Does One Have to Wear a Niqab Living in the West?
Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel
Question
I have read the guidance on wearing a niqab on SeekersGuidance, yet I still have a few questions. I understand that most scholars do not consider the niqab obligatory in the West. I understand it is not obligatory, but is there a benefit to it? I feel guilty for not even considering it. However, I am very aware of the potential danger of wearing it when it may lead to harm. I also fear being alienated from society or being viewed as extreme or a Salafi.
I don’t really understand why more women following the four schools don’t wear it in the West (not in a judgmental way), but I feel as though I lack some understanding here, is it safer to not wear it in the West? Shall I be cautious of my safety more than covering my face? Like everyone, I am striving to be the best Muslim I can be, and I want to get to a place where I don’t miss any sunna practices.
So essentially, I am asking if this is a recommendation for me. If I am being quite honest, I really don’t want to wear one as I fear being alienated or harassed. My family covers properly, but no one wears a niqab, and I worry they will view me as extreme. Am I sinful or blameworthy for feeling this way? Would it be a bad thing if I never wore one? I feel very guilty for not wanting to wear one, but it is not in my heart. The ustadhas I aspire to be like do not wear the niqab. If I try to be like them as much as possible, will I be doing okay?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate
I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.
The most important matter in the overall clothing of women is that women be covered properly, such that they reveal nothing besides their faces and hands. This has to be done with loose clothing that is modest, does not attract attention, and does not imitate the fashions of unbelievers. This is what we must emphasize.
This is advice from God-fearing scholars who know about the West, and it can be safely acted upon. However, anyone who can, in her circumstances, wear a niqab without fear of harm or trouble is undoubtedly doing that which is best.
I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. You will receive guidance and direction in sha Allah.
Related Answers
Niqab Archives – SeekersGuidance
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I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally-trained scholar who has studied in the UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan, and Turkey. He started his early education in the UK. He went on to complete the hifz of the Quran in India, then enrolled in an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied the secular and ‘Aalimiyya sciences. He then traveled to Karachi, Pakistan. He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for several years. He has taught hifz of the Quran, Tajwid, Fiqh, and many other Islamic sciences to children and adults onsite and online extensively in the UK and Ireland. He taught at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK, where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences. He currently resides in the UK with his wife. His interest is a love of books and gardening.
