, kerana nas itu adalah wahyu yang nyata maksudnya, tidak memerlukan akal rasional untuk menerangkannya, apa lagi untuk membatalkan konsepnya yang jelas itu.

Walau bagaimana pun pintarnya seseorang itu dan cerdiknya seorang pejuang hak wanita, namun mereka tidak akan dapat menentang dan menukar ketetapan Allāh yang Maha Mengetahui lagi Maha Bijaksana. Malah sikap sebahagian mereka yang memperkecilkan-kecilkan dan mempersenda-sendakan hukum Allāh jelas memperlihatkan kejahilan dan kecetekan akal fikiran mereka dalam menganggapi hikmat disebalik larangan-larangan Allāh yang pada mereka amat mengongkong kebebasan dan pergerakkan.

Sungguh pun begitu, akal rasional boleh meneliti hikmah disebalik kewajipan itu bagi menambah keyakinan terhadap kebenaran hukum yang telah ditetapkan oleh nas.

Rasūlullāh (SallAllāhu 'alaihi wassallam) bersabda:

"Sebaik-baik perempuan-perempuan kamu yang penyayang, subur, selesa, dan saling bersetuju - jika mereka takut pada Allāh. Perempuan-perempuan kamu yang paling jahat adalah orang-orang yang mendedahkan dan memaparkan diri (awrat) mereka, dan orang-orang yang berhentak kaki (untuk menunjuk-nunjuk), dan mereka adalah orang-orang munafik. Mereka yang masuk syurga adalah seperti burung gagak berparuh merah (ia-itu jarang terdapat)."

[Al-Baihaqi]

Mengenai akibat bagi orang-orang perempuan yang mendedahkan diri mereka, Rasūlullāh (Sallāllahu 'alaihi wassallam) bersabda:

"Dan di antara manusia neraka, terdapat dua jenis yang aku tidak pernah melihat, yang pertama adalah orang-orang yang memegang cambuk seperti ekor lembu yang mereka mencambuk orang. Yang kedua adalah wanita yang akan telanjang walaupun yang berpakaian (iaitu sama ada berpakaian remeh-temeh atau memakai pakaian jarang), yang derhaka dan yang menggoda orang lain. Rambut mereka adalah tinggi seperti bonggol unta yang. Wanita-wanita ini tidak akan masuk syurga, dan mereka tidak akan bau wangiannya, walaupun wangi boleh berbau dari itu dan jarak (sangat jauh). "

[Muslim]

Wanita-wanita tidak menutup awrat ini tidak akan masuk syurga, dan mereka tidak akan bau wangiannya, walaupun wangi boleh berbau dari itu dan jarak (sangat jauh).

Diantara hikmah kewajipan menutup awrat itu adalah untuk melindungi diri daripada jenayah seks. Sebagaimana yang kita ketahui, jenayah seks adalah diantara jenayah yang sangat berleluasa dan kerap berlaku pada dekad ini. Jenayah-jenayah seperti rogol, sumbang mahram dan khalwat memang sudah tidak asing lagi pada pendengaran kita. Punca yang banyak menyumbang kearah berlakunya perkara ini ialah pendedahan awrat. Kenyataan ini boleh dibuktikan daripada berbagai-bagai sudut kajian dan penipuan.

WAllāhu‘alam

[Via Jais (Khutbah Juma’at, 8 Jun 2007)]

Please See:The Question of Hijab: Suppression or Liberation?