اسلامی اور مسیحی تعلیمات میں تصورِ حجاب :ایک تجزیاتی مطالعہ : An Analytical Study of Islamic and Christian Teachings of Hijab

Mehnaz Shahzadi; Dr Abdul Aleem; Hafiz Muhammad Sana Ullah Tounsovi

Authors

Mehnaz Shahzadi MPhil Scholar, Department of Islamic Thought and Civilization, University of Management & Technology, Sialkot
Dr Abdul Aleem Associate Professor, Department of Islamic Thought and Civilisation, University of Management & Technology, Sialkot
Hafiz Muhammad Sana Ullah Tounsovi Lecturer, The Standard Girls College, Sialkot

Keywords:

Hijab, Islam, Christianity, modesty, religious identity

Abstract

This research paper offers a comprehensive comparative analysis of the concept of hijab in Islamic and Christian teachings, emphasizing that hijab, in Islamic context, is more than just clothing—it represents a broader religious, moral, and social system connected to personal purity, social balance, and spiritual development. In early Christianity, veil symbolized female chastity, humility, and religious commitment, with women advised to cover their hair, neck, and face and wear modest clothing. This practice reflected spiritual purity and detachment from worldly desires, especially among nuns for whom the veil was a sign of religious devotion. However, as Christianity gained political power, the strictness of veiling declined, and scriptural changes led to ambiguous teachings regarding veil.

In contrast, Islam presents hijab as a divine command and Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, symbolizing chastity, moral dignity, and social protection. Islamic teachings emphasize modesty for both men and women, with clear injunctions for women to cover their adornments and wear modest outer garments. Historical evidence from the Prophet’s time, including narrations from Hazrat Aishaؓ, shows that hijab was actively practiced and regulated. Different cultural forms like the burqa, chador, dupatta, and abaya represent regional interpretations of Islamic principles aimed at promoting spiritual and social purity.

Today, hijab serves not only as a religious duty but also as a symbol of resistance, identity, and Islamic pride. While both Christianity and Islam historically acknowledged veiling, Islam has preserved it as a coherent, divine system integral to female identity, dignity, and wellbeing.