Hijab part 1 - Mens Hijab

“And tell the believing men to lower their gaze and be modest. That is purer for them. Lo! Allah is aware of what they do".
Surah Nur, Ayat 30


The above ayat from the Quran is present in chapter 24. It mentions the Hijab for men.The ayat that is following it does the same but for women.This in itself is an indication that there is infact hijab for men and they shouldn't take their it lightly and practice it.

The term “Hijab-الحجاب” literally means a cover, curtain or screen. It is not a technical term used in Islamic jurisprudence for the dress code of women. Islam has strongly emphasized the concept of decency and modesty in the interaction between members of the opposite sex. Dress code is part of that overall teaching.

There is no distinction made between men and women with regard to keeping themselves safe from corruption and covering themselves in Islam.

Contents of hijab:

1) lowering ones gaze-
No man under the islamic law is allowed to look at any na mahram woman without any reason. It is haraam for him to do so. Looking at mahram women is allowed, as long as the intention is not lustful and strictly with a sensible purpose.
Another aspect of this category is 'riba' 'which means to look but not with the intention of lust nor to really see or view the other person. It is a special state which could be dangerous.That is, the fear exists that the look will cause a person to deviate to a forbidden state. This, then, is also forbidden and there is no difference of opinion on this by the marajaas.

2) dress code-
Men are to cover their private parts when in the presence of non-Mahram women. It is not wajib to cover their entire body. this rule can be found in the islamic laws books or almost all mujtahids. On the basis of either obligatory or recommended precaution the covering of the complete body revealing only hands, head and the face is mentioned by some of the mujtahids please check the laws that are prescribed by your respective mujtahids regarding this matter.
The basic idea is to not reveal any part of the body with the intention of arousing any haraam feelings in another person. And to try and be as covered as possible when there is a potential chance of such feelings rising in anyone else. Beauty is present in the bodies of both and women and hence covering of the body by men is also equally important.

3)Beard-
'It is reported in Bihar Al-Anwar in the chapter concerning the beard (Kitab Al-Mahasin) in which Imam Musa b. Ja’far, Al-Kazim (AS) was asked:
“Is it recommended to wear the beard?”
he said: “Yes”,
then he was asked: “Is it permissible for one to shave one’s beard?”,
Imam (AS) replied: “It is permissible to shave the sides of the face where the beard grows, however, to shave the front (chin) is not permissible”.

Note: There are numerous other narrations concerning the unlawfulness of the shaving of the beard. Whoever wishes to refer to them should refer to: “Wasail Al-Shi’ah” in which matters regarding the unlawfulness of the shaving of the beard will become clearer.' (1)

One must note that Ayatulla Seestani does not permit one to shave his beard on the basis of obligatory precaution.Even if it is just the sides leaving the chin. Please ask your mujtahids for their fatwas regarding this matter.

Imam Ja'far As Sadiq has also said: “From amongst the laws of the Lord of the Universe was that He(Allah) granted the male gender from amongst the humans a beard so that there may be a difference (in appearance) between them”.

That should make the beard issue clear! Just as it is expected women to be feminine, men should embrace manhood and keep their beard rather than appearing like girls!

4) Interaction with na-mahram women-
Interacting with the na-mahram more than necessary is Haraam for both men and women.This is something not very known, and seldom followed. Men aren't to speak to random women without any important purpose such as work, etc conversation is to kept strictly to purpose, be it through any means. Just like the girls /women are looked down upon for speaking to strangers or chatting with them online or assuming that they do!, we must keep in mind that men are no exception. What is wrong is wrong for both. In Islam there are no double standards. Everyone has their limits and one should not ignore them and point fingers at others.

It is crucial that one realizes that Hijab is just as important for men as it is for women. Corruption is spread by both not following the true Islamic way, and Hijab is what sets us apart form any other religion, because it is through the right Hijab that we can keep the muslim society safe from the effects of the world. So lower your gazes, cover up those toned gym bodies and grow beard and be proud to be and represent a true Muslim man.


(1) :http://www.islamic-laws.com/beard.htm

Syeda Fatima, 18
(syeda715@hotmail.com)