An Investigation into Purposes of Sharia of Hijab through a Critical Approach to the Minimal Hijab Theory

Sharia rules are characterized by their purposes, as verses and narrations have been laid out for religious Hijab and chastity-related purposes. A review of these purposes could greatly contribute to the correct impression of the minimal Hijab theory. This article uses a descriptive-analytical approach to utilize verses, narrations, and Imami scholars’ views to investigate the concept of Hijab in the Quranic culture and lexicology. It seeks to explain the minimal Hijab theory and its reasons to answer the Purposes of Sharia of Hijab and to analyze its quality in consistency with the six purposes laid out by the Sharia within the framework of Hijab. The six cases include protecting the human life from heat and cold, preserving the generation and the family and community context, preventing corruption and fitna, achieving piety and purification of hearts, completing aesthetics of human creation and preventing harassment, and helping women participate in the society. Thus, the reasons raised by the minimal Hijab theory proponents are incomplete and Purposes of Sharia within the framework of Hijab and chastity contradict the minimal Hijab theory.