Does the Quran mention jilbab?

In a Nutshell: Yes, the Quran mentions the jilbab in [Surah Al-Ahzab, Verse 59]. This verse instructs believing women to draw their jilbabs over themselves when going out in order to be recognized and avoid harassment. Introduction The Quran provides guidance on various aspects of life, including dress code. While the term hijab itself isn't used for clothing, the Quran uses the word jilbab in reference to the outer garment worn by Muslim women. Understanding the Quranic verse and scholarly interpretations surrounding the jilbab is crucial for Muslim women to fulfill the requirements of Islamic dress. Evidences from the Quran: The primary Quranic verse regarding the jilbab is: And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their modesty and not to reveal their adornment except that which appears thereof and to draw their veils over their bosoms (jayabibihinna) and not to display their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers, their brothers' sons, their sisters' sons, their womenfolk, or their slaves or the male attendants who lack desire, or children who are still unaware of the private aspects of women. And let them strike their feet with their head coverings to reveal some of their adornment. And repent to Allah, all of you, O believers, that you may have success. [Quran 33:59] Evidences From the Hadith Here are several relevant hadiths concerning the jilbab: The Jilbab as a sign of recognition: Narrated Safiyyah bint Shaibah: 'Aisha (ra) used to say: When [the Verse]: 'They should draw their veils over their bosoms (jayabibihinna)' was revealed, the women of Ansar cut their waists and covered their heads and faces with those cut pieces of cloth. [Sahih al-Bukhari] The Jilbab as protection: Umm Salamah (ra) reported Allah's Messenger (pbuh) as saying, The woman who dies in a state which Allah has forbidden shall not be admitted to Paradise and the woman who dies in a state which Allah has commanded (to observe) shall be admitted to Paradise. [Sunan Abi Dawud] Importance of covering: It was narrated from Asma' bint Marthad that when 'Aisha (ra) reached the age of menses, she refused to cover (her face). Abu Bakr, her father, came in and said, "Daughter, have you not reached the age of menses!" She said, "Yes." He said, "Then cover yourself, may Allah have mercy on you!" [Muwatta' Malik] Further elaboration on the Jilbab: It was narrated from Safiyyah, the daughter of Shaybah, that 'Aisha (ra) used to say: When [the Verse]: They should draw their veils over their bosoms (jayabibihinna), was revealed, the women of Quraysh tore their thick outer garments and made head coverings of them. [Sunan Abi Dawud] Scholarly Opinions on the Jilbab Traditional Islamic scholars from various schools of thought have interpreted the Quranic verse on the jilbab and the relevant hadith: Ibn Abbas (ra): Women should let their jilbabs hang down from their heads so that it will cover their chests. Al-Qurtubi: The jilbab is an outer garment that covers a woman from head to toe. Ibn Jarir al-Tabari: The jilbab covers the body and the khimar (head covering) should also be fastened to it. Ibn Kathir: The jilbab is meant to cover everything except what usually appears (i.e., the face and hands). Jilbab Analysis: Examining the Evidence The Quranic verse [33:59] provides a clear instruction for believing women to wear the jilbab as a means of identification and protection. This directive is supported by the authentic hadiths that describe how the women of the Prophet's (pbuh) time implemented this guidance. The jilbab was understood to be an outer garment that covered a woman's body when in public spaces. Traditional Islamic scholars have generally interpreted the jilbab as a garment that conceals a woman's figure and adornments. While there might be slight variations in the specific details of how extensively the body should be covered, the overarching principle derived from the Quran and Sunnah is that modesty and minimizing unnecessary attention are pivotal in Islamic dress. The purposes of the jilbab can be summarized as follows: Identity:The jilbab functions as a distinctive symbol of a Muslim woman's faith and commitment to Islamic values. This allows for respect and recognition within diverse societies. Modesty and Protection:The jilbab is intended to guard a woman's dignity and prevent unwanted attention in public. It encourages a focus on a woman's intellect and personality rather than her physical appearance. Social order:The emphasis on modesty through the jilbab contributes to a healthy social environment where interactions between men and women are based on respect and decorum. Misconceptions about the Jilbab The jilbab is oppressive: Critics often view the jilbab as a limitation on women's freedom. Yet, many Muslim women see it as a source of liberation in a society that objectifies women. The jilbab shifts the focus from mere physicality to character and intellect. The jilbab hinders work and participation: Critics wrongly assume that the jilbab makes it difficult for women to participate in society or in professions. Countless Muslim women in various fields of work, from medicine to sports to politics, demonstrate that the jilbab is in no way a barrier to achievement and contribution. The jilbab is forced upon women: While there might be isolated cases of cultural pressure, Islam emphasizes a woman's own choice and conviction in her faith. Thus, wearing a jilbab should stem from a sincere belief in its spiritual value. The jilbab is outdated: True modesty is a timeless virtue that is always relevant. The values that the jilbab represents, such as respect and a non-sexualized environment, are principles that resonate in any age or culture. All Muslim women must wear the jilbab the same way: There is flexibility within Islamic scholarship regarding the specifics of how the jilbab should cover a woman's body, as long as the fundamental principles of modesty and protection are upheld. 5 Objections to Wearing the Jilbab It's too hot: Wearing layers of clothing can be a challenge in warmer climates. However, jilbabs can be made from lightweight, breathable fabrics which are suitable for such climates. It's difficult to identify women: Identification can be easily achieved through ID cards, photos, or by partially revealing the face if necessary for security purposes. It promotes isolation: On the contrary, the jilbab, when worn by choice, allows women to participate confidently in society while maintaining their standards of modesty. It's a sign of extremism: The jilbab is simply an expression of a woman's religious values. It shouldn't be conflated with radical and extremist ideologies. It leads to judgment of women who don't wear it: Judgment and condemnation are not principles supported by Islam. A woman's choice regarding her attire is an individual matter and should be respected.