One of the primary concepts of Islam is modesty, which is frequently seen in how people dress. The jilbab is one of the clothes that is often spoken about in Islamic circles. But, is it compulsory to wear jilbab in Islam?
What Is a Jilbab?
A jilbab is a loose external garment that Muslim women wear over their regular clothes. Traditionally, it was thought to cover the whole body except for the face and hands. Its goal is to encourage modesty, which is in line with Islamic beliefs on how to dress with dignity and respect.
Read the difference between keffiyeh and shemagh.
Scholarly Evaluations: Is It Compulsory to Wear Jilbab in Islam?
Most scholars from the four main Sunni schools - Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi‘i, and Hanbali - agree that men and women must cover their ‘awrah’ (intimate parts) in public. This usually means covering the whole body except for the face and hands.
Besides, Islam emphasises on covering your entire physicality in a way that it must not captivate the attention of either the same or different gender. Therefore, the principle of modest clothing is the same for both genders. However, clothing type varies.
Some scholars say that the jilbab is required if no other modest clothing is worn. Still, you can use from a vast variety of options, including a big shawl or abayas.
Is Jilbab Strictly Compulsory in Islam?
Different civilisations, tribes, and people have different ways of understanding things. Many scholars emphasise the need to dress modestly. However, they do not often say the exact ‘name’ of that clothing.
So, some communities consider alternative types of covering, such an abaya or something similar, as meeting the criteria for modest wear.
Men can pair their thawb with a Yemeni shemagh.
Considerable Factors Regarding Jilbab Compulsion in Islam
Instead of strict conformity, Islamic teachings stress modesty. The jilbab is a simple and traditional method to do this. However, the basic intention is still the same: concealing the body in a modest, appropriate fashion.
Read: What is the difference between a thobe and dishdasha?
The Bottom Line
So, is it compulsory to wear jilbab in Islam? No.
Islam focuses on respectful, modest clothing for men and women of all ages. Your clothes should always hide your physical appeal. Now, it is up to you whether you fulfill this purpose by donning a big shawl, a butterfly abaya, or a jilbab.
Choose such a type of clothing that satisfies the teachings of Islam while also being culturally appropriate. For this purpose, you can wear regular baggy clothes and a big overcoat to cover your body - options are numerous!
Al-Haq Thobes UK is here to fulfill such demands. Shop the best, authentic modest clothing for men and women of all ages!