Why Is A Jilbab Worn By Muslim Women

The number one reason for Muslim women wearing Jilbabs known as Abayas in the Arab world is that it is a commandment of Allah (God), as can be seen by the following verse from the Quran:

"O Prophet (May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him)! Tell thy wives and thy daughters and the women of the believers to draw over them their cloaks (veils). That in the least so that they be recognised and not be molested." (Surah Ahzaab, Verse 59).

Islam is a way of life for the Muslim man or woman, they are meant to follow the commandment of Allah, all Muslims believe the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was an example to mankind and that they should follow the path shown by him by his every action, this is everything from how to sleep, how to eat, what to wear, how to get married and everything else that a person needs to know to live a pious and practicing life as a Muslim, with a few exceptions that were only for the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) due to his strength and character as a Prophet of Allah (God).

There are different groups within Islam, the main two being Sunni and Shia, with many sub-groups within the two main groups, they all interpret Islam according to their understanding of the Quran and Sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), which is known as Sunnah in Islam. This has led to some Muslims appearing more Islamic or in the eyes of some as extreme. The strongest view or opinion by Muslim scholars for women's dress, is for the whole body to be covered with loose clothing and the face covered with a Niqab and even the eyes need to be covered with a veil. The softest opinion by the Muslim scholars is for a Muslim woman to wear a loose Jilbab or clothing with a headscarf.

The way a Muslim woman is identified is by her wearing the Jilbab and headscarf, whilst other Muslim women may choose not to wear Islamic clothing but are practicing Islam as they deem practical or suitable to themselves, which according to Islam is very sinful. This can be seen by the following saying of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):

"Many women are clothed but naked in reality. Such women will never enter paradise nor will they smell its fragrance."

Wearing a Jilbab or Abaya isn't easy for a Muslim woman, especially in the West due to the pressure they are put under in public places, as most Muslim or non-Muslim person will look twice at someone covered so much, some women even suffer verbal abuse. It is also very hard for women whose families are not as pious or practicing to give up western clothing, as they are usually ridiculed or are forced not to wear such clothing that some Muslims class as backwards.

By: Muhsin Khan

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You can view or purchase Abayas or a Jilbab at Jilbabs.co.uk. Why not try some Oud perfume and smell wonderful whilst wearing a Jilbab or Abaya.