Home
Discover Islam
Quran Recitations
Lectures
Fatwa
Articles
Fiqh
E-Books
Women
Boys & Girls 
Enter Question
View By Subject
Fatwa Of The Week
Selected Fatwa
Fatwa CenterLiving in a non-Muslim society does not exempt Muslim women from observing Hijab
Question
Is observing the obligation of wearing Hijaab so important, to the extent that the woman who neglects it is considered a disbeliever, especially if she lives in a non-Muslim society?
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, the Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.
Hijab is a religious obligation on Muslim women. If the Muslim woman neglects this obligation and does not wear Hijab, she is considered sinful. However, she is not judged a disbeliever merely for not wearing Hijab. The evidence on the obligation of wearing Hijab is the verse that reads (what means): {O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments.} [Quran 33:59]
The fact that the Muslim woman is living in a non-Muslim society does not exempt her from fulfilling this religious obligation. Due to the widespread of immorality and depravity in such societies, she may be abused or harassed. In such a case, Hijab serves as a protection for her and an indicator of her chastity. Therefore, Allaah, the Exalted, says (what means): {That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused.} [Quran 33:59]
It is incumbent on the Muslim woman to observe this religious obligation, endure mockery and ridicule that she might encounter for this causes her to obtain greater rewards and attain high ranks (in the Hereafter). Thus, she will be a good example for other Muslim women in her community and accordingly earn abundant rewards in return. The great rewards for such an act are known to all.
Allaah Knows best.
Search Fatwa
Fatwa Subject
