Hijab is one of the most recognizable and talked-about aspects of Islam — both within and outside the Muslim community. For many, it’s a deeply meaningful act of devotion. For others, it raises questions about modesty, gender, and cultural expression. So what exactly is hijab, and is it something all Muslim women are required to wear?
What Does “Hijab” Actually Mean?
In Arabic, hijab literally means a “barrier” or “cover.” In the Quran and broader Islamic tradition, it has both a literal and metaphorical meaning. While, today, it’s commonly used to refer to a woman’s headscarf, the concept of hijab actually goes beyond clothing.
Hijab, in its broader sense, includes modesty in behavior, speech, and appearance — for both men and women.1 The physical head covering that many Muslim women wear is more precisely called a khimar, while a longer outer garment is sometimes called a jilbab. The niqab (face covering) is distinct and not universally practiced or required.
Is Hijab Required in Islam?
Most scholars agree that Muslim women are required to observe a standard of modest dress that includes covering the hair, based on interpretations of Quranic verses such as:
Surah An-Nur (24:31): “And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their chastity, and not to reveal their adornments except what normally appears…and to draw their khimar over their bosoms…”
Surah Al-Ahzab (33:59): “O Prophet! Ask your wives, daughters, and believing women to draw their cloaks over their bodies. In this way it is more likely that they will be recognized [as virtuous] and not be harassed.”
These verses, paired with Hadith and early Islamic practice, form the basis of the mainstream opinion that hijab is a religious obligation. That said, scholars emphasize that fulfilling religious duties should come from the heart — not from pressure or compulsion.
When Hijab Is Not Required
It’s important to understand that while hijab is commonly associated with public or mixed-gender settings, it’s not required in all situations. Islamic rulings on hijab are based on context and who is present.
In the Privacy of One’s Home
A woman is not obligated to wear hijab when she is in the privacy of her own home and there are no non-mahram men (i.e., men she could potentially marry) present. Being at ease in one’s private space is not only permitted, but expected.
Around Mahram Men
A woman may uncover in front of her mahram relatives — those she is permanently forbidden to marry due to blood or legal relationships.2 These include:
- Father
- Brothers
- Sons
- Uncles (maternal and paternal)
- Grandfathers
- Nephews
- Father-in-law
- Stepson (if the marriage was consummated)
- Husband (of course)
The relevant Quranic reference is in Surah An-Nur (24:31), where Allah specifies the individuals in front of whom a woman is not required to observe hijab.
“…and not expose their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their fathers-in-law, their sons, their stepsons, their brothers, their brothers’ sons or sisters’ sons, their fellow women…or children who are still unaware of women’s nakedness.”
(Quran 24:31)
This provides space for comfort and ease within the family structure without compromising modesty in broader society.
Among Women
Scholars generally agree that hijab is not required among other women, although some scholars advise modesty in all settings as a general principle.3
In Cases of Necessity or Danger
Islamic tradition makes space for compassion and pragmatism, especially in situations involving harm or hardship. While hijab is generally considered obligatory by most scholars, some have emphasized that safety and context must also be taken into account.
In a 2016 fatwa, scholar Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl argued that a woman may remove the hijab if wearing it places her at risk or becomes a barrier to effectively representing Islam. He wrote:
“In my view, it is an error for a Muslim woman to continue wearing the headscarf, or the hijab if doing so brings such a person undue attention, or puts her at risk of harm of any sort, or even stands as an obstacle to her ability to testify on behalf of God and to educate non-Muslims as to the truth of the Islamic message.”4
This view draws on the Islamic legal principle of darurah (necessity), where exceptions can be made to protect life, dignity, and the ability to practice or share one’s faith. While not a majority opinion, it underscores the ethical flexibility present within the broader Islamic legal framework.
💡 Learn more about fatwas here!
Common Misconceptions About Hijab
“Hijab is just cultural.”
While hijab is practiced differently across cultures, its basis in Islamic texts gives it religious significance. Cultural expression can shape how hijab looks, but it doesn’t define its meaning. Dr. Tesneem Alkiek, writing for Yaqeen Institute, notes that, “…culture continues to play a role in how—not if—the hijab is worn.”5
“Hijab is forced on women.”
Islam explicitly rejects compulsion in faith: “There is no compulsion in religion” (Quran 2:256). Forcing someone to wear hijab goes against its intended purpose — which is an act of worship done with sincerity and agency.6
“Hijab is oppressive.”
Many Muslim women experience hijab as a source of empowerment, not oppression.7 It allows them to assert their faith, reclaim control over their appearance, and center their value on character rather than looks. That said, Muslim women — like all people — should be free to make that choice without coercion or judgment.
Do All Muslim Women Wear the Hijab?
Not all Muslim women wear the hijab — and those who don’t are still Muslims. Everyone’s spiritual journey is unique, and practicing modesty takes many forms. Some may wear hijab occasionally, others may struggle with it, and others may adopt it later in life. In her extensive article about the hijab, Roohi Tahir writes:
“…for many Muslim women and young girls who must navigate the daily challenges of wearing it, hijab has become associated with struggle and doubt in terms of identity, spirituality, self-esteem, and body image. This struggle is only further complicated for those entering the fold of Islam with yet another dynamic—that of their own personal journey to the faith and acclimating to a new way of life, many times without the necessary support structure of family and community…It is important to acknowledge those who have felt humiliation when confronted by ignorance, hatred, and bigotry. All too often, these women are dismissed, stereotyped, blamed, and even misjudged as oppressed, or lacking sincerity, faith, and the fortitude to rise above it all.”8
If you are struggling with wearing the hijab, remember that Islam encourages personal growth, sincerity, and seeking God’s guidance without harsh judgment from others. Every action of the believer, especially facing challenges for the sake of Allah (SWT), is a means of growing stronger in our connection with the Creator – and no hardship goes unrewarded by Him.
For more on the topic of struggling to wear hijab, here is a helpful talk by Mufti Menk:
- Hijab: Taking It Step By Step
Speaker: Mufti Ismail ibn Musa Menk
Growth is a process, not a race – everyone’s path is different, and small steps forward still count!
Hijab in Daily Life
Wearing hijab can be a powerful expression of identity and devotion, but it’s not always easy. Muslim women often navigate questions, assumptions, and even discrimination in schools, workplaces, and public spaces. Yet many find hijab to be a constant reminder of their values, a source of inner strength, and a visible connection to their faith.
Supportive environments, where women are respected for their choices and given room to practice Islam openly, make a huge difference. So do communities that foster understanding rather than judgment.
Final Thoughts
Hijab is both a religious practice and a personal journey. For many Muslim women, it is a sign of devotion, dignity, and empowerment. While it’s widely considered a religious obligation, Islam also acknowledges the real-life challenges people face – offering compassion, nuance, and flexibility.
At its heart, hijab — like any act of worship — is rooted in ikhlas (sincerity) and the intention to draw closer to God.
💬 Comments
Have a different perspective or a follow-up question?
Share your thoughts below — respectful discussion is always welcome!
References
- Ibrahim Amini, “Women and Hijab,” in An Introduction To The Rights And Duties Of Women In Islam, translated by Abuzar Ahmadi, 2011, accessed through Al-Islam.org, https://al-islam.org/introduction-rights-and-duties-women-islam-ibrahim-amini/women-and-hijab. ↩︎
- Muhammad al-Munajjid, “Who Is a Woman’s Mahram?,” IslamQA.info, Fatwa #5538, 1999, https://islamqa.info/en/answers/5538/who-is-a-womans-mahram. ↩︎
- Amjad Rasheed, “Women Covering in Front of Other Women,” IslamQA.org, https://islamqa.org/shafii/qibla-shafii/33634/women-covering-in-front-of-other-women/. ↩︎
- Abou El Fadl, “FATWA: On Hijab (The Hair-covering of Women) UPDATED,” SearchforBeauty.org, 2016, https://www.searchforbeauty.org/2016/01/02/fatwa-on-hijab-the-hair-covering-of-women/. ↩︎
- Tesneem Alkiek, “Is Hijab Religious or Cultural? How Islamic Rulings Are Formed,” Yaqeen Institute, 2021 (updated 2025), https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/is-hijab-religious-or-cultural-how-islamic-rulings-are-formed. ↩︎
- Youssra Abdrabou, “Voices of Faith: ‘My hijab liberates me, not oppresses me’,” Record-Courier, 2023, https://www.record-courier.com/story/lifestyle/faith/2023/02/03/voices-of-faith-islam-does-not-force-hijab/69860354007/. ↩︎
- Youssef Saudie, “Muslim women on breaking down misconceptions and why wearing a hijab is empowering,” Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 2021, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-02-06/world-hijab-day-why-wearing-a-hijab-matters-to-these-women/13121042. ↩︎
- Roohi Tahir, “Hijab: Spotlighting Servitude to God,” Yaqeen Institute, 2021 (updated 2025), https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/hijab-spotlighting-servitude-to-god. ↩︎