The Quran and the Philosophy of Ḥijāb

In this article the philosophy of ḥijāb (Islamic dress code) in light of the Quran is studied. The writer views ḥijāb as a reflection of modesty and chastity, and believes that modesty and chastity is an intrinsic human feature and stronger in women than in men. This innate feature is the basis of several suggestions from the Quran which are set forth in various verses, such as: men should guard their eyes [from lustful things], should cover up their privates, and should not trespass the private territory of families; women should guard their eyes, cover up their privates, avoid showing off, dancing, and speaking coquettishly, and do nor reveal their body and jewelry.The writer believes that ḥijāb is a mutual demand of both men and women and its philosophy is to be understood by studying its four innate requirements: modesty and make up in women, and dignity and lust in men; which if dealt with wisely and correctly, they would make feasible a pure and love-based marriage, a peaceful family life, and increasing friendship and kindness.