The Muslimah and her hijab

There is so much debate about hijab. Often we try and justify what we are inclined to do with changing of times. However, looking to the Quran Allah Ta'ala says:

"Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that will make for greater purity for them; and Allah (swt) is well acquainted with all that they do. And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; and they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what must ordinarily appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands..." (Qur'an 24:30-31)

What makes a woman beautiful physically? We already know we are commanded to put a cover on our head and over our bosom, but also our face is a place for beauty. For if someone were to tell you that a woman was beautiful you would imagine that her face was being referenced.

Also, O Prophet, Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their outer garments about themselves (when they go out). That is better so that they may be recognized and not molested. And Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. [Al-Ahzaab, 33:59]

We can see here that we are not to be recognized, we are to hide our awrah, beauty and our physical attributes that distinguish us. We cannot deny evidence for the benefits of niqab (veiling the face) here. At the minimum, we can see evidence for covering the hair..

The Ideal Muslimah

She Regularly Prays Five Times a Day

She offers each of the five daily prayers at its appointed time, and does not let domestic chores or her duties as a wife and mother prevent her from doing so. Prayer is the pillar of the - whoever establishes prayer establishes faith, and whoever neglects prayer destroys the faith.²Prayer is the best and most noble of deeds, as the Prophet `Peace and Blessing be upon him' (PBUH) explained in the hadith narrated by `Abdullah ibn Mas`ud (RAA):

"I asked the Messenger of Allah (PBUH): `What deed is most beloved by Allah?' (SWT) He said, `To offer each prayer as soon as it is due.' I asked him, `Then what?' He said, `Treating one's parents with mercy and respect.' I asked him, `Then what?' He said, `Jihad (fighting) for the sake of Allah (SWT).'"³

Prayer is the link between the servant and his (Rabb). It is the rich source from which a person derives strength, steadfastness, mercy and contentment, and it is a means of cleansing the stain of his or her sins.Abu Hurayrah (RAA) narrated:

"I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) say: `What would you think if there were a river running by the door of any of you, and he bathed in it five times every day, would any trace of dirt be left on him?' The people said: `There would be no trace of dirt on him.' He said: `This is like the five daily prayers, through which Allah (SWT) erases sins.'"⁴(Sharh al-Sunnah 2/175).