How Can I Explain to a Non-Muslim Why Muslim Women Cover Their Hair?

Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad

Question

Why do women cover their hair? How do you explain it to a non-Muslim?

Answer

Thank you for your question. Ma sha’ Allah, may Allah reward you for being concerned about conveying the correct information about your religion. May Allah always guide you to what is right.

Hijab

Your question has been eloquently answered many times before, and I would be remiss if I didn’t ask you to read them fully:
Denying the Obligation of Wearing a Hijab
What Are the Requirements of a Hijab?
Can You Clarify the Standard Explanation of the Verse of Hijab? [Shafi’i]

Explanation

After seeing the lengthy explanations above from primary texts, I feel that you should convey the message to non-Muslims with simplicity and honesty. The benefits of hijab are many, the ruling of hijab is timeless, and it is a part of our religion and obedience to Allah and His Messenger. The fruits of hijab are too many to count, and one may wear it any way that one likes, as long as the minimum is covered. There is no reason to fear it, and it is truly an honor to have hijab as a Muslim women’s identity.

May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.
[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied aqidah, fiqh, tajweed, tafsir, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin and completed her Master’s in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She later moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.