Hijab Through the Ages

Importance Of Modesty And Hijab In Islam:

“ And tell the believing women that they must lower their gazes and guard their private parts, and not display their charms beyond what [it is acceptable] to reveal; they should let their headscarves [Khumur] fall to cover their necklines and not reveal their charms except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands’ fathers, their sons, their husbands’ sons, their brothers, their brothers’ sons, their sisters’ sons, their womenfolk, their slaves, such men as attend them who have no sexual desire, or children who are not yet aware of women’s nakedness; they should not stamp their feet so as to draw attention to any hidden charms. Believers, all of you, turn to God so that you may prosper.” [24:31]

Islam is a religion that advocates for modesty and humility. It encourages the believers to dress in ways that will conceal their beauty whilst commanding them to also lower their gaze whenever it lands upon a non mahram. 

Contrary to popular belief, the concept of modesty and covering up was never introduced with the intention to oppress any certain gender, in fact it was introduced as a symbol of  protection. As Allah (SWT) says in the Holy Quran,

O Prophet! Ask your wives, daughters, and believing women to draw their cloaks [Jilbab] 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. [33:59]  

It can be understood that the command to throw over a cloak or ‘an outer garment’ is bestowed upon Muslim women in order to conceal our beauty to save ourselves from any kind of harm.  Additionally, it is used as a symbol of one’s religious identity as well as their chaste character.

The Holy Quran specifically mentions “jilbabs” and “khimars” when highlighting the appropriate dress code expected of Muslim women. These serve as precursors for modern burqas and headscarves, respectively.

Though there are differences in beliefs amongst Muslims regarding the obligation around the dress code of Muslim women as different interpretations exist of the command of Allah (SWT), the lack of consensus is only in terms of the criteria and guidelines of modesty and the extent to which one must cover themselves. However, the notion of modesty remains undisputed

History of Modesty:

The concept of modesty initially began as certain dress, speech and interpersonal interactions aimed to portray humility and propriety. The community-oriented cultures placed a large emphasis on modest behavior, seeing it as essential for maintaining harmony in a group. 

The practice of head covering to symbolize a commitment to modesty was initially illustrated by the tichel or snood worn by Orthodox Jewish women, the mantilla, apostolnik, and wimple worn by some Christian women, and the dupatta worn by many Hindu and Sikh women. In all of these instances, there was a common theme of covering the hair, neck, and sometimes the ears, 

In the pre-Islamic period, known as the age of Jahiliyyah (ignorance), the concept of modesty began to diverge. Arabian society was characterized by extremes—on one hand, there were individuals and tribes who adhered to traditional forms of modesty, while on the other, there were those who indulged in excesses and moral laxity. Hijab primarily became a marker of social status with noblewomen donning elaborate veils to signify their elevated position in society. However, with the advent of Islam there was a profound shift in the understanding of modesty and the religion cemented it as a fundamental and crucial part of faith.

Verses in Surah Al-Ahzab and Nur (quoted above) outlined the importance of modesty in dress, behavior, and communication between men and women, and gave the divine command of using jilbabs and khimars as a physical representation of these virtues. 

Today, modesty is understood to be deeply connected to faith. It encompasses internal purity and humility, externally expressed through modest behavior and attire. Through hijab, Muslims feel empowered to express their faith and values with confidence. 

Cultural Adaptation of Hijab:

The hijab, a symbol of modesty and faith, has been an integral part of Islamic culture for centuries. While its core purpose remains consistent—to cover a woman's hair and maintain modesty—the styles, fabrics, and cultural interpretations of the hijab have evolved significantly over time. Some of which are highlighted below:

1) The Chador:
Typically worn by Iranian women, the chador is a type of open cloak that covers the entire body including the hands, shoulders, chest,etc. leaving only the face visible. Even though the chador has no buttons or clasps, it is held shut by the wearer simply by tucking it under their arms.

Originally, black chadors were reserved for mourning periods while colorful and patterned ones were utilized for everyday wear, but now there has been a rise in popularity of the black chador, which is worn outdoors while the light-colored chadors are reserved for indoor use,

2) Burka:
The burka, an advanced variation of the Chador, is an outer garment that covers the entire body, including the face. While it shares similarities with the Chador, and is most commonly worn in Iran and Afghanistan. However, this garment is known by different names in various regions: in Afghanistan, it is referred to as the "chadaree," in Central Asia as the "paranja," and in the Arab world, it is commonly known as the "boshiya," typically found in black.

3) Al-Amira:
The Al-Amira hijab is a popular and practical style known for its simplicity and ease of wear. This two-piece hijab consists of a close-fitting cap and a tube-like scarf that pulls over the head like a fitted hood. The Al-Amira offers quick, secure coverage, making it an ideal choice for daily use. Whether worn with an attached underscarf or a separate one, this style is especially favored in the Middle East, particularly in the Gulf countries, where its effortless design provides both comfort and convenience for modern Muslim women. Today, many women use hijab underscarfs to ensure that the Al-Amira stays in place throughout the day. 

Modern Trends in Hijab Fashion

The hijab world has now evolved. Muslim women around the world are embracing the hijab as a means of self-expression, experimenting with different fabrics, colors, and styles to create unique looks. This modern interpretation of the hijab has led to the rise of modest fashion, a global movement that celebrates modesty without compromising on style.

With the introduction of smart technology and innovative hijab accessories, the hijab journey has been made more accessible for all. Long gone are the days of safety pins snagging and ruining your scarves, instead they got replaced with the DEENIN Hijab Magnets. The small yet powerful magnets are designed to keep your scarves securely in place, no matter what activity you're doing. Unlike pins, these magnets do not pierce or damage the fabric, preserving the integrity and appearance of the hijab over time. 

On the other hand, provide a base layer that prevents your hijab from slipping and sliding, The DEENIN Underscarf with Tie-Back Closure is ideal in ensuring your hijab stays in place all day! While The tie-back closure offers a customizable fit that stays put no matter the style, the breathable fabric ensures maximum comfort, leaving you with the freedom to enjoy experimenting with various hijab fabrics. Available in six vibrant colors, these underscarves can effortlessly complement any outfit, giving you peace of mind and eliminating the worry of your hijab shifting—especially on windy days.