In an age where modesty is being redefined, this article explores the subtle ways a commandment can be transformed, and why returning to Allah’s guidance matters.
I’ve tried many times not to write this article.
“There’s no need,” I kept telling myself, as though repeating the lie often enough would somehow make it true.
Moreover, because I understand the difficulties of observing hijab. And it’s journey.
But there’s more to the story.
An important disclaimer before we continue, if I may: I’m not on the Haram police patrol nor am I here to haram-hammer anyone, for that matter. I mean, how could I? I’m your sister in Islam who wants good for you, and for me. Furthermore, I take grave issue with how we – ahem – ‘advise’ one another nowadays; rebranding rudeness as care:
“If you’re going to wear it like that, you might as well not wear it!”
Bone-headed comments like this never helped anyone and the sister in this scenario clearly needs spiritual advice not clothing advice.
This discussion is not about my warrior sisters who know what Allah has asked of them and are sincerely striving to observe hijab as best they can (whatever this may look like) Perhaps this sister is newly practising: she knows the destination but is still wrestling with getting there. Perhaps she’s a new revert whose wardrobe once consisted of tank tops, knee-high boots and mini-skirts, and every extra inch of fabric represents a quiet victory that no one else can see. To every one of those sisters, Allah sees your striving. I’m proud of you, sis. Keep going.
On the other hand, there are some sisters who have given up entirely. These sisters must also be met with love and encouragement, and a reminder that their Rabb wants them to win.
What I wanted to talk to you about today (my inimitable monologue was necessary, I promise) is the current distortion of what hijab is: Fabric being thrown back and over the shoulder as opposed to forward. As a result, the normalisation of neck exposure and the shape of the body becoming visible.
“It’s not that deep!,” I hear you say.
“It’s just a neck for goodness sake!”
Wrong.
Shaytan, our open enemy, who promised to attack us from every angle, hates hijab. No, in fact, he loathes it. He has persistently tried to combat it through various fashion trends. His approach is rarely loud or obvious. Instead, he works through subtle shifts and gradual compromises: one step at a time. A small adjustment there: the turban-style hijab, the figure-hugging Abaya, a few strands of hair intentionally left visible at the front. The danger is not always in the sudden abandonment of something; sometimes it is in slowly redefining it until the original purpose begins to fade.
I mean, take a quick trip online, scroll through enough “modest fashion” websites and you’ll notice the re-programming of modesty, as though such businesses are contractually obligated to reproduce the same aesthetic; exposing the neck.
When purchasing a hijab online, many sisters are not simply buying a garment; they are also being subtly introduced to a particular way of wearing it. Influencers are influencing. The trends, the images appearing on their feeds, and the marketing surrounding them quietly begin to shape their understanding of hijab.
And then we see these same distortions reflected in everyday life: at the Sainsbury’s checkout, at your cousin’s wedding, at work, and almost everywhere in between — when something becomes widespread enough, it begins to feel unquestionable. This normalisation has a powerful influence and Muslim teenagers, absorbing what surrounds them, are naturally beginning to follow the example they see.
Sadly, many Muslims are unaware that, prior to Allah’s command, women of the Quraysh would wear their hijab in the exact same manner: throwing their garments behind their backs and leaving their neck exposed. Allah (swt) revealed the instruction for women to draw their coverings down to ensure the front of the body is covered:
“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their chastity, and not to reveal their adornments except what normally appears. Let them draw their veils over their chests, and not reveal their ˹hidden˺ adornments 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, those ˹bondwomen˺ in their possession, male attendants with no desire, or children who are still unaware of women’s nakedness. Let them not stomp their feet, drawing attention to their hidden adornments. Turn to Allah in repentance all together, O believers, so that you may be successful.”
Qur’an (24:31)
And so the trap of Shaytan begins. He whispers:
“You look like an egg, Hafsa. Drape it loose so we can see your neck and ears: everyone else is doing it. At least you’re covered!”
A year later.
“Hafsa, come here…listen to me…synch that waist in with a belt. You’ve been hitting the gym hard, and it shows! Flaunt it a little. At least you’re still covered,” he said.
Sixth months later.
“The hijab does not define your eman, Hafsa. There are so many non-Hijabis who have a stronger eman than you, what matters is what’s on the inside,” the accursed one whispered in her ear.
Two weeks later.
“It’s best if you just take it off!,” he said.
Shaytan won that round.
This, of course, is not where every sister’s story ends with hijab. Some sisters who are struggling today will, by Allah’s mercy, observe it correctly in the future. The real danger, however, is that we stop striving to correct ourselves at all.
Flirting with secularism has inevitably landed our communities in turmoil. Furthermore, in a world obsessed with both internal and outward exposure, the hijab is a loud roar — a declaration that you belong to Allah and not the world.
When we try to comprehend Allah’s love for us, we understand it surpasses even the deepest love we know. Perhaps one of the greatest misconceptions we can have is viewing Allah’s commands as separate from His love. When we reflect upon His desire for our success, and the unfathomable wisdom that permeates His commands, obedience is no longer seen as a limitation — it becomes a means of drawing closer to the one who loves us more than our mother.
Narrated by Abu Hurayrah:
“When Allah loves a servant, He calls Jibril and says: ‘Indeed, I love so-and-so, so love him.’ Jibril then loves him and announces to the inhabitants of the heavens: ‘Indeed, Allah loves so-and-so, so love him.’ Then the inhabitants of the heavens love him, and acceptance is placed for him on the earth.”
Sahih al-Bukhari (3209, 6040) and Sahih Muslim (2637).
“Indeed, Allah loves those who constantly repent and loves those who purify themselves.”
Qur’an (2:222)
So surround yourself with authentic people who truly care for you and care about your akhirah; those who correct you when you’re slipping.
May we hasten towards what pleases Allah, and remain steadfast upon His commandments. May we never fall into the error of distorting His guidance or polluting the orthodox practice of Islam. For this is dangerous territory, far more dangerous than being a sinner. Ameen.
