Islamic scholars and religious researchers highlighted the most common mistakes made by Muslim women regarding the hijab and burqa during a special educational review in Dhaka on Sunday, Ummah Kantho reports. While an increasing number of contemporary women choose to adopt the outer garments of modesty, theological experts emphasize that the true spiritual objective of the practice is frequently compromised due to certain unintentional errors. Modesty in Islam is not merely restricted to a piece of fabric or an outer cloak but encompasses a comprehensive system of behavior, speech, gaze, and general demeanor. According to Islamic jurists, failing to implement the correct parameters of modesty can inadvertently diminish the spiritual rewards and societal protections intended by divine decree.
The first major error frequently observed is the selection of highly attractive, heavily embroidered, or brightly colored outer garments that defeat the primary purpose of concealment. In the Holy Quran, the Almighty commands believing women not to display their beauty and adornments except that which is apparent thereof under ordinary circumstances (Surah An-Nur, 24:31). Contemporary fashion markets have introduced a wide variety of stone-studded, sparkling, and eye-catching burqas that naturally draw the attention of onlookers in public spaces. Islamic commentators and classical scholars have noted that if a protective garment itself becomes an object of display and public attraction, it completely violates the core philosophical essence of Islamic modesty.
The second critical mistake involves wearing tight-fitting or semi-transparent fabrics that distinctly reveal the physical outline and contours of the body. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, issued a severe warning regarding this practice, stating that there are two classes of the people of Hellfire whom he had not yet seen, including women who are clothed yet remain naked (Sahih Muslim, 2128). Islamic scholars interpret this authentic tradition as a direct reference to individuals who wear tight, thin, or revealing garments that fail to properly cover the physical form from non-mahram individuals. Therefore, a proper Islamic outer garment must be sufficiently loose and opaque to ensure that a woman`s physical structure is entirely hidden from unauthorized gazes.
Thirdly, many women continue to apply strong perfumes or aromatic fragrances when leaving their homes, which is explicitly prohibited within classical Islamic jurisprudence. According to an authentic narration transmitted by Abu Musa al-Ashari, the Prophet Muhammad stated that if a woman perfumes herself and passes by a gathering of people so that they may smell her fragrance, she has committed a serious transgression (Sunan Abi Dawud, 4173). The underlying objective of this divine restriction is to preserve the moral sanctity of public spaces and eliminate any subtle catalysts for unapproved attraction. When stepping outside their domestic environments, Muslim women are instructed to avoid any artificial scents that could draw public attention or spark inappropriate thoughts among non-mahrams.
The fourth prevalent error is the modern styling trend of tying the hair excessively high underneath the hijab, creating a distinct shape resembling a camel`s hump. This aesthetic practice has gained significant traction among young women who use large clips or artificial hairpieces to amplify the volume of their head coverings. In a detailed narration found in Sahih Muslim, the Prophet Muhammad specifically condemned this structural fashion choice, describing such individuals as having heads like the tilted humps of camels and warning that they would not smell the fragrance of Paradise (Sahih Muslim, 2128). Legal experts explain that artificially altering the shape of the head underneath the veil contradicts the foundational concepts of humility and unpretentiousness required in Islamic dress.
The fifth mistake relates to maintaining casual or excessively soft interactions with non-mahrams despite wearing the correct outer attire. Modesty in the Islamic tradition extends far beyond physical garments to govern vocal inflections and behavioral boundaries during necessary interactions. The Holy Quran explicitly guides the wives of the Prophet and by extension all believing women, commanding them not to be soft in speech lest he in whose heart is a disease should be moved with desire (Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:32). Consequently, when communicating with men in professional, educational, or social settings, women are required to maintain a serious, concise, and dignified tone, completely avoiding unnecessary laughter or playful gestures.
What remains unclear is how effectively modern Muslim communities can counter the pervasive influence of Western consumer culture, which consistently attempts to commercialize and dilute the internal moral ethics of traditional modesty. Beyond the physical veil, the Almighty explicitly commands believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts as a primary step toward spiritual purification (Surah An-Nur, 24:31). The same divine passage instructs women not to strike their feet on the ground in a manner that reveals their hidden adornments. This indicates that walking with unnecessary loudness or adopting an attention-grabbing gait undermines the protective barrier of the veil, which should always reflect dignity, quietude, and self-respect in public environments.
The seventh and highly contemporary error is the widespread habit of displaying stylized photos and personal life details on public social media platforms while wearing the hijab. Many individuals who maintain strict physical boundaries in real life frequently upload highly edited portraits, lifestyle videos, and aesthetic clips on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. The Prophet Muhammad emphasized that modesty is an indispensable branch of true faith (Sahih al-Bukhari, 9). Publicly displaying one`s beauty on virtual platforms directly conflicts with the foundational principle of the hijab, which seeks to withdraw a woman`s private adornments from the public gaze. Believing women are thus encouraged to practice the same level of digital modesty as they do in physical society.
Modesty is not merely a cultural tradition or an optional lifestyle choice but a fundamental divine obligation directly linked to a woman`s honor, security, and spiritual elevation. The comprehensive framework of modesty provided by Islam serves as a practical shield designed to foster moral purity, mutual respect, and societal stability. Beyond the mechanical act of wearing the burqa and hijab, Muslim women are encouraged to internalize the deeper ethical values of modesty in their daily thoughts, speech patterns, and digital interactions. By aligning their outer practice with the authentic guidelines found in the Quran and Sunnah, the hijab ceases to be a mere cultural garment and transforms into an elevated act of continuous worship that brings immense blessings in both this world and the hereafter.
