Hijab laws are neither archaic nor backward attitude, but they are commands from the Almighty God to Muslim women. I was outraged yesterday when I read an article calling Hijab an outdated matter.
Hijab is to the Muslim woman what oxygen is to the brain. Without wearing Hijab, she is not strong and her status is not complete. Like praying five times a day or fasting during Ramadan, the Muslim woman is obligated to wear the hijab dress stipulated in the Holy Qur’an.
God commands her to strive for modesty and cover her body, except what is permissible. And several verses from the Holy Qur’an are out there for the matter of wearing hijab. For Muslim women, wearing a hijab is not a trivial issue but an obligation from God.
The following verses from Sura al-Ahzab are dedicated to the significance of wearing the Hijab. “Those who harass believing men and believing women undeservedly, bear (on themselves) a calumny and a grievous sin. O Prophet! Enjoin your wives, your daughters, and the wives of true believers that they should cast their outer garments over their persons (when abroad). That is most convenient, that they may be distinguished and not be harassed. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Holy Qur’an 33:58-59).”
Assuming that wearing a hijab diminishes a woman’s status and her involvement in society is an archaic belief. Allah knows what is best for the Muslim woman and, on that basis, orders her to attire properly and conduct her daily routines after that. Islam does not discourage her from education or work but urges her to seek knowledge, and equip herself with proper skills that benefit her.
Hence, the hijab is not an archaic rule, but it is a gift from God presented to Muslim women. And anyone that calls the hijab an archaic matter is an ignorant person, unable to comprehend the reason behind it.