Islamic spirituality necessitates social patterns, art of dress, and many other ways of life to create the balance of qualities in the genders.
Modesty is an inward quality, but the command is to manifest that modesty outwardly. Islamic sociology invokes the idea of a different private and public sphere in society. Women can relax and be unguarded in the private sphere. But the public sphere with all the different factors in it requires a more guarded entry. Hijāb does not restrict freedom to bring feminine potential to fruition. It allows society to become more productive by reducing and eliminating distraction and sexual tension between the genders.
There is hijāb for men in a different form. Men and women have been created differently, with separate roles to play on earth, thus requiring different responsibilities. Both are expected to fulfill their roles while in the world. The soul has no gender. God’s rules apply to both genders, but in diverse ways. For example, men are also required to cover parts of their body out of modesty, but not in the same way as women. Similarly, men are prohibited from wearing silk clothing and gold ornaments whereas women have no such restrictions. God has ordained different commands for men and women while encouraging both to be modest.
In Islam, the responsibility falls on each gender to protect their own modesty and to control their own desires. Whether a woman dresses modestly or not, a Muslim man is still required to observe modesty through casting down his gaze and using respectful speech and appropriate behaviour. While many people may think that hijāb is worn primarily to restrain men’s illicit desires, this is a misconception. It is not the woman’s duty to regulate the behaviour of men.
Western society has long seen the hijab with a derogatory lens. Along with the secularism and individualism that is an integral part of Western society, this has led some to proclaim that hijab is outdated and unnecessary. Such discussions about the obligation of hijab, or the lack of it, have left many people confused. Believing women need to be aware of the truth and discern the false premise behind such statements.
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