Deconstructing the arguments for hijab
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Peace gandalf, and fellow forum members
There is a really good article titled "Women in the light of the holy quran" by G.A. Parwez . I think the article has some interesting information about Hijab (veil). I recommend it.
The article can be read in this link.
https//www.parwez.tv/Abid_Audio_Refrences/Mufhoom_1/by_G_A_parwez/Women%20in%20the%20light%20of%20Holy%20Quran.htm#9
Also, it can be downloaded in this link.
http//resurgentislam.com/wp-content/uploads/Women-In-the-Light-Of-Quran-By-Parwez.pdf
G.A. Parwez was undoubtedly a sincere scholar. I like his works. I don't agree with everything he says in his works. But I think his works are suberb. His knowledge and understanding of the quran was exceptional, in my opinion. He had an open mind and was willing to accept new ideas. He relentlessly searched for the truth and explored and ventured into territory where most scholars didn't dare to tread. It takes courage to do that. I think he made precious and extraordinary contributions to quranic studies. Numerous muslims think his works are among the greatest works about the Quran.
In my humble opinion, his most fascinating and profound works are "Islam A Challenge to Religion", "Book of Destiny", Permanent Values and "The Qur'anic System of Sustenance". I heartily recommend his works.
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salaam TMP and thanks for the article.
I think Parwez touches on an important issue about the seclusion of women. Something thats been bugging me, but surprisingly doesn't seem to get much attention, is the transformation of the word hijab - from its original meaning of a divide or wall, into the de facto word for the woman's head cover. I actually find this deeply sinister - as it implies that woman shouldn't merely be physically covered when going out, but cut off entirely (by an actual barrier or 'hijab' from the outside world. I believe, from my understanding of history, that the popularization of this term - sometime around the 9th-10th century - coincided with a scholarly and legal campaign to keep women out of the public eye on account of "fitna" - a term that scholars in that era used to refer to the sexual allure and temptation men were subjected to when seeing women. Interestingly, 'fitna' in Quranic usage refers to disorder and chaos within society - a breakdown of social cohesion. Thus these scholars trully believed that men seeing women in public threatened the very fabric of society.
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Thanks Wakas.
In reference to the note at the bottom for arab readers
The word "khumur" is used in 2431 and can be the plural of "khimaar" or "khimirr", and can mean any cover made of cloth or headcover
Something has recently occurred to me after reading over Lane's Lexicon on this word
https//www.studyquran.org/LaneLexicon/Volume2/00000445.pdfWhile I find this dictionary pretty hard to decrypt, it seems to me that he is saying that "khumur" (حُمُر) - which we note is the word used in the Quran verse 2431 - can be the plural of خِمِر - which he says is "any covering of a thing...".
Now all the pro-hijabi commentators assure us that "khumur", as used in 2431, is simply the plural of "khimar" - and that may be true. But if I'm interpreting Lane correctly (and I may not be), he is saying that the same word can also be plural of "khimir" - which as I quoted, is a non-specific covering.
Can anyone confirm this? What exactly are all the possible meanings of the plural "khumur"?
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An extract from a tirmidih hadith
So she got some loaves of wheat bread, then she took out a Khimar of hers, and put the bread in it.
https//sunnah.com/tirmidhi3630
You can go two ways with this account
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either she used a woman's head cover to wrap the bread in (conceivable) - in which case you have to concede that it is evidence that the head dresses known as 'khimar' were multi-purpose - in which case it is entirely plausible that it would make sense to women to interpret 2431 as just wrapping the head cover around the bosom - without needing to have it on the head first.
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or she simply used a generic cover called a 'khimar', that could be used for anything - including wrapping up bread.
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I think it's really important to make sure that we're approaching this discussion with an open mind and being respectful of everyone's beliefs and opinions. We must remember that hijab is a personal choice and it's important to respect those who choose to wear it, as well as those who don't. That said, I think it's important to look at the arguments for hijab and deconstruct them in order to get a better understanding of why people choose to wear it
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As I understand, it's not so much about 'obligation', but rather about 'choice'. We should be careful not to impose our own views or interpretations on others and instead allow them to make their own decisions, guided by the Qur'an and hadith.
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As I understand, it's not so much about 'obligation', but rather about 'choice'. We should be careful not to impose our own views or interpretations on others and instead allow them to make their own decisions, guided by the Qur'an and hadith.
The verses of the Qur'an and hadiths used to support hijab are indeed not clear-cut and open to interpretation. This is why it's important to look at the context of each verse and hadith and consider its implications on a wider scale. It's also important to remember that hijab is not just about covering the head but also about modesty, respect and self-respect. In any case, in today's world, every woman has the right to express herself. Abayas uk offers an excellent selection of modest clothing, from classic to trendy, in which every woman can feel confident and beautiful. Ultimately, it's up to each individual to decide how they want to express their faith.
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Peace.
Is the argument about what Qoran- GOD s words- says or does not say about Hijab? Well what does it say?
As for Hadiths, whatever they say, it is not important as they are men s words. If they agree with Qoran, then Qoran said it first. If they contradict it or say a different thing then it has nothing to do with GOD or Qoran. Hadiths have not been sent by GOD and are not GOD s words.Of course women have the choice in what they want to wear.
Whatever Qoran says or Hadith says ,women should still have the choice There is no argument here or is there?God bless.
Peace
