A non-Muslim girl admiring the Islamic Hijab

14/04/2011| IslamWeb

Question:

I am a 18-year-old student and am best friends with a girl of the Muslim faith. She is a penfriend and over the years has told me much about her religion and her customs.Though I am not Muslim, I am very interested in the concept of Hijab, not just as items of clothing but also because I believe in modesty and respect for all women. I know from her that Muslim women should not dress like non-believers but I ask, is it okay for a non-Muslim to dress Islamically, as long as it is out of respect and admiration and seeking modesty? Would this offend Muslims, since I am not Muslim myself? I respectfully ask for your guidance.

 

Fatwa:

 

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

 

Legislating Hijab for women to wear, is one of the merits of Islam. One of the most important objectives of legislating the Hijab is to protect the woman. Also, Hijab is a matter that corresponds with the Fitrah (natural disposition upon which Allah created mankind). Since you are interested and impressed with the concept of Hijab, then this is a good characteristic in you and it is evidence that your Fitrah is sound and that you have a sound mind, which we hope will guide you to the ultimate goodness of embracing Islam. Islam is the true and final religion by which Allah abrogated all previous religions, and Allah does not accept any other religion but Islam.

 

Therefore, we advise you to embrace Islam so that you will become happy in this world and in the Hereafter.

 

As regards your wearing the Hijab, then this is permissible and this neither causes any harm to the Muslims nor hurt their feelings. 

 

Allah Knows best.

Fatwa answered by: The Fatwa Center at Islamweb