A young woman stares into her mirror; to the left lies her niqab, to the right a simple makeup kit, and her hijab. She’s been veiling for a while, using basic color correctors and foundation just for touch-ups; however, lately, something has been nagging at her: “I want to be like the female companions.” And so, her contemplation ends with picking up the niqab and putting it on, staring at herself in the mirror.

Her reward when she steps outside?

Stares

glares

Her family asks her questions every time she sees them

She sees other women her age having fun with their makeup, and wants to join in, but holds back.

The pressures placed on those who choose to cover their face are immense. Many think she’s being extreme, she’s going against her family’s culture, and against many of the temptations women her age gleefully participate in.

Does this sound like fun to you?

Does this sound like something someone does for no reason?

Of course not.

Yet, the niqab is a divider in our community, while the majority see the delicate veil for what it is: something someone undertakes to be closer to the ones Allah loves. Others, however, take a different view, that it’s something reserved only for the pious, that the protections and barakah within should be withheld until one is ‘good enough.’

This is a viewpoint that will hurt you:

All four madhabs view wearing the niqab as at least a mustahab action, something recommended. Hanbali shaykhs take it a step further and rule it wajib, aka a requirement to fulfill the requirements in the following ayah:

“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their chastity, and not to reveal their adornments1 except what normally appears Let them draw their veils over their chests, and not reveal their ˹hidden˺ adornments” -24:31

This is not the view I hold, however, with the emphasis placed on it, do you think Allah likes it when we discourage a sister from considering it?

Absolutely not!
The Qur’an tells us to enjoin good and forbid evil many times.

“It is the believers who repent, who are devoted to worship, who praise their Lord, who fast, who bow down and prostrate themselves, who encourage good and forbid evil, and who observe the limits set by Allah. And give good news to the believers.” -9:112

By discouraging virtuous actions, we are displaying a characteristic of the kufar of the Quraysh. You do not need to like that a particular sister chose the face veil for herself, but as a layman, does your opinion matter?

No

People of the past studied for years before they earned the right to takfir someone; they openly embraced those who came to them. Yet, you think you know better?

Well, she’s committing so many sins.

Allah is As-Sittir, The Concealer.
He covers your sins out of His Mercy. Think about the worst habits you have, how do they affect you and the people around you?

Would anyone stick around you if they knew what you did?

Chances are… no. They won’t, the image Allah paints of you is often better than the one other people see. The reason I mention this is, you don’t know what Allah is concealing of her; she might do countless good deeds, she’s out of sight of you, she might sit in istighfar for hours, you have no way to know.

I want you to take a moment and consider the definition of arrogance:

‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “He who has, in his heart, an ant’s weight of arrogance will not enter Jannah.” Someone said: “A man likes to wear beautiful clothes and shoes?” Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Allah is Beautiful, He loves beauty. Arrogance means ridiculing and rejecting the Truth and despising people.”

We as Muslims need to reflect on how you are viewing the sisters around you: do your thoughts fit the definition? If so, redemption can happen but only if you acknowledge the problem and actively steer yourself against it. Think positively about the women that choose hijab.

To the Aspiring Niqabi

Returning to the intro, I picked the female companions as the character’s reason because they were what inspired me to prefer the niqab. I heard the stories of the Prophet’s ﷺ wives, their intelligence, fortitude, and perseverance in the face of conflict, and I wanted to be like them.

Aisha was a pillar in the community because of her veil, not despite it; it enabled her to teach and give fatwas safely. So, my dear reader, you should feel proud that this is the path you’re considering! People may question you, or make inappropriate comments about you and your intentions, but how long do you think this moment will feel on the Day of Judgement?

Nothing but a few moments.

I know it may suck now, but Allah will also compensate you for your frustration; there isn’t a prick of the thorn that will befall you that doesn’t result in some sins being expiated.

You, my dear sister, do not have to be perfect; you just have to try and treat the niqab with the same respect you give the hijab.