HEAD COVERS OR KHIMAR & HIJAB

Assalamualaikum,

Alhamdulillah, I'm free to write tonight. All my boys are asleep. This is the time where I can be alone with my laptop and write. It's been my dream to write, even though I'm a little bit nervous about it, but I'm comfortable with what I'm doing now. My own blog! It was my 2012 new year's resolution...i know it's towards the end of 2012...but I did it. :) Mission accomplished.

Our topic tonight is 'Head Covers' or 'Khimar' & 'Hijab'. 

Khimar refers to your head covers while Hijab is the overall dressing from head to toe. 

Covering your hair is a must for Muslim women (Muslimah). And covering your head doesn't mean that you only cover your hair. This is where many people make mistakes. Please take note that you have to cover your neck and chest as well. And the khimar must be loose. 

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. There are 3  main reasons why.

1. It's because Allah told us 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..." (Qur'an 33:59)
2. 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.
3. 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.

When to start wearing a proper hijab? The following is a Tradition of the Prophet: "Ayesha (R) reported that Asmaa the daughter of Abu Bakr (R) came to the Messenger of Allah (S) while wearing thin clothing. He approached her and said: 'O Asmaa! 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 Dawood)

Refer to the photos below. 

 Correct khimar

Correct khimar

Correct khimar

This is the right one. A very simple khimar, with 'not bright' colors which is advisable because it does not attract attention to oneself. Fashionable still! Sweet! And the most important thing, it follows the guidelines. Believe me, hijab does not make anyone less attractive - that is one most haunting thoughts in women's mind. True or not? 

And below are the examples of WRONG khimar style which are consider up-to-date to certain people. MasyaAllah, we have the responsibilities to correct them if they are wrong. If you have friends or relatives that are still confuse about the meaning of a proper khimar, please share these information. Do not keep it to yourself.

Wrong!

First mistake. Of course this one looks so nice. The color, the ruffles and the beads. Do not get carried away. This is not called khimar at all. It never covers the chest properly. This is wrong. You're paying for a sin! My fellow Muslimah, some things are very nice and yet they are not meant for us as Muslim. This is a must go item from your closet if you have it or you can pass it on to your daughter if they have a very small frame and not so very tall yet, and as long as it fully covers her chest, it's hers to keep till then.

Wrong!

The second mistake. The scarf covers just the hair. The neck and chest are fully exposed. This is not considered as khimar at all. Again, the fashion is totally not meant for us Muslim. 

The third mistake is the hair bun. It is not to be worn so up high and can be seen so big like a camel's  hump. It is strictly prohibited even if you wear it with a long hijab. Your hair must be tied as low as possible.

Wrong!

Wrong!

 The fourth mistake. The khimar is being tighten around the neck area. The guideline says that the khimar must be loose. By tightening it around your neck makes it wrong. So please be aware. 

So dear friends, please ensure that we and our love ones wear the correct hijab once we step out from our house. Till we meet again. Good night. Take care and Assalamualaikum.